How far is Thirroul from Sydney?

Thirroul is about an hour from the Sydney CBD by car and about 76 minutes by train from Central. It is about 15 km south of Stanwell Park along the coast road.

Is there an ocean pool at Thirroul?

Yes. A 50-metre ocean pool beside the surf club.

Where did D.H. Lawrence stay in Thirroul?

D.H. Lawrence rented a bungalow called Wyewurk in Thirroul in 1922 and wrote most of his novel Kangaroo there. The house is privately owned, so view it from the street.

Can you visit Thirroul without a car?

Yes. Thirroul station is a short walk from the main street and the beach, and the coast path links it to Austinmer and Bulli.

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Thirroul

The village with a main street.

Along the coast: ~15 km south of Stanwell Park
Train: Thirroul station, ~76 min from Central
Best for: Dinner, drinks and a walkable base

Why visit Thirroul?

Thirroul is the biggest of the nine and the one that feels most like a town: a proper high street, a cinema, pubs, good restaurants, and a long beach with a 50-metre pool at the end.

D.H. Lawrence rented a bungalow here in 1922 and wrote most of his novel Kangaroo in it. The town in the book is barely disguised. The house is still there, privately owned, so look from the street.

Base yourself here if you want to walk to dinner. Anita’s Theatre, a 1920s picture palace, runs gigs and films. North of the beach, the coast walk heads up to Austinmer around the rock platforms.

Things to do in Thirroul

Thirroul pool

A 50-metre ocean pool beside the surf club, good for real laps.
Dinner in town

The best spread of restaurants on this stretch. Book on long weekends.
Anita’s Theatre

A restored 1920s theatre. Check the program before you come down.
Sandon Point

A famous surf break at the south end of town. Good for watching even if you do not surf.

Where to swim in Thirroul

Thirroul Beach is long and patrolled in season, with a 50-metre ocean pool at the surf club. Sandon Point, at the south end, is a surf break rather than a swimming spot.

Ocean pool: A 50-metre ocean pool beside the surf club.

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 Thirroul

The widest choice of rentals and guesthouses on the stretch, most within walking distance of the station, the beach and the main street.

How do you get to Thirroul from Sydney?

Trains on the South Coast Line from Sydney's Central station stop at Thirroul. The trip takes about 76 minutes, depending on the service. Weekend trains run less often, so check the timetable for your return.

By car, Thirroul 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 →

Thirroul at a glance

Key facts about Thirroul
Detail	Thirroul
Distance from Stanwell Park	~15 km
Train station	Yes
Train from Central	~76 min
Ocean pool	Yes
Surf club	Thirroul Surf Life Saving Club
Best for	Dinner, drinks and a walkable base
Neighbours	Austinmer (north), Bulli (south)

Thirroul FAQs

How far is Thirroul from Sydney?: Thirroul is about an hour from the Sydney CBD by car and about 76 minutes by train from Central. It is about 15 km south of Stanwell Park along the coast road.
Is there an ocean pool at Thirroul?: Yes. A 50-metre ocean pool beside the surf club.
Where did D.H. Lawrence stay in Thirroul?: D.H. Lawrence rented a bungalow called Wyewurk in Thirroul in 1922 and wrote most of his novel Kangaroo there. The house is privately owned, so view it from the street.
Can you visit Thirroul without a car?: Yes. Thirroul station is a short walk from the main street and the beach, and the coast path links it to Austinmer and Bulli.