New South Wales location profile

Austinmer NSW 2515

Austinmer is a leafy, beachside village on the northern Illawarra coast, set between the ocean and the escarpment. It is prized for its family-friendly vibe, ocean pools, and relaxed cafe culture, with an easy rail commute to Sydney and Wollongong.

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Why families consider Austinmer

Affluent coastal suburb with a mix of families, professionals and long-term locals; lifestyle revolves around the beach, bushwalks and cafes. Housing is largely freestanding homes and renovated cottages on quiet, hilly streets; strong surf and community culture.

Amenities & services

Local cafes and boutiques on Lawrence Hargrave Drive
Headlands Austinmer Beach (bar and bistro)
Austinmer Beach Kiosk
Thirroul village shopping (Coles, specialty stores)
Woolworths Bulli
Wollongong Central shopping centre
Bulli Hospital and Aged Care Centre
Wollongong Hospital and medical specialists
Thirroul Library and Community Centre, Thirroul
Corrimal District Library, Corrimal
Wollongong City Library, Wollongong CBD

Transport & connectivity

Austinmer railway station (South Coast Line to Sydney and Wollongong)
Premier Illawarra bus services linking to Thirroul, Bulli, Helensburgh and Wollongong
Lawrence Hargrave Drive
Princes Highway via Bulli Pass
M1 Princes Motorway

Lifestyle & recreation

Austinmer Beach and ocean rock pools
Austinmer Surf Life Saving Club
Sublime Point walking track and lookouts
Headlands Hotel (dining and functions)
Nearby Thirroul Swim Leisure Centre and sports fields
Austinmer Beach Reserve
Little Austinmer Beach
Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area
Sublime Point Lookout

Education context

Limited local preschool and long day care options; places are in high demand with waitlists. Additional centres available nearby in Thirroul, Bulli and Woonona.

University of Wollongong (Keiraville main campus)
UOW Innovation Campus (North Wollongong)