Our Area

Illawarra is a region in the Australian state of New South Wales. It is a coastal region situated immediately south of Sydney and north of the Shoalhaven region, encompassing the cities of Wollongong and Shellharbour and the municipality of Kiama. The central region contains Lake Illawarra.

The region consists of a coastal plain, narrow in the north and wider in the south, bounded by the Pacific Ocean on the east and a mountainous, almost impassable escarpment forming the eastern edge of the Southern Highlands plateau, to the west. In the middle of the region is Lake Illawarra, a shallow lake formed when sediment built up at the entrance to a bay. The district extends from the southern hills of the Royal National Park in the north to the Shoalhaven River in the south, and contains the city of Wollongong, the third largest urban area in New South Wales. North of Wollongong the plain narrows to a small strip of land between the coast and the escarpment. At Coalcliff and Stanwell Park small valleys are formed allowing further settlement. To the south it widens, and becomes increasingly hillier before reaching Stockyard Mountain, a long divide between the main plain and the Jamberoo Valley, which stretches until it reaches Kiama. South of Kiama is Saddleback Mountain and south of that the Shoalhaven plains and the outcrop of Coolangatta Mountain.

The main industries in the area have traditionally been farming, coal mining and steel making. Australia's largest steel works, BlueScope Steel is located at Port Kembla. The area, especially around Port Kembla and Wollongong was once known for its mainly industrial jobs, but since the 1990s commerce has played an increasing role in the city, overtaking industry in many areas.

The Illawarra region is linked to Sydney by several passes and a motorway (Southern Freeway) and electric railway (see South Coast railway line); to the west by the Illawarra Highway and Picton Road; and to the south by the Princes Highway. At Albion Park the Illawarra Regional Airport serves the region.

Central Wollongong

Wollongong is a coastal city located between the magnificent Illawarra escarpment and a spectacular coastline jewelled with sparkling beaches, prominent headlands and lakes. The city, once founded on heavy industry, has matured into a thriving regional city with unequalled business opportunities.

Serviced by freeway and rail access to Sydney, the deepest harbour on the eastern seaboard and located between State & National Capitals, Wollongong is enjoying a vigorous business growth with a strong focus on tourism, education and technology.

Wollongong University has been voted "University of the Year" 4 times recently and together with three TAFE facilities, make Wollongong one of the key education centres in Australia. This being further boosted by a new $110 million technology precinct being developed by the University.

Lifestyle remains relaxed and friendly, boasting excellent local amenities and entertainment facilities and with easy access to the local beaches and bushland. Sydney is only 1 - 1 & 1/2 hours freeway drive away.

Northern Suburbs

The Martin Morris & Jones office covers the geographic area of the northern suburbs from Bellambi/Russell Vale in the south to Scarborough in the North. It is a picturesque location with the beauty of the tree-lined escarpment on the western boundary to the golden sands of the beaches to the east. The coastal view from the top of Bulli Pass is regarded as one of the best in the world. Austimer Beach recently took to the highest award among a survey of coastal beaches in NSW. Sandon Point is acknowledged as one of the most popular surfing spots on the eastern side of Australia.

There is a caravan park at Bulli, to accommodate holiday makers. Shopping centres are located at Woonona and Thirroul whilst more village atmosphere is found at Bulli.

The Beaches Hotel in the heart of Thirroul shopping centre has been revitalised to meet the demand of ever-growing visitors from Sydney and offers outdoor dining.

Secondary schools are found at Holy Spirit in Bellambi, Bulli High School and Woonona High School. Primary schools, 7 public and 2 private, are well spread throughout the area. The northern suburbs of Wollongong offer a lifestyle second to none.

Southern Suburbs

The suburb of Dapto is situated to the south of the centre of Wollongong and is one of the fastest growth areas in the Illawarra region. The suburb offers a wide variety of affordable housing designed to suit anyone from the first home buyers to those looking to build their dream home in a new estate.

We are one of the few locations where there is an ongoing availability of vacant land to satisfy the continuing demand. The residents enjoy a variety of natural resources including the beauty of Lake Illawarra and the majestic views of the escarpment.

For those whose work commitments require travel to Sydney we have easy access to the freeway which will have you in the city in approximately an hour to an hour & a half. Also the electric train service operates daily at regular intervals to and from central station. Travel to the centre of Wollongong is just 15 minutes by car or public transport by road and rail are also available.

Martin Morris & Jones are the leading real estate company in the Dapto area offering a complete range of services covering residential, commercial, industrial, property management and auctions. Our highly trained, experienced staff consist of 4 licensed real estate agents with over 50 years experience in the Dapto area.