Lake Illawarra
Lake Illawarra
- Boat Ramps
- 10
- Access Points
- 2
- Species
- 3
Nestled along the sparkling NSW South Coast just south of Wollongong, Lake Illawarra is a breathtaking saltwater lake that draws anglers of all skill levels with its diverse fishery and sheltered, family-friendly waters. This tidal estuary connects to the South Pacific Ocean, meaning tide movements play a central role in fish feeding activity and overall fishing success. The lake's calm, protected waters make it accessible to shore-based anglers, kayakers, and boaters alike, while its scenic foreshore, BBQ facilities, and playgrounds make it an ideal destination for a full day out with family and friends.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Lake Illawarra and what's needed to catch them.
Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Lake Illawarra. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
Know where you can legally fish on Lake Illawarra
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
New South Wales licenses and regulations
New South Wales Boating Regulations
Official Transport for NSW (NSW Maritime) hub for safety and rules on NSW waterways, including the Boating Handbook, lifejacket and safety-equipment requirements, and navigation and speed rules.
New South Wales Fishing License
Official Service NSW page for the NSW recreational fishing fee/licence. Anyone fishing NSW waters (fresh or salt) must pay the recreational fishing fee and carry the receipt unless exempt. See the page for current fees and exemptions.
New South Wales Fishing Regulations
Official NSW DPIRD Fisheries hub for recreational fishing rules, covering saltwater and freshwater bag and size limits, possession limits, gear rules and closures.
New South Wales Stream Access Laws
Official NSW DPIRD Fisheries Angler Access page - NSW's closest equivalent to a stream-access page. Explains the public right to fish tidal waters, legal stream access via public land, and that crossing private land needs the owner's permission.
Take Lake Illawarra with you
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Use the map without signal
Download the map around Lake Illawarra to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Lake Illawarra to find where and when fish are biting for you.
HD depth charts from Garmin
Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.
Get the onWater Fish app
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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to fish Lake Illawarra and check the forecast before you go.
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Fishing near Lake Illawarra
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Fishing spots
- Boat Ramp
- Lake Illawarra - Berkeley (East Ramp)
- Lake Illawarra - Berkeley Harbour
- Lake Illawarra - Kanahooka
- Lake Illawarra - Oak Flats Sailng Club
- Lake Illawarra - Oak Flats Ski Park
- Lake Illawarra - Windang Near Windang Bridge
- Reddall Reserve
- Yallah Bay Boat Ramp
- Yallah Bay Boat Ramp
- Cleaning Table
- Cleaning Table
Nearby waters
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