The main reasons behind its growth? The first is the addition of major amenities in and around the newly developed marina precinct at The Waterfront, Shell Cove. This has added significant public space, a new 270-berth marina and a town centre with specialty shops, as well as new homes, apartments and land<\/a> by the water. The second is its recently enhanced culinary credentials, thanks to The Waterfront<\/a> Dining Precinct<\/a>.<\/p>\n Treat your tastebuds at The Waterfront, Shell Cove Dining Precinct.<\/p><\/div>\n While these have put the destination on the radar for a new generation of holidaymakers, sea changers and remote workers, the incredible abundance of natural attractions remains a key drawcard. With national parks filled with hidden waterfalls, pristine beaches perfect for swimming and world-renowned surf breaks, Shellharbour is ready for its moment in the sun.<\/p>\n Located halfway between Wollongong<\/a> and Kiama<\/a>, Shellharbour is an easy 90-minute drive south of Sydney and a three-hour drive from Canberra. Many commuters take the South Coast train line between Shellharbour Junction and Sydney\u2019s Central Station; the trip takes around two hours.<\/p>\n Drive or catch the train to get seaside at Shellharbour.<\/p><\/div>\n Accommodation in Shellharbour consists of smaller holiday rentals, motels, and bed and breakfasts. The NRMA Shellharbour Beachside Holiday Park<\/a> offers caravan and camping sites and cabins, all within footsteps of Shellharbour South Beach. Surfrider Caravan Park<\/a> has similar options and is tucked into the northern corner of Blacks Beach.<\/p>\n A new Crowne Plaza Hotel <\/a>is set to open at The Waterfront, Shell Cove in 2025. The harbourfront property will be the major luxury hotel in the area, with views up to Wollongong and down to Bass Point. Those who fall in love with Shellharbour might just become one of many who are purchasing new homes there.<\/p>\n In the meantime, luxury lovers can stay at nearby The Sebel Harbourside Kiama<\/a>, which has 80 rooms and apartments right on the harbour.<\/p>\n Set up your homebase at NRMA Shellharbour Beachside Holiday Park.<\/p><\/div>\n The Waterfront, Shell Cove Dining Precinct has elevated the Shellharbour culinary scene. Visitors can grab fish and chips at The Salty Squid<\/a>, settle in for breakfast at Georgia Rose<\/a> or grab a sushi dinner at the Waterview Japanese Restaurant<\/a>. One of the biggest additions is the Waterfront Tavern<\/a>; overlooking the marina, this popular venue serves seafood platters, casual meals, cocktails and beers (and has a sports bar, so you\u2019ll never have to miss a game).<\/p>\n In the village, most cafes cluster on Addison Street. Pick up your coffee from Bean Roasted<\/a>, enjoy lunch at Badu<\/a>, book in for dinner at Relish on Addison<\/a>, and grab a drink in the beer garden at Ocean View Hotel<\/a>.<\/p>\n Grab breakfast at the colourful Georgia Rose. (Image: Shellharbour City Council)<\/p><\/div>\n During the cooler months, from May to November, there are extensive opportunities to see whales on their annual migration north. Perch with a pair of binoculars and watch from shore, or head out from the Shellharbour Marina<\/a> on a whale-watching tour<\/a>.<\/p>\n In summer, the beach is the place to be. Spots like Warilla and Shellharbour North and South Beaches are perfect for swimming, while families with small kids enjoy the ocean pool near the village.<\/p>\n Learn to surf on some of Australia’s most beautiful waves. (Image: DNSW)<\/p><\/div>\n In Shellharbour, surfers are blessed with one of Australia\u2019s most iconic \u2013 and arguably most beautiful \u2013 breaks: National Surfing Reserve, The Farm at Killalea Beach<\/a>. Beginners can try the sport at one of the local surf schools.<\/p>\n Shellharbour is also a fantastic diving destination, and visitors can discover an incredible variety of dive sites off the coast around the heritage-listed Bass Point Reserve. One of the best underwater spots to explore is Bushrangers Bay; the three-hectare aquatic reserve is filled with soft corals and includes a secluded inner bay perfect for snorkellers, while divers will enjoy the deeper outer bay that\u2019s home to grey nurse sharks.<\/p>\n Snorkel the underwater world of Bushrangers Bay. (Image: DNSW)<\/p><\/div>\n Stretch your legs along the two-and-a-half-kilometre accessible boardwalk, starting at The Waterfront, Shell Cove and arching around the Shellharbour Marina, or chase waterfalls through the bush trails at Macquarie Pass National Park<\/a>, finishing with a wild swim under Cascades Falls. In town, follow the Shellharbour Village Heritage Trail <\/a>to learn about the village\u2019s humble roots.<\/p>\n Hike through Macquarie Pass National Park. (Image: Kramer Photography)<\/p><\/div>\n The self-guided Indigenous cultural walk at Bass Point<\/a> is a must-do. Considered a significant archaeological site, Bass Point was an important camping ground used by the land\u2019s traditional custodians for thousands of years; download the Tread Shellharbour app to follow the virtual tour. Visitors can also learn more about Dharawal country on a canoeing tour of the Minnamurra River with Gumaraa Aboriginal Experience<\/a>.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t miss a visit to HARS Aviation Museum<\/a> at Shellharbour Airport. Guided tours, led by volunteer enthusiasts, give you the opportunity to sit in the cockpit of an F-111C fighter jet or take a wing walk on a Boeing 747.<\/p>\n If you like to unwind with a round of golf, try the 18-hole courses at The Links Shell Cove<\/a> or Calderwood Golf<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/WaterfrontShellharbour.jpg\")
Getting to Shellharbour<\/h2>\n
![\"Waterfront](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/waterfrontbody.jpg\")
Where to stay in Shellharbour<\/h2>\n
![\"NRMA](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/NRMAShellharbourBeachsideHolidayParkCabins.jpg\")
Where to eat in Shellharbour<\/h2>\n
![\"Georgia](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/GeorgiaRoseCREDITshellharbourcouncil.jpg\")
Things to do in the ocean<\/h2>\n
![\"Learn](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/LearnToSurfShellCoveCREDITdnsw.jpg\")
![\"Bushrangers](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/BushrangersBay.jpg\")
Things to do on land<\/h2>\n
![\"Macquarie](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/MacquariePassCREDITKramerPhotography.jpg\")
![\"HARS](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/HARSMuseumCREDITShellharbourCouncil.jpg\")