Lake Illawarra

Lake Illawarra is a true icon of the Illawarra region, and it’s surrounded by many of our lovely suburbs. The Lake is approximately 9.5 kilometres long and 5.5 kilometres wide, with an area of 33 square kilometres and a maximum depth of 3.7 metres. She ain’t no pond that’s for sure.

There are 13 boat ramps around the lake, so plenty of spots to get your tinnie on the water. The lake is a popular spot for fishing, prawning [lake prawns are a Xmas fave], and loads of different water sports, like windsurfing and paddle boarding.

For a cracker experience, arrange to hire a boat or book a Stand-Up Paddle day on the lake whilst watching the sunrise, it’s proper magic.

Walk or cycle the Lake Illawarra Art Trail and explore the local history, Aboriginal heritage, flora and fauna. Reddall Reserve on the foreshore of Lake Illawarra is a popular spot for picnics with the Ninja children’s playground, picnic shelters, gas barbecues, toilet facilities and kiosk.

Some other popular spots to visit along the lake include:

• The Illawarra Yacht Club – for food and drinks with a view.
• Holborn Park– a skate park right on the edge of the lake.
• Kanahooka Lakeside Reserve- a fun playground for the kiddos.
• Wilson Memorial Park- just near Albion Park Rail.
• Oak Flats Skiway Park- with a gorge walk along the promenade.
• Windang Foreshore Park- views of both the lake and the ocean.

The lake is also very popular for bird lovers. Lake Illawarra is a home, a nesting site and a food source for many birds, there are some excellent spots to get your twitch on all around.
There are ongoing plans for the care and management of Lake Illawarra with lots of new and exciting developments happening. Keep an eye on both the Shellharbour and Wollongong City Council websites for updates.

Click here for more info.

Check out here for more exciting activities and spots in the Illawarra!