Fast facts
- Small coastal town with a glorious surf beach
- Set dramatically against the steep, forested escarpment cliffs
- 57 km south of Sydney, population 1,335
Why go there
The first coastal town south of the Royal National Park, Stanwell Park is a blue-water jewel with a fabulous beach and an inspiring location. The town is ideally placed for an easy day trip from Sydney.
The hills that rise sharply from the coast and the strong air currents make this a prime spot for hang gliding. Local adventure tour operators can even take you along for the ride of a lifetime with a tandem flight or simply sit back and relax on a scenic flight across the region.
With the completion of Grand Pacific Drive, the sensational coastal touring route, Stanwell Park is a great place to stop and catch your breath.
History
Originally inhabited by the Wodi Wodi people, Stanwell Park began with the development of the railway line between Sydney and the Illawarra region that was created in the late 1880s to haul coal from small mining towns. The town was once the home of Lawrence Hargrave, a pioneering aviator and the inventor of the box kite. Many of his experiments took place on Bald Hill, where he is remembered with a monument.
Things to do
- Stop at Bald Hill Lookout, for an inspiring panorama across the gorgeous beach at Stanwell Park.
- Tour Symbio Wildlife Gardens, a bushland zoo with more than 1,000 animals in a "cage free" environment. It offers close encounters with wild creatures from around the globe.
- Walk across Sea Cliff Bridge, a scenic highlight on the Grand Pacific Drive.
Events
- Festival of Flight in November, the town’s carnival, a feisty celebration with an aeronautical theme.
Don’t miss
- The inspiring panorama from Bald Hill Lookout
- Soar like a bird with a tandem hang gliding experience
- Weekend lunch in the sunny courtyard at The Palms Cafe
