Shellharbour City Council is thrilled for the upcoming Australia Day festivities and is eager to help everyone enjoy a wonderful and memorable long weekend from January 24 to 26, 2026. With many visitors expected at our beautiful beaches and foreshore reserves, a little planning can go a long way towards making it the best day ever!
To help keep our community's spaces enjoyable for everyone, please note that overnight parking isn't permitted. This includes a variety of vehicles such as RVs, campervans, and caravans. Also, while you're setting up for your day, please keep in mind that camping or erecting any tents is not allowed, and any temporary shade structures need to be taken down by 7pm.
Caption: Council offers will be monitoring parking closely across the Australia Day long weekend. Image courtesy of Shellharbour City Council
Council officers will also be monitoring parking closely across the weekend, particularly around Reddall Reserve, where the popular Australia Day Breakfast by the Lake will take place. This year's Breakfast by the Lake will be held on Monday 26 January from 8am to 12pm at Reddall Reserve, Lake Illawarra, and everyone is welcome to attend this free community event.
Visitors are encouraged to preplan their trip and carpool where possible. Ample street parking will be available along the foreshore and nearby streets, and guests are reminded to park legally and respectfully and follow all road signage. A designated drop‑off zone and limited accessible parking bays will be provided at the Reddall Reserve car park. Traffic congestion is expected, and patience is appreciated.
Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer encouraged everyone to enjoy the holiday period responsibly.
"Our beaches, parks and reserves are popular places to spend Australia Day, and with large crowds expected it's important that everyone does their part," Mayor Homer said.
"Park smart, play smart, take your rubbish with you and follow the advice of Council rangers, lifeguards and police so everyone can enjoy the day safely.
"Importantly, if you're enjoying our beautiful beaches, please swim between the flags, be aware of the conditions and talk to our lifeguards if you have any questions."
For issues relating to illegal camping, parking, litter, toilets and facilities, contact Shellharbour City Council on 4221 6111. For reports relating to fishing offences, contact NSW DPI Fisheries Compliance on 1800 043 536 or lodge a report online. For anti‑social behaviour, hooning, illegal fireworks and trail bike issues, contact Lake Illawarra Police District on 4232 5599 or 131 444.
KEY MESSAGES:
• Strict overnight parking and camping restrictions will be actively enforced across the Australia Day long weekend.
• Large crowds and heavy traffic are expected at Reddall Reserve for Australia Day Breakfast by the Lake, with visitors encouraged to plan ahead.
• Council will have an increased presence across beaches, reserves, and popular locations to ensure community safety.
