The Illawarra boasts a rich and interesting history.
Long before Europeans arrived in the area, the Dharawal people called this beautiful part of the world home.
Since then, our region has experienced highs, lows and everything in between, shaping it into the place we know and love today.
Check out our list below to get a feel of all things historical in The Illawarra.
1 :: The Imperial, Clifton
This gorgeous pub began life in the 1900’s as a watering hole for the local mining community. It was a mainstay for locals and visitors until it shut up shop in the early 2000’s. Thankfully it was reopened again in 2021 and now houses a stunning restaurant, cafe and event space. A visit is worthwhile for any history lover as the whole venue plays homage to its long history at every turn, almost like having a meal in a museum.
2 :: Helensburgh and District Historical Society
The society is focused on the history of Helensburgh as well as its surrounding villages. They share lots of interesting info and pics on their socials and occasionally hold events where locals and visitors can come and look through the catalogue of images they have and provide any of their own if they wish.
3 :: Clifton School of Arts
The school was built over 110 years ago. Originally it was a school for young workers in the area, now the school hosts lots of different events and exhibitions. Keep an eye on their website to see what is happening so you can plan your visit.
4 :: Wollongong Heritage Trail
Wollongong City Council has put together a heritage trail listing 23 historical locations that can be explored on foot through the city centre. You can download the map from their website and it comes with info and photos about each of the locations so you can be your own tour guide.
5 :: The Scarborough Hotel
Illawarra’s oldest licensed premises, this hotel dates all the way back to 1886. No major renovations or rebuilds have ever happened here so it still maintains loads of its original features. The perfect spot for breathtaking views with a touch of history and a good drop or two.
6 :: Sandon Point
Long considered a sacred place for the local Aboriginal people, in 1998 a skull was found on the beach and identified as 6,000 years old and that of an Aboriginal man of significant cultural status. After a long campaign to protect the site, in 2007 the site was declared an Aboriginal Place by the NSW Government. It is a beautiful area to explore and acknowledge the deep connection Aboriginal people have to this land.
7 :: Illawarra Historical Society
Champions of all things history in the Illawarra, the society is a real wealth of knowledge for anyone wanting to know the history of our region. They also run the Illawarra Museum which is home to tons of objects from Wollongong from the 1900’s onwards. The society loves getting new members, it’s easy and cheap to join plus, there are great perks for signing up.
8 :: The Blue Mile Pathway
Believe it or not, one of Illawarra’s most beloved and picturesque walks is actually a piece of history. Much of the path was originally used to take coal from the mines to the harbour and is now a popular and stunning walking route. Next time you’re strolling along check out the signage that provides more information on the history of the area.
9 :: The Australian Motorlife Museum
This place is a treasure trove of vehicles and vintage cars as well as motoring memorabilia, motorbikes, bicycles and other bits of historical technology. You can also find the Wayne Gardner Collection here with trophies and motorcycles belonging to “The Wollongong Whiz” motorcycle legend himself.
10 :: Mount Kembla Mining Memorial & Pathway
This Pathway commemorates the death of the boys and men who lost their lives in the 1902 Mount Kembla Mining Disaster. The walk runs along the historical coal transport route. There are interesting installations and a memorial you can explore to learn about the disaster and the devastating effect it had on the community.
11 :: HARS Aviation Museum
Located at Shellharbour airport, this museum gives visitors a chance to check out lots of old and new aircraft. The guides are keen to share their knowledge of aviation history with you and there are some super cool old planes to check out. Whilst you’re there don’t forget to peep a gander at the famous QANTAS Boeing 747-438 aircraft donated by John Travolta himself – it seems it wasn’t the one that he wanted. Tish boom.
12 :: Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Corporation
This is an Aboriginal corporation dedicated to promoting pride in Aboriginal heritage and culture in the Illawarra. They run community art and bush regeneration programs. We recommend grabbing a copy of one of their amazing Dreaming Stories, like The Story of Five Islands, from their website.
13 :: Illawarra Light Railway Museum Society
Why not jump on board a piece of history at this museum? You can ride a steam train on the second Sunday of every month or a diesel train on the fourth Saturday. The museum provides loads of info about the history of rail in the Illawarra and is a great day out for the whole fam.
14 :: Port Kembla Harbour
Operating since 1883 there are so many pieces of history strung along the harbour for visitors to explore. Walk along the breakwater to see the old tram tracks that were used to get from the jetty to the colliery [you may even spot a sleeping seal on the rocks if you go at the right time]. Stroll around Port Kembla Heritage Park to see the famous stark white pyramids and learn about the port’s coastal defence history at the Breakwater Battery Museum [EDITOR’S NOTE :: the Breakwater Battery Museum is currently closed].
15 :: Kiama & District Historical Society
These guys are all about collecting and preserving historical items from the Kiama area. You can learn about Kiama and its history at their Pilot’s Cottage Museum which is open on weekends. They encourage new members and volunteers.
16 :: The Gala Cinema
This cinema has been operating since 1948 and was originally known as ‘The Odeon’. A second screen was opened in 1995 and is the Illawarra’s only independent and locally-owned cinema. They screen lots of local, foreign and independent films and have a tasty snack bar to boot.
17 :: Black Head Reserve
If you’re looking to go way way back then here is your best bet. At the reserve, you can spot fossils that are estimated to be over 250 million years old [amazing!]. It’s important to be respectful when visiting as these are some pretty important fossils, so obviously, no breaking or trying to take them home with you.
18 :: Gerringong Historical Museum
Run by the Gerringong District and Historical Society, this museum is located inside the old School of Arts and has some really fab old pictures of Gerringong and its locals. They also hold interesting events and exhibitions throughout the year so keep an eye on their socials for what’s coming up.
Hopefully, this list has got you in the mood for some historical hunting!
For more details about these locations as well as all the other amazing spots around town, head to our directory of Things To Do.
