---
title: "Coledale: things to do, swim, stay · Norilla Coast"
description: "Coledale, northern Illawarra: Fall asleep to the surf. Coledale has a wide, gentle beach and a camping ground right on the sand. Wake up, unzip the tent, and the ocean is there."
url: https://norillacoast.com/villages/coledale/
updated: 2026-11-09
publisher: Norilla Coast
---
# Coledale

Fall asleep to the surf.

**Along the coast**
~11 km south of Stanwell Park

**Train**
Coledale station, ~70 min from Central

**Best for**
Families and campers

## Why visit Coledale?

Coledale has a wide, gentle beach and a camping ground right on the sand. Wake up, unzip the tent, and the ocean is there.

The beachfront camping reserve is one of the few on the coast this close to Sydney, so it books out fast for long weekends. Book months ahead if you want a site.

The ocean pool is at the south end. It is a good family beach, with a small shopping strip up on the main road for supplies.

## Things to do in Coledale

1. ### Beach camping

    Coledale Beach Camping Reserve. Book early for long weekends.

2. ### Coledale ocean pool

    At the southern end of the beach, with lawns for a picnic.

3. ### Sunrise swim

    The beach faces east, so the sun comes straight up out of the water.

## Where to swim in Coledale

Coledale Beach is wide and patrolled in season, with an ocean pool and lawns at the south end. It is a good family beach.

**Ocean pool:** Coledale ocean pool, at the southern end of the beach.

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 Coledale

Coledale Beach Camping Reserve has sites right behind the sand. It books out early for long weekends. There are also holiday rentals in the streets behind the beach.

## How do you get to Coledale from Sydney?

Trains on the South Coast Line from Sydney's Central station stop at Coledale. The trip takes about 70 minutes, depending on the service. Weekend trains run less often, so check the timetable for your return.

By car, Coledale 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 →](https://norillacoast.com/getting-here/)

## Coledale at a glance

| Detail | Coledale |
| --- | --- |
| Distance from Stanwell Park | ~11 km |
| Train station | Yes |
| Train from Central | ~70 min |
| Ocean pool | Yes |
| Surf club | Coledale Surf Life Saving Club |
| Best for | Families and campers |
| Neighbours | Wombarra (north), Austinmer (south) |

## Coledale FAQs

### How far is Coledale from Sydney?

Coledale is about an hour from the Sydney CBD by car and about 70 minutes by train from Central. It is about 11 km south of Stanwell Park along the coast road.

### Is there an ocean pool at Coledale?

Yes. Coledale ocean pool, at the southern end of the beach.

### Can you camp on the beach at Coledale?

Yes. Coledale Beach Camping Reserve has campsites directly behind the beach. Bookings are required and long weekends fill months ahead.

### Is Coledale good for kids?

Yes. It has a patrolled beach in season, an ocean pool, lawns for picnics and shops a short walk away.