A birds eyed view of Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach. Photograph courtesy of Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach. It doesn’t matter which route you take from Sydney to Thirroul, you’re bound to experience the natural beauty surrounding this coastal town before you even arrive. Turn off the M1 at the Helensburgh exit, and you’ll find the Seacliff Bridge, a landmark of the area. The winding track floats above the sea, making you feel as though you could be in a scene from Mario Kart. Continue to the Bulli exit, where you’ll zigzag down the escarpment, catching fleeting glimpses of the sparkling ocean through the thick bush.
Just an hour and 15 minutes drive from the CBD, Thirroul still retains much of what makes Sydney great. You can find Marrickville’s Grifter beer poured from a number of taps, Manly’s Butter Boy cookies are stocked at Bread, Espresso &, and locals sport outfits that wouldn’t look out of place in Newtown. However, Thirroul and its neighbouring suburbs — Austinmer, Coledale, Wombarra and Scarborough — move at a different pace, and the area’s best features reflect this slower lifestyle. From The Wombarra Bowlo that likely hasn’t had a fresh lick of paint since the ‘80s to the untouched ocean pools dotted along the coastline — and even the newer venues blend seamlessly into the town’s old-school charm.
Below is a guide on where to eat, drink, stay, and what to do in Thirroul and its neighbouring suburbs — some within walking distance, others just a short drive away.
Eat Here:
Moore Street General, Austinmer
Two things are certain for infrequent visitors at Moore Street General, a cafe and general store tucked down a residential street in Austinmer: you’ll likely never receive the same coffee mug twice or the exact same menu. The crockery is a delightful mix of finds that could have been plucked straight from your grandma’s cupboards, along with ceramics crafted by local makers. As for the menu, it changes depending what ingredients are in season, with house specials featuring ingredients pickled in-house.
The menu changes with the seasons, featuring dishes made from locally sourced ingredients and vegetables pickled in-house. An open kitchen occupies much of the interior space, filling the air with buttery aromas that promise delicious offerings, whether it’s the avocado toast topped with signature fermented chilli or a warming bowl of porridge.
Secure yourself a spot on a mismatched camping chair scattered around sunlit tables, often filled with locals and their friendly dogs lounging at their feet.
38 Moore St, Austinmer NSW 2515
Open from 7am, 7 days
Phone: 0466 248 559
moorestreetgeneral.com.au
Rosie’s Fish and Chips, Coledale
It’s not often you walk away from eating fried fish and potato without feeling completely ill, but that’s not the case at Rosie’s. This fish and chip shop quietly opened last year, though it feels like it could have been there for decades.
Behind it is a husband and wife duo, who also own Banh Xeo Bar in Rosebery. They claim to sell “proper” fish and chips, cooking locally caught fish fresh to order and producing everything — from potato scallops to the hand cut beef-fat dripping chips — in-house. Rosie’s is located in a charming old-school building at the top of Lawrence Hargrave Dr, a short stroll from the Coledale rock pool (a perfect destination to unwrap your dinner and watch the sunset). One of Sydney’s best chefs, Alex Prichard of Iceberg Dining Room and Bar’s even recommended it as one of his favourite eateries — and the beef-fat dripping chips certainly make a fine case for why it’s secured a spot on his list.
757 Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Coledale
Open Wednesday to Sunday from 12pm
rosiesfishandchips.com.au
Ciro’s Pizza, Thirroul
A large “Grifter” sign hangs out the front of the facade at Ciro’s Pizza, a whitewashed pizzeria that opened in Thirroul last year. Not only does it serve the same beer as Sydney’s Inner West, but it also offers a similarly laid-back vibe — and its sourdough bases rival those of Inner West favourites like Bella Brutta and Westwood, all while embracing its local producers.
In addition to pizzas, which can be enjoyed on-site or taken away, guests will find a rotating selection of pasta specials — think Rigatoni alla Vodka and asparagus and pea risotto, along with a must-save-room-for tiramisu for dessert. Can’t get a seat? Pop across the road to the Franks Wild Years, a record bar which permits you to eat its puffy crusts there.
1 Raymond Rd, Thirroul
Open from 5pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Phone: 0491 711 705
cirospizzathirroul.com
Stay Here:
Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach, Austinmer
The coastline from Thirroul to Scarborough is primarily home to thoughtfully renovated residences and local landmarks, with one notable exception: the Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach. True to its name, the hotel is perched on the headlands in Austinmer, offering breathtaking views that stretch from Port Kembla up to Stanwell Park.
