What currency is used?

Australian Dollar (AUD). Cards widely accepted.

Most visitors need an eVisitor or ETA visa before arrival. Check Australian Department of Home Affairs.

Is tap water safe to drink?

Yes, tap water is clean and safe throughout the region.

What is the time zone?

Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST, UTC+10). Daylight saving (AEDT, UTC+11) runs from first Sunday Oct to first Sunday Apr.

What language is spoken?

English is the official language. No other language widely used.

What is the electrical plug type?

Type I (three flat pins, angled). Voltage 230V, 50Hz. Adaptors available at airports.

Tipping is not mandatory. Round up taxi fares or leave 10% for exceptional service.

Can I use my mobile phone?

Check with your provider for roaming. Local SIM cards from Telstra, Optus, Vodafone are available at Sydney Airport and convenience stores.

Are there any dangerous animals?

Spiders and snakes exist but are rarely encountered. Wear closed shoes in bushland. Bluebottle (jellyfish) may appear on beaches in summer.

What are the shopping hours?

Most shops open 9am-5:30pm weekdays, extended hours Thurs/Fri. Supermarkets open later. Sunday trading varies.

Is the area family-friendly?

Yes – calm lake, parks, playgrounds, and nearby beaches with rock pools. Great for kids.

Can I drink alcohol on the beach?

No, public drinking is illegal in most NSW public places including beaches. Purchase from licensed venues.

Haywards Bay

SuburbWollongong, New South Wales

Haywards Bay is a SUB AREA in Wollongong, New South Wales.

Haywards Bay is a serene coastal enclave on the southern shores of Lake Illawarra, just a few minutes from the stunning beaches of Shellharbour and the vibrant city of Wollongong. This quiet suburb, with its small population of under 1,000, offers a peaceful escape from urban hustle, where you can spend lazy afternoons kayaking on calm lake waters, fishing from the jetty, or walking along the scenic lakefront paths. The nearby Killalea State Park and Minnamurra Rainforest provide excellent hiking and wildlife spotting. The area is a haven for nature lovers and families seeking a relaxed holiday base. While accommodation is limited locally, the larger Shellharbour and Wollongong offer a range of restaurants, cafes, and boutiques. Haywards Bay's charm lies in its unhurried pace – you'll hear the birds and smell the salt air rather than traffic noise. It's the perfect spot to unwind, explore the South Coast's hidden coves, and enjoy true Australian coastal living.

Best time to visit Haywards Bay

The best time to visit Haywards Bay is during the Australian spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May). These shoulder seasons offer mild temperatures (20-25°C), lower humidity, and fewer tourists. Summer (December to February) is hot and crowded, while winter (June to August) is cooler but still pleasant for walks and whale watching.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather: Warm 18-24°C, increasing sunshine

Travel notes

Crowds: Medium
Prices: Mid

Perfect weather; school holidays busy

Know before you go

Getting there

SYD

Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport

International

110 km away

WOL

Illawarra Regional Airport (Wollongong)

Domestic

20 km away

Getting around

"A car is essential to explore Haywards Bay and surroundings. Rental agencies are available at Sydney Airport (1.5 hours north) and in Wollongong. Public bus services connect to Shellharbour and Wollongong but are infrequent. Ride-sharing apps work in the region. Biking is possible on dedicated paths along the lake. Parking is free and plentiful."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

30 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Available at cafes and accommodation

Local SIM

Local SIM at Sydney Airport from $10 AUD

Stay safe

Overall

9/10

Very low crime. Scams virtually nonexistent. Beach safety requires caution.

Night safety

8/10

Very low crime. Scams virtually nonexistent. Beach safety requires caution.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

2/10

"Haywards Bay is a very safe, low-crime area. The main risks are natural: strong sun, rip currents at beaches (always swim at patrolled beaches), and bushfires during summer (check fire danger ratings). Road safety is important as you'll likely drive; note that Australians drive on the left. At night, the area is quiet and well-lit in residential zones. Always lock accommodation and vehicles. No special safety concerns beyond standard precautions."

Police

000

Ambulance

000

Fire

000

Entry and health

Health information

"General travel health advice for Haywards Bay: ensure routine vaccinations are up to date. The region has excellent medical facilities in nearby Wollongong and Shellharbour, including hospitals and clinics. Pack a basic first-aid kit, strong sunscreen, insect repellent (especially at dawn/dusk), and stay hydrated in summer. Tap water is safe to drink. Pharmacies are available in Shellharbour City Centre. Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is recommended."

Culture

Local customs

"Australians are informal, friendly, and direct. Casual dress is the norm; beachwear is fine at the coast but not in shops or restaurants. Tipping is voluntary – round up for good service but not expected. Greet with a casual 'G'day' or 'Hello'. Respect indigenous cultural sites. Bushwalking etiquette: stay on marked trails, take rubbish with you. Queuing is respected."

English (official)MandarinArabicCantoneseVietnameseItalianGreekHindiSpanishTagalogEnglish

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$20-30 | main meal at restaurant

Hotels

$80-150 | budget motels in nearby Shellharbour

Local transport

$3-5 | local bus ride

Cost notes

Limited accommodation in Haywards Bay itself; most options in surrounding suburbs.

Timezone

Australia/Sydney
Local time 04:05

More facts

Population

983

Type

Suburb

Frequently Asked Questions

Suburb

Haywards Bay

Best time to visit Haywards Bay

October

Know before you go

Getting there

Getting around

Stay connected

Stay safe

Overall

Night safety

Transport

Scam risk

Police

Ambulance

Fire

Entry and health

Health information

Culture

Local customs

Costs and practicals

More facts

Nearby areas in Wollongong

Austinmer

Avondale

Balgownie

Bellambi

Berkeley

Brownsville

Bulli

Coledale

Coniston

Cordeaux Heights

Corrimal

Cringila

Dapto

East Corrimal

Fairy Meadow

Farmborough Heights

Fern Hill

Figtree

Gwynneville

Helensburgh

Horsley

Kanahooka

Keiraville

Koonawarra

Lake Heights

Mangerton

Mount Keira

Mount Kembla

Mount Ousley

Mount Saint Thomas

North Wollongong

Port Kembla

Primbee

Russell Vale

Stanwell Park

Stanwell Tops

Tarrawanna

Thirroul

Towradgi

Unanderra

Warrawong

West Wollongong

Wollongong city centre

Wombarra

Woonona

Frequently Asked Questions