Helensburgh
Helensburgh is a far northern suburb of Wollongong located 45 kilometres south of the Sydney CBD . It is half way between Sydney and Wollongong, at the southern end of the Royal National Park, and surrounded by bushland. It has a population of 5000+ residents. Helensburgh is colloquially known as "The Burgh" (pronounced "berg")
Get in
By car
Take the Southern Freeway and take the Helensburgh exit. Go left at roundabout and at the next intersection turn right. Follow the signs.
By train
Take a South Coast train from Central (50 Mins) Hurstville (30 Mins) Sutherland (20 Mins) or Waterfall(10 Mins). The train station is a long walk (around 3km) from the town centre (but close to the old station, and railway tunnels). There are some buses that operate between to the station, connecting to the town and Symbio. However you should check timetables as not every train service is met by a bus, particularly on weekends.
By bicycle
There is a cycle lane running alongside the Southern Freeway, if you don't mind cycling alongside the 110km/h traffic.
The Royal National Park route towards Stanwell Park and Helensburg is a popular recreational cycle with the lycra-clad, especially on weekend mornings. People choose this route for the challenging hills rather than a utilitarian method of access, and the roads have narrow shoulders and cars and motorbikes taking on the hills and curves as well.
Get around
See
- Old Helensburgh station, railway tunnels, and glow worms. The old Helensburgh railway station and old railway tunnels are preserved, just to up from the current railway station location. The old tunnel is used as a water storage for the nearby colliery, but if you are prepared to go into the tunnel ankle deep in water and mud, you can see many glow worms on the tunnel roof.
- Woronora Dam. The water supply for the Sutherland Shire is around 10km from Helensburgh. The signposted turnoff is just up the Old Princes Hwy towards Sydney. There are picnic areas, barbecues, and walks across the dam.
- Kelly's Falls. Is a popular walk through the National Park starting from Helensburgh, ending at the falls. Track is well maintained. Watch out for leeches in wet weather.
- 1 Symbio Wildlife Park, 7-11 Lawrence Hargrave Dr, ☏ +61 2 4294 1244.
- 2 Hindu Temple (Sri Venkateswara Temple), Temple Road. Temple built in 1985, canteen open weekends 10:00 - 16:00
- Bald Hill Lookout. This lookout is just outside of Helensburgh, and has lovely views over Stanwell Park Beach.
Do
- Royal National Park, stopping Sydney's southerly sprawl from absorbing the Illawarra.
- Hangliding and Paragliding from Bald Hill Lookout.
- 1 Helensburgh Golf Driving Range, 335 Princes Highway, ☏ +61 2 4294 3456.
Buy
- Bi-Lo Supermarket The heart of Helensburgh. Walker Street.
Eat
- Kam Tim Chinese Restaurant. Jenny from Kam Tim will sort you out with a delicious traditional Chinese meal, and some of her special fried rice. With prices from the 70's, you can't go wrong with Kam Tim. Eat in for the excellent ambience this restaurant has to offer. Walker Street Helensburgh.
- Helensburgh Takeaway Shop Walker Street. Amazing chicken burgers.
Drink
- Helensburgh Centennial Hotel, ☏ +61 242941005. First opened in May 1915. Parkes Street.
- Helensburgh Workers Sports and Social Club., ☏ +61 242941122. Boomerang Street. Established in 1896, the club is proud to have relocated to brand new premises in 2008. Now in a lovely position overlooking the sporting fields, the club offers relaxing friendly service, quality family dining and calming ambience.With the club being the hub of the local community, there are plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy such as Pool Tables, Bingo, Keno, TAB, Sky & Austar Channels, huge screens