This accommodation features more than 50 serviced apartments, including penthouses and studios. The sea-view rooms boast large wrap-around balconies, providing uninterrupted vistas, and a soundscape of crashing waves to fall asleep and wake up to. Conveniently situated between Little Austinmer Beach and Sharky Beach, as well as having its own private pool, there are no shortage of swim spots.
And the views aren’t just reserved for the accommodations, there’s an expansive Brasserie and Bar onsite that visitors and staying guests are welcome to dine at seven days a week. Expect laid-back pub favourites — plus $12 cocktails and $9 pints on Fridays — paired with A+ service and a priceless outlook. With everything at your fingertips, it’s hard to want to leave, but some of Austinmer’s and Coledale’s best eateries are just a short stroll away.
Headland Ave & Yuruga St, Austinmer
Phone: 02) 4200 1099
headlandshotel.com.au
Coledale Beach Camping Reserve, Coledale
Pitching a tent at Coledale’s camping reserve is as close to the ocean as you can get without getting wet. Nestled between the sand and the towering escarpment, the campsite offers a cosy, sheltered feel—perfect for a night in nature.
Guests can choose between a full off-grid experience or a powered site. Though the reserve is well-equipped with all you need to still be of comfort, featuring clean toilets, laundry facilities, a communal kitchen, and outdoor barbecues.
677 Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Coledale
Phone: (02) 4267 4302
coledalebeach.com.au
Drink Here:
Franks Wild Years, Thirroul
Step inside Frank’s Wild Years, and you’ll discover something new at every turn. This record bar is brimming with nostalgic trinkets, each seemingly having its own place within the shop. A lava lamp glows behind the bar, next to a boxy black-and-white TV that definitely shouldn’t still work in this age, while an impressive collection of cassettes is stacked on the back wall beside an even larger selection of records.
This local hotspot hosts various musicians when it’s not showcasing its hard-to-find vinyls. The cocktail menu is robust, starring various margarita options, from Mescal to Jalapeno, as well as beers and wines — and there’s a back deck where you can savour the last rays of the afternoon sun. Tucked away from the main street of Thirroul, look out for the neon sign, Frank’s may be hard to find, but it’s easy to love.
3/2 Raymond Rd, Thirroul
Open Wednesday to Sunday from 11am
Phone: 0492 990 881
frankswildyears.com
Scarborough Hotel, Scarborough
It’s hard to understand the view that lies behind the facade of Scarborough Hotel until you make your way through and into the beer garden. Boom. This cliffside gem is all about elevated pub favourites with an easy-going atmosphere. Perch up under an umbrella and while the afternoon away, or in winter, retreat to the woodfire place inside and toasty up for a glass of red.
383 Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Scarborough
Open Thursday to Sunday from 11am
Phone: (02) 4267 5444
thescarboroughhotel.com.au
Pickled Poet, Thirroul
Pickled Poet, what an excellent name for a venue — and this tiny wine bar lives up to it. The brick building, painted in vibrant yellow and orange, offers just a hint of the colourful atmosphere inside. Low-hanging pendant lights illuminate the room, with a light blue and grey tiled bar and curvaceous tables. It’s not just wine that shines here; the fully-fledged menu boasts everything from charcuterie to weekly pasta specials and signature cocktails like the berry-infused Pickled Poet Pink Lady.
Whether it’s an intimate date night or a casual drink, guests can find the perfect vibe to suit the occasion depending on where they sit, with the outside courtyard playing host to local live musicians.
368-370 Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Thirroul
Open Wednesday to Sunday from 12pm
Phone: (02) 4202 9171
pickledpoet.com
Do This:
The Wombarra Bowlo, Wombarra
While the old-school charm of the region is evident at almost every turn, a visit to The Wombarra Bowlo truly transports you back in time. It occupies a prime piece of real estate, featuring three well-kept greens with views of the water.
Pull open the heavy sliding door to enter the club, where little has changed since it opened in 1960—aside from the walls collecting new names of ‘Champion’ trophies over time. Sticky floors and musky scents are hallmarks of this vintage gem, elements that only add to its character.
578 Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Wombarra
Open daily from 11am
Phone: (02) 4267 2139
bowlo.com
Coledale Markets, Coledale
On the fourth Sunday of every month, The Coledale Markets take over The Coledale Public School. Local vendors set up stalls showcasing fresh produce, from fruits and vegetables to meals from nearby businesses, like Wollongong’s Samaras Lebanese restaurant offering their signature wraps. It’s a delightful showcase of the region’s best foods, along with clothing stalls and artisans displaying their crafts.
Coledale Public School
Open on the fourth Sunday of every month
Phone: 0422 781 920
coledalemarkets.com
