How long is the train from Sydney to Thirroul?

About an hour and a quarter from Central on the South Coast Line, depending on the service. Stanwell Park is about an hour.

Is the drive through the Royal National Park worth it?

Yes, if you are not in a hurry. It takes a little longer than the motorway, but it ends at Bald Hill, the best first view of the coast.

Do you need an Opal card for the train?

No. You can tap on and off with an Opal card or a contactless credit or debit card.

When is traffic worst?

Southbound on Friday afternoon and northbound on Sunday or Monday afternoon of a long weekend. Leave before 3pm to miss the worst of it.

Last updated 9 November 2026

From Sydney

An hoursouth, give or take.

Three ways down. The train is the most relaxing. The national park drive is the most beautiful. The motorway is the quickest.

What is the fastest way to get from Sydney to the northern Illawarra?

The M1 Princes Motorway, at about an hour from the CBD to Bulli outside peak times. The train takes about the same to Stanwell Park and a little longer to Thirroul and Bulli, with no traffic or parking to deal with.

Train vs car compared

Ways to travel from Sydney to the northern Illawarra
Route	Time	Best for	Watch out for
Train	~1 hr to Stanwell Park, ~1 hr 20 to Bulli	A relaxed weekend, no parking	Less frequent weekend services, trackwork
National park drive	~1 hr 15 to Stanwell Park	The view from Bald Hill	Park fees at some stops, slow traffic
M1 motorway	~1 hr to Bulli	Speed	Friday and holiday Monday traffic

Best for a relaxed weekend

The train

~1 hr to Stanwell Park

South Coast Line from Central, Redfern or Sutherland. Tap on with Opal or a card.
Stops at Stanwell Park, Coalcliff, Scarborough, Wombarra, Coledale, Austinmer, Thirroul and Bulli.
About an hour to Stanwell Park and closer to an hour and a half to Thirroul, depending on the service.
Sit on the left heading south for the sea views after Otford.
Weekend services are less frequent, so check the timetable for your trip home.

The scenic route

Through the national park

~1 hr 15 to Stanwell Park

Head south to the Royal National Park and follow the road through the forest to Otford.
Stop at Bald Hill for the first view of the coast, then drive down Lawrence Hargrave Drive.
Slower than the motorway, but it is the reason to drive.
Park fees apply at some stopping areas. Check NSW National Parks before you go.

Fastest by car

The motorway

~1 hr to Bulli

M1 Princes Motorway south. Take the exit for Stanwell Park and Bald Hill to start at the north end.
Or carry on to Bulli Tops and come down Bulli Pass, stopping at the lookout at the top.
Expect heavy traffic heading south on Friday afternoon and north on Monday afternoon.

Once you’re here

Getting around.

Hop the train

The stations are only a few minutes apart. Walk one way along the coast and ride back, or use the train to get to dinner in Thirroul without driving.

Drive the coast road

Lawrence Hargrave Drive is narrow and winding between Coalcliff and Coledale. Take it slow, watch for cyclists, and use the marked parking areas at the bridge.

Walk

Austinmer, Thirroul and Bulli are linked by coastal paths and beaches. You can cover the southern half of the stretch on foot in a morning.

Travel times are approximate and depend on traffic and timetables. Check Transport for NSW for current train times and trackwork.

Getting here FAQs

How long is the train from Sydney to Thirroul?: About an hour and a quarter from Central on the South Coast Line, depending on the service. Stanwell Park is about an hour.
Is the drive through the Royal National Park worth it?: Yes, if you are not in a hurry. It takes a little longer than the motorway, but it ends at Bald Hill, the best first view of the coast.
Do you need an Opal card for the train?: No. You can tap on and off with an Opal card or a contactless credit or debit card.
When is traffic worst?: Southbound on Friday afternoon and northbound on Sunday or Monday afternoon of a long weekend. Leave before 3pm to miss the worst of it.