---
title: "Austinmer: things to do, swim, stay · Norilla Coast"
description: "Austinmer, northern Illawarra: The postcard. Get there early. Austinmer, or Austi, is the beach most Sydney people already know. It has two ocean pools, a grassy park behind the sand and a café strip a block back. On a summer weekend it is packed by ten."
url: https://norillacoast.com/villages/austinmer/
updated: 2026-11-09
publisher: Norilla Coast
---
# Austinmer

The postcard. Get there early.

**Along the coast**
~13 km south of Stanwell Park

**Train**
Austinmer station, ~73 min from Central

**Best for**
The classic beach day

## Why visit Austinmer?

Austinmer, or Austi, is the beach most Sydney people already know. It has two ocean pools, a grassy park behind the sand and a café strip a block back. On a summer weekend it is packed by ten.

It is popular for good reasons. The beach is sheltered, the pools are beautiful, and the escarpment rises straight up behind the village. Come early, swim, eat, and leave the afternoon to the crowds.

If you have the legs, the track to Sublime Point climbs from the edge of town to a lookout at the top of the escarpment. It is steep, with ladders near the top, and the view takes in the whole coast you have just driven.

## Things to do in Austinmer

1. ### Austi pools

    Two ocean pools at the north end beside the boat harbour.

2. ### Sublime Point

    A short, steep climb to one of the best lookouts on the escarpment. Go up in the morning shade.

3. ### Breakfast

    The cafés a block back from the beach fill up fast. Order to go and sit on the grass.

## Where to swim in Austinmer

Austinmer Beach is sheltered and patrolled in season, with two ocean pools at the northern end. It is the busiest beach on the stretch, so arrive early.

**Ocean pool:** Two ocean pools beside the boat harbour at the north end.

Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches. Ocean pools close on a roster for cleaning, so check Wollongong City Council before you plan a swim around one.

## Where to stay in Austinmer

Holiday rentals and a few guesthouses, close to the station and the beach. Book early for summer and long weekends.

## How do you get to Austinmer from Sydney?

Trains on the South Coast Line from Sydney's Central station stop at Austinmer. The trip takes about 73 minutes, depending on the service. Weekend trains run less often, so check the timetable for your return.

By car, Austinmer is about an hour from the Sydney CBD. Take the M1 Princes Motorway, or drive through the Royal National Park and down Lawrence Hargrave Drive for the scenic route.

[Compare train, scenic drive and motorway →](https://norillacoast.com/getting-here/)

## Austinmer at a glance

| Detail | Austinmer |
| --- | --- |
| Distance from Stanwell Park | ~13 km |
| Train station | Yes |
| Train from Central | ~73 min |
| Ocean pool | Yes |
| Surf club | Austinmer Surf Life Saving Club |
| Best for | The classic beach day |
| Neighbours | Coledale (north), Thirroul (south) |

## Austinmer FAQs

### How far is Austinmer from Sydney?

Austinmer is about an hour from the Sydney CBD by car and about 73 minutes by train from Central. It is about 13 km south of Stanwell Park along the coast road.

### Is there an ocean pool at Austinmer?

Yes. Two ocean pools beside the boat harbour at the north end.

### How do you get to Sublime Point from Austinmer?

A steep walking track climbs from the edge of Austinmer to Sublime Point lookout, with ladders near the top. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours return. You can also drive to the lookout from the Princes Highway.

### Where do you park at Austinmer Beach?

There is parking behind the beach, but it fills early on sunny weekends. Austinmer station is a short walk from the sand, so the train is often easier.