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6 Things To Do: Making Memories at Forest Reach

05 November 2021

Get ready to live your best life at Forest Reach, ideally located just 18kms south-west of thriving Wollongong. There are boundless opportunities to make memories, right on your doorstep.

To help get you started, try these six activities that are all within easy reach of Stockland's newest community destination, Forest Reach. Grow, play and thrive here.

1. Weekends on the water: Lake Illawarra

Man and woman stand up paddle boarding on Lake Illawarra

Image credit: Destination NSW

13 boat ramps surround picturesque Lake Illawarra, a popular recreational location ideal for fishing, prawning, and all water sports. Take a boat out on the water or maybe a stand-up paddle board? Watch the sunrise or set on Lake Illawarra; it’s a truly magical experience. The Lake is approximately 9.5 kilometres long and 5.5 kilometres wide, with an area of 33 square kilometres of natural beauty. If you have always wanted to live near the water and enjoy the lifestyle benefits on offer, Forest Reach will be the perfect place for you to put down your roots.

 

2. Shopping destinations: get your retail fix

If you love to shop, you’ll get your fix at Shellharbour Shopping Centre or Dapto Mall*. Expect to find leading retailers and bespoke boutiques, alongside all the services you’ll ever need including banks, post offices, medical centres, hair salons and day spas. You can shop until you drop and then make the short drive home, back to the natural surroundings of Forest Reach. The Shellharbour Harbourside Village Markets* is another must-visit, providing a large range of stalls including handmade arts and crafts, children’s wear, gourmet food, handmade jewellery, pet accessories, fresh produce and entertainment. Taking place on the fourth Sunday each month, the vibrant market scene can be discovered at the corner of Addison St and Wollongong St, Shellharbour.

 

3. Life's a beach at Forest Reach

Aerial image of sun setting over Windang Island

Image credit: Destination NSW

Some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches are within easy reach to enjoy all year round. Take a stroll along Windang Beach* and enjoy the feeling of the sand between your toes. You’ll experience spectacular views of the famous Five Islands off the Wollongong coastline. Windang Beach is popular for families, with a large foreshore park with barbecues, sheltered picnic areas, a playground, and a shared cycle path.

Warilla Beach* is a popular surfing and swimming beach, patrolled seven months of the year. You’ll be spoilt for choice about which beach to visit, with several spectacular sandy choices a short distance from Forest Reach.

 

4. Dine with a waterview

Dining options are endless, and all so close to home at Forest Reach. Bombora Seafood Restaurant* sits above Wollongong Harbour’s glistening waters and is renowned for it’s signature scallop and prawn linguine dish. If you’re after a more casual dining experience, Aish's Seafood and Takeaway* located at Northcliffe Dr, Berkeley is a great choice. Fish and chips in generous portions and seafood platters can be enjoyed in a scenic location, right next to Lake Illawarra. You may even see a pelican or two wandering around while you eat.

Cafe Els* in Warrilla is another local favourite, with great coffee and an extensive breakfast menu. Pancakes on a Sunday morning anyone?

 

5. Enjoy live theatre

Be part of the audience, or maybe even take to the stage at a Roo Theatre* production. The Harbour Theatre, located in near-by Shellharbour, is the theatre company’s home base. Broadway musicals and classic drama performances are regular fixtures at this locally-loved creative hub. On average, six productions annually are performed on stage.

The team at Roo Theatre also offer dance and drama classes* and welcome local schools to perform their yearly school productions at the community venue.

 

6. Be playful at Lake Illawarra’s parks

Children's playground with slide and climbing equipment at Forest Reach


Reddall Reserve* is a must-visit for families, with a number of children's parks including the new, all-inclusive playground inspired by the story of The Red Lamp. The Ninja exercise park is a newly created space for all ages where you can test your strength and agility.

The Lake Illawarra Art Trail is also located in the Reddall Reserve. You can explore local history, Aboriginal heritage, flora and fauna. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy all that’s on offer, lake-side.

 

Land releases for Forest Reach are coming in early 2022. If you want to start making memories and enjoy all this new community and its surroundings has to offer, register your interest today.

Register your interest

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