20th November, 2025
The weather’s warming up, and plenty of people will be heading out to get photos in the gorgeous Illawarra. We all know the iconic spots—the lighthouse on Flagstaff Hill, the sweeping view from Bald Hill, and the grandeur of the Sea Cliff Bridge. They’re beautiful, but in the handful of years I’ve lived in Wollongong, I’ve noticed some really interesting places just a small walk past the obvious.
In the next few months, if you’re out taking pictures or having your picture taken, I encourage you to give one of these five spots a chance.
Wollongong Harbour Beach
Everyone shoots the lighthouses. The real photos are on the other side.
The shallow beach section near the Blue Mile walk has a rough, unkempt look that offers great texture. The water is often calm, and the backdrop changes depending on where you stand. At all times of the day, the light on the more secluded part of the beach is beautiful. You can play with the stack of canoes that are always there; doing something with the graffitied rock shelf could be interesting, and there are many different angles to choose from. A cozy beach day session would provide very sweet, casual, and warm pictures for a group of friends on a Sunday afternoon. It’s a simple spot with a lot of options.
Port Kembla: Where Coast Meets Coal
I’ve long been fascinated by Port Kembla. The town itself is a study of contrasts. You have a clean coastline right next to the industrial backdrop of the steelworks. It’s quiet and peaceful in a small coastal town sense, but it’s grungy and cool in another way. This combination of natural beauty and industrial grit creates a powerful visual story. Visually, Port Kembla is one of the most interesting and underrated parts of the Illawarra.
3. The Wollongong Botanic Gardens – but not the rose garden.
Many people get married and do family photos at the gardens, but I’d love to see all sections of the garden included in photos. The Cacti Garden is a goldmine of detail and texture. The shapes and lines of the plants are clean and interesting. In the rainforest section, the light is always soft, and it’s a great option if you’re not up for a full-on hike. The variety here shows you don’t need a huge trip to find a unique setting; you can find fantastic photographic subjects right on your doorstep if you know where to look.
The Rivers and Creeks of the Escarpment
While the lookouts and waterfalls are spectacular, the walk there itself is arguably more interesting. If you’re out on a bushwalk, pay attention to the smaller creeks and streams that run off the escarpment. These aren’t the grand waterfalls you see on postcards. They are quiet and unique, personal and interesting. In spring, these spots come alive with fresh growth and are excellent for finding a different kind of photo. The early morning might be a fun time for shooting there.
The Illawarra Rhododendron Gardens
This place is a quiet treasure. I’ve found that a lot of locals don’t even know it exists, but the Rhododendron Gardens are a must-see. Located in Mount Pleasant, it’s a different kind of garden. It’s less manicured and more of a natural, slightly unkempt space. The winding paths lead you through a dense collection of plants, making it a peaceful and immersive spot. If you’re looking for a spot that feels off the beaten path and full of historical character, this is it.
I hope that this post gave you some good ideas for any upcoming photo sessions. There are many more interesting spots around, and these are just a few easy ones to try out. Have fun!
