Things to do in Thirroul: Where to Eat, Drink and Play

Craving a change of pace? Relaxed coastal vibes are closer than you think. With its sweeping escarpment, salt-kissed air and scenic walks, Thirroul is the ultimate weekend destination for Sydneysiders.

Set your sights on a summer weekend filled with alfresco dining and ocean dips or enjoy the quiet calm of a winter escape. Whether you’re staying for a weekend or a while, this surf-obsessed town shines in every season. 

Just over an hour’s drive from Sydney, Thirroul is an easy weekend destination packing major holiday vibes. No car? No worries. The train trip from Central to Thirroul takes less than an hour and thirty minutes, delivering you straight into the centre of town. Along the way, you’ll enjoy uninterrupted ocean views, pass through sprawling bushland and even cross a heritage-listed railway bridge. 

Ready to experience Thirroul like a local? Forget Tripadvisor and add these insider activities to your itinerary. 

Sublime Point Walking Track 

For panoramic views of the coastline, the only way is up. Don your activewear, guzzle some water and sweat your way up Sublime Point walking track. Nestled at the base of the escarpment in neighbouring Austinmer, this well-trodden path packs 200+ metres of elevation gain into 700 metres of lush rainforest trail. Short, intense and rewarding, it’s the perfect way to get your heart pumping before a lazy day at the beach.

Thirroul to Wollongong Bike Track 

Looking for something a little less demanding? Wander along the Thirroul to Wollongong bike track. A scenic way to stretch your legs, this 15km paved path passes beaches, parks and ocean pools. (Oh and the occasional cafe, of course.)

Finbox 

If there’s one thing Thirroul does well, it’s cafes. For escarpment views and people-watching, head to local fave Finbox, where surfers and early risers meet to get their morning fix. Pastries from Millers’ Local Bakehouse go down a treat, while single origin beans from Wood and Co satisfy even the pickiest of coffee snobs. (Guilty.) When you’ve had your fill, pop into the surf shop next door to browse swimwear, clothing and beach essentials.

269 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul 

Buck Hamblin 

Buck Hamblin is a 1940s shoe store turned cafe with a touch of old-world charm. The unofficial HQ for Thirroul’s trail-running community, Buck serves top-notch coffee and homemade eats with a smile.

Sitchu Tip: Help yourself to bottomless batch brew for a sweet $6.

260 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul 

Ciro's

Ciro’s is your go-to for sourdough pizzas, lush sides and wild-fermented wines. Owned by four friends with backgrounds in sourdough-baking and winemaking, this unassuming Italian joint is always full – and for good reason. With winning flavour combinations like pumpkin, ricotta, hazelnut, garlic-honey and sage, every mouthful at Ciro’s is better than the last. To snag a table without a booking, be prepared to eat as early as 5 pm. Better yet, plan ahead to secure your spot.

1 Raymond Road, Thirroul

Black Market Coffee

On the southern side of town, Black Market Coffee is your best bet. With an extensive menu and plenty of seating, this bustling breakfast spot is an easy crowd-pleaser.

368-372 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul 

Moore Street General 

Further afield in leafy Austinmer, Moore Street General serves seasonal produce in a quaint and homey setting. This local hangout is the perfect place to refuel before sweating your way up Sublime Point walking track. 

36-38 Moore Street, Austinmer 

South Sailor

On the northern edge of town, South Sailor serves a combination of quality chip shop classics and Asian-inspired flavours in a light-filled space. Dig into a poké bowl, nibble on sashimi or indulge in a seafood share for two. After an afternoon dip, nothing keeps the coastal vibes flowing quite like this local fish bar.

216 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul 

Pickled Poet 

Looking for a “drinks and dinner” combo? Make your way to the Pickled Poet. Wine bar meets deli meets restaurant, this charming spot is the place to go for grazing boards loaded with cheese, charcuterie and house-made lavosh. Those with an eye for design will appreciate the Mediterranean-inspired interior, combining curved lines and a warm colour palette. For an alfresco experience, ask for a table in the courtyard, where fairy lights and live music set the scene on a warm summer night.

368-370 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul 

Frank's Wild Years

To kick off the evening, start with a drink at Frank’s Wild Years while you weigh up your options. Adorned with records and vintage tidbits, this low-profile bar oozes ambience without trying too hard. Comfortably tucked away in a low-lit corner, you’ll be tempted to linger for hours. (And thankfully, you won’t need to go far for a good bite.)

3/2A Raymond Road, Thirroul 

Collins Booksellers

After clocking up a few thousand steps, make a beeline for Collins Booksellers. A treasure trove of good reads, this much-loved bookstore offers all the latest page-turners from local and international authors. New reading material acquired, it’s time to hit the beach for a few hours of literary lounging. 

5/264 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul 

Banabae

Come late afternoon, retail therapy and relaxation are on the agenda. For cute kids’ clothing, head to family concept store Banabae, where retro-inspired designs and natural fibres are the stars of the show. Pick up a popular “Rad Kid” cap for your little one or treat yourself to a new beach sarong, made with luxuriously soft muslin.

282-298 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul 

Luca Luna

For beautiful blooms and home décor, you can’t miss locally-owned florist, Luca Luna. Offering a curated collection of candles, glassware, jewellery and plants, this flower-filled space is a celebration of all things beautiful.

1/364 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul 

The Living Hearth  

Nearby at The Living Hearth, you’ll find pure linen dresses, sunshirts and sheets, as well as an eclectic range of handmade homewares and gifts.

Shop 5 264-270 Lawrence Hargrave Drive

Flame Tree Co-op

Across the road, Flame Tree Co-op is your go-to for organic produce and packaging-free wholefoods. Fill a bag with chocolate-coated almonds, liquorice or coffee beans and enjoy a well-deserved sweet treat.  

355 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul 

Aura Sweat

End the day with a glow at boutique recovery studio Aura Sweat. With three saunas, an ice bath and a float pool – plus careful curation of wellness products – this calming locale makes unwinding easy.

365 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul 

Loved this edit of things to do in Thirroul and want more South Coast insights? Check out our Thirroul suburb guide or discover the best things to do in neighbouring Wollongong.