We have 17 beautiful patrolled beaches from Stanwell Park in the north to Windang in the south.
North Wollongong Beach is patrolled all year. The rest of our beaches are patrolled from the start of the September school holidays until the end of the April school holidays.
Lifeguards or volunteer lifesavers are on duty when red and yellow flags are displayed. No flags = no swim.
Visit our Beach Safety page before you hit the sand.
Our patrolled beaches and current patrol hours are listed below in order from north to south.
There are rules that apply at all of our beaches. Fines of more than $100 can be issued to people who do not follow these rules:
- No surfboards between the red and yellow flags (body boards are allowed)
- No littering
- No horses
- No vehicles
- No alcohol
- No dogs except in approved dog areas.
Beachwatch regularly monitors water quality at local beaches and updates pollution forecasts daily.
Check the forecast for your favourite beach on the Beachwatch website.
We have beach-friendly wheelchairs available at Stanwell Park, Thirroul and Port Kembla beaches. These wheelchairs can be used during patrol hours.
People using beach wheelchairs must be accompanied by a carer.
To use our beach wheelchairs, see the lifeguards or lifesavers on duty, or phone ahead to check availability:
- Stanwell Park (02) 4294 2973
- Thirroul (02) 4267 3843
- Port Kembla (02) 4274 1232
We've also rolled out beach matting at Thirroul and Port Kembla beaches to help people with disability, limited mobility or prams enjoy the beach. You can read more in our media release.
Camping is not allowed in most of our parks, gardens, and foreshore areas.
Check for signs which will explain any activities that are not permitted. Council Rangers patrol these areas, and can issue fines to people who camp illegally in public spaces.