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    Best Sheltered Beaches & Swimming Spots in Wollongong & Illawarra on Windy Days

    Best Sheltered Beaches & Swimming Spots in Wollongong & Illawarra on Windy Days

    Looking for the best sheltered places to swim in Wollongong and the Illawarra when it’s windy? We’ve got you covered. No one likes being blasted with sand, kids and adults alike! Here at Parents Guide Illawarra (the local authority on best things to do with kids!), we’ve pulled together the top sheltered beaches and swim spots for when the southerly wind blows.

    Whether you’re a local or visiting family looking for protected swim zones, calmer water or our Illawarra beaches for kids – these are our favourite picks! Your may also like our best Illawarra beaches for kids guide. Plus our What to do in Wollongong when it’s windy & rainy…

    ** Local Tip: On southerly wind days, look for beaches tucked to the north of headlands — they’ll be your best bet for shelter.**

    Fisherman’s Beach (Fisho’s), Middle Beach at Port Kembla

    Fisho’s – the Middle Beach at Port Kembla – tucked away from southerly winds

    Hidden beneath the headland and cliffs between Port Kembla and MM Beach, Middle Beach is one of the Illawarra’s best-kept secrets when it comes to wind protection.

    • Well sheltered from southerlies
    • Shallow entry, calm water
    • Free Road Parking available at the top of the access track (a short walk down)
    • No toilets nearby – BYO snacks and be prepared for the uphill walk back! Closest cafe is 500M

    Best for: Calm family swims when it’s too gusty elsewhere.

    Bellambi Beach – North of Boat Ramp

    Bellambi Beach is great for kids & sheltered from southerly winds

    To the left of the Bellambi boat ramp, you’ll find a protected beach pocket that’s great on a windy day. Even better? There’s a natural rock platform the kids can explore and it’s a short walk to key facilities.

    • Shallow, usually calm water protected by reef and boat ramp
    • Rock platform and tidepools for exploring
    • Just 200 metres from Olive’s Cafe – great coffee and kid-friendly bites
    • Toilets and amenities close, plus Bellambi ocean pool (will be windy here though!)
    • Free parking close by

    Best for: Young kids who love to explore, and parents who love a post-swim coffee.

    Sandon Point, Bulli (by the Boat Sheds)

    Sandon Beach, on the the historic boat sheds side (leading into South of Macaulay’s dog beach), is another great option on a breezy day. The beach curves slightly and offers sheltered zones with awesome rock pools at low tide.

    • Headland provides some shelter from southerly wind
    • Wide beach with shallow edges
    • Great rock pools and marine life spotting
    • Surf Club nearby with toilets (3-5min walk)
    • Nearby parking (Sandon Point car Park) 3 mins walk

    Best for: Those who happy to sit on rocks over sand & rock pool explorers

    Wollongong Harbour Beaches (Belmore Basin & Brighton Beach)

    If you’re close to the city, Wollongong Harbour offers some of the most sheltered and family-friendly swimming spots in the Illawarra. The beaches tucked into the southern side of the harbour, near Levendi’s & also the Donut Cafe, are protected from the wind by surrounding hills and the breakwall.

    • Calm water inside the harbour basin
    • Great for toddlers and beginner swimmers
    • Coffee and snacks from Levendi Cafe right on the waterfront
    • Walk the delightful Blue Mile, is scooter, toddler & pram friendly
    • Public toilets and nearby parking (2 -4 hours free only)
    • Great kids playground in the harbour too!

    Best for: A city-side beach day with a sheltered, easy access to calm water swim, coffee, cafe’s, parks and look at the lush water!

    North Side of Bulli Beach

    Tucked just north of the main Bulli Beach surf zone, this area benefits from the northern curve of the headland, making it a natural windbreak on gusty days.

    • Family-friendly beach stretch
    • Easy access to The Point Cafe at Bulli Beach for meals and drinks
    • Public toilets and showers close by
    • Ample car parking (not on public holidays or super-hot weekends!)

    Best for: Families looking to make a beach day of it — food, sand, swimming and shelter.

    Bonus Tips for Windy Beach Days:

    • Pack windbreakers or a pop-up tent for extra shelter
    • Choose spots with cafes and toilets nearby for easy family access
    • Always check surf conditions on Beachsafe before you go
    • Watch for slippery rocks around tidepools

    More Illawarra Family Beach Guides:

    Happy exploring – and stay breezy out there!

    Parents Guide Illawarra – More what’s on for kids & family

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    Check out these articles below for more ideas on things to do and places to see in Wollongong or the Illawarra (and surrounds):