Stanwell Park

The first coastal town south of the Royal National Park, Stanwell Park is a blue-water jewel with a fabulous beach and an inspiring location. Originally inhabited by the Wodi Wodi people, Stanwell Park began with the development of the railway line between Sydney and the Illawarra region that was created in the late 1880s to haul coal from small mining towns.

The town was once the home of Lawrence Hargrave, a pioneering aviator and the inventor of the box kite. Many of his experiments took place on Bald Hill, where he is remembered with a monument.

The beach is ideal for families with a large reserve and BBQ facilities and the township also celebrates the Festival of Flight; annually in November. It is Stanwell Park's annual carnival; a feisty celebration with an aeronautical theme.