Wollongong Locals Guide
Your daily guide to weather, surf, tides & more for the Illawarra coast
Weather
15°
broken clouds
Feels like 14°C
Humidity
43%
Wind
34 km/h S
Cloud
56%
Visibility
10 km
Pressure
1028 hPa
Rain
0%
Wed
15°
9°
Clouds
Thu
16°
11°
Clear
Fri
20°
18°
Clouds
Sat
24°
16°
Clear
Sun
26°
19°
Clear
Surf Conditions
Today's Top Picks
based on 34 km/h wind
SE swell, W wind
sheltered spot
E swell, W wind
Thirroul
Bellambi
Towradgi
North Wollongong
Wollongong City
Port Kembla
Windang
Bulli
Woonona
Corrimal
Fairy Meadow
Tides
Moderate tides2:42 pm
1.33 m
8:54 pm
0.21 m
3:07 am
1.33 m
9:19 am
0.21 m
Today's Tide Curve — Port Kembla
Tides are approximate estimates based on lunar calculations. Check official tide charts for navigation.
Fishing Forecast
NSW Fishing License Required
A recreational fishing fee is required for anyone aged 18+ fishing in NSW waters.
Get your license at service.nsw.gov.auFines of up to $220 for fishing without a licence
Rock Fishing Safety — It's the Law
NSW law requires a life jacket (PFD Type 1, 2, or 3) when fishing from declared rock platforms. The Illawarra coast includes several declared areas.
- • Always wear a life jacket on rock platforms
- • Never turn your back on the ocean
- • Fish with a mate — never alone
- • Check conditions before heading out
- • Wear non-slip shoes and carry a means of calling for help
Penalties apply — up to $275 fine for not wearing a lifejacket on declared rock platforms
Good conditions for fishing today. Wind is 34 km/h from the S — consider sheltered spots. Next high tide at 2:42 pm. Flathead, Whiting, Bream, Tailor are in season. Best spots: Lake Illawarra and Windang.
Best Windows
Starts in 7h 39m
Plan your arvo session — best bite at 8:54 pm
What's Biting Now
Flathead
Min. catch: 36cmSoft plastics, live bait
Grows to 90cm / 7kg
Year-round on sandy flats
Best fish & chips in Australia — beer batter
Ambush predator — buries in sand, strikes from below
Best tide: Outgoing 2:42 pm – 8:54 pm
Flatties ambushing the shallows — soft plastics, slow retrieve 🐊
Whiting
Min. catch: 27cmWorms, yabbies, pipis
Grows to 45cm / 1kg
Peak: Spring & Summer
Sweet delicate flesh — lightly pan-fried perfection
Found in schools on sandy flats at knee depth
Best tide: Incoming 8:54 pm – 3:07 am
Plenty of time to prep your tackle
Bream
Min. catch: 25cmPrawns, worms
Grows to 55cm / 4kg
Year-round, best in Winter
Excellent whole on the BBQ with herbs
One of Australia's smartest fish — very line shy
Best tide: Incoming 8:54 pm – 3:07 am
Plenty of time to prep your tackle
Tailor
Min. catch: 30cmMetal slugs, pilchards
Grows to 120cm / 14kg
Peak: Autumn & Spring
Must eat fresh — best fried same day
Named for razor-sharp teeth that cut fishing line
Best tide: Incoming 8:54 pm – 3:07 am
Plenty of time to prep your tackle
Popular Fishing Spots
Port Kembla Breakwall
Rock/Breakwall
Wollongong Harbour
HarbourBulli Beach
BeachBellambi Point
Rock PlatformThirroul Rock Platform
Rock PlatformWindang Channel
Channel/EstuaryLake Illawarra Entrance
EstuarySpearfishing Guide
Safety & Regulations
Eastern Blue Groper is TOTALLY PROTECTED — never spear
NSW Fishing License required (same as line fishing). Spearfishing is prohibited in closed areas.
Closed Areas (Illawarra)
- • Lake Illawarra and its entrance
- • All inland/freshwater waters
- • Most estuaries and coastal lagoons
- • Bass Point Aquatic Reserve (check boundaries)
Key Rules
- • Same bag and size limits as line fishing
- • Stay 50m+ from swimmers, snorkellers, divers
- • Keep spear tip covered on land
- • Never carry loaded speargun through crowded areas
- • Use a dive flag and float
- • Always dive with a buddy
Today's Conditions
Strong onshore wind — murky, not ideal for spearing
Conditions are marginal — consider sheltered spots like Wollongong Lighthouse
What to Target Now
Snapper
Min: 30cmMethod: Reef ambush with flasher
Best in: Warming water, improving vis
Yellowtail Kingfish
Min: 65cmMethod: Ambush, flasher rigs
Best in: Return of warm water
Flathead
Min: 36cmMethod: Sandy bottom near reef edges
Best in: Clear water, sandy patches
Spearfishing Spots
Wollongong Lighthouse
Beginner-IntermediateBream, Luderick, Drummer, Trevally
Close to shore, easy access. Visibility can be poor. Good for beginners.
Endeavour Drive, Wollongong NSW 2500
Open in Google MapsHill 60 / Red Point
IntermediateKingfish, Bonito, Salmon, Snapper
Popular spot, reef structure, can be murky after rain. Easy parking.
Hill 60 Drive, Port Kembla NSW 2505
Open in Google MapsPort Kembla Outer Reef
IntermediateBonito, Kingfish, Salmon
Reef edges along breakwall. Summer best for pelagics.
Port Kembla NSW 2505
Open in Google MapsBass Point Reserve
Intermediate-AdvancedKingfish, Snapper, Morwong, Drummer
Best spearfishing in the region. 'The Arch' at 14m depth. 25 min south of Wollongong.
Bass Point Tourist Road, Shellharbour NSW 2529
Open in Google MapsBellambi Bombie
AdvancedKingfish, Bonito, Luderick
Offshore reef requires 200m+ swim. Best in calm conditions.
Bellambi Lane, Bellambi NSW 2518
Open in Google MapsFive Islands
AdvancedKingfish, Tuna, Snapper, Morwong
Premier offshore spot. Boat or kayak needed. Strong currents possible.
Offshore from Port Kembla
Open in Google MapsEssential Gear
Wetsuit by Season
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