When my family and I recently relocated from Tropical North Queensland to the beautiful Illawarra, one of the very first things I started doing (after unpacking!) was exploring.
As a photographer, I can’t help but see the world a little differently. Every beach, walking track and lookout has me wondering, “How would this photograph at sunrise?” or “Would this be perfect for a family with toddlers?”
I’ve spent countless early mornings and evenings driving the coastline, watching the light, checking tide times and discovering locations with fresh eyes. My goal has been simple: find places that don’t just look beautiful, but feel beautiful to photograph in.
The Illawarra has completely exceeded my expectations.
From rugged rock platforms and rolling sand dunes to quiet beaches, towering escarpments and golden coastal grass, there are so many incredible places to create timeless family photographs.
Whether you’re planning your first family session, celebrating a new baby or simply wanting to bottle up this season of life, here are some of my favourite locations I’ve discovered so far.
- Sandon Point is one of my favourite locations in the Illawarra. It offers so much variety in a relatively small area. Within a short walk you’ll find soft sandy beaches, dramatic rock formations, grassy headlands and beautiful ocean views.
For families with young children, it provides plenty of space to explore naturally rather than standing still and posing.
Perfect for:
* Families
* Maternity
* Couples
* Extended families
Best time: Sunrise or the final hour before sunset
- Port Kembla Beach & Hill 60
One of the biggest surprises for me while exploring the Illawarra was Port Kembla. While the beach itself is beautifully wide and open, it’s the nearby Hill 60 and Red Point that completely won me over.
The dramatic dark volcanic rock formations create an incredible contrast against the soft sand and ocean, giving your photos a timeless, adventurous feel that’s quite different from many of the other beaches along the coastline. It’s a location that offers so much variety—you can capture relaxed beach images before wandering across to the rugged headland for something a little more dramatic.
For families with young children, the wide beach provides plenty of space to run, play and explore, while the surrounding landscape makes it equally stunning for maternity and couples sessions.
Perfect for:
• Families
• Maternity
• Couples
• Adventurous coastal sessions
Best time: Sunrise or sunset, when the warm light brings out the rich textures of the volcanic rock formations and creates beautiful depth throughout the landscape.
Bulli Beach was one of the first places that made me think, “Yep… I can see why people love living here.” There’s something so effortlessly beautiful about it. The wide stretch of sand, rolling waves and stunning escarpment backdrop make it feel quintessentially Illawarra.
One of the things I love most about Bulli Beach is how much space there is. Whether your little ones want to run barefoot along the shoreline, collect shells or simply cuddle up together while watching the waves, it gives families the freedom to relax and enjoy the moment rather than worrying about staying perfectly posed.
The light here is beautiful at both sunrise and sunset, creating soft, natural tones that photograph beautifully. On a calm morning, it has a peaceful feel, while golden hour brings a warm glow that’s perfect for timeless family portraits.
Perfect for:
• Families
• Maternity
• Couples
• Extended families
Best time: Sunrise for a quieter beach and soft morning light, or sunset for warm golden tones and breathtaking coastal views.
Austinmer Beach quickly became one of my favourite discoveries while exploring the Northern Illawarra. It has such a relaxed coastal feel, with the dramatic escarpment meeting the ocean, beautiful Norfolk pines and one of the most picturesque ocean pools in the region.
What I love most about Austinmer is the variety. Within one session, we can capture playful moments on the sand, wander across the rock platforms at low tide, or finish by the ocean pool for a completely different look. It’s the kind of location that gives your gallery plenty of variety while still feeling cohesive.
It’s also a wonderful spot for families with little ones. The beach is spacious without feeling overwhelming, and there are plenty of natural elements to explore, making it easy to capture genuine smiles and connection rather than forced poses.
Perfect for:
• Families
• Maternity
• Couples
• Engagement sessions
Best time: Sunrise for soft, peaceful light and fewer people, or sunset when the escarpment glows and the beach is bathed in beautiful golden light.
Whether you’re dreaming of classic beach portraits or something a little more adventurous along the coastline, Austinmer offers a timeless backdrop that’s hard to beat.
Which Location Is Right for Your Family?
Although we’ve only recently made the move to the Illawarra, exploring this incredible coastline has quickly become one of my favourite parts of living here. Every beach has its own personality, and I love finding locations that perfectly suit each family I photograph.
I’m sure this list will continue to grow as I discover even more hidden gems, but these are the four locations that have truly stood out to me so far.
If you’re not sure which location is right for your family, don’t worry—that’s where I come in. Whether you have adventurous little ones who love to explore, a newborn you’d like to keep cosy, or you’re dreaming of a quiet sunrise session by the ocean, I’m always happy to recommend the perfect spot.
At the end of the day, the location is just the backdrop. The real magic comes from the connection you share with the people you love most.
If you’re thinking about booking a family, maternity, newborn or couples session anywhere in Wollongong or the Illawarra, I’d love to help you create beautiful memories you’ll treasure for years to come.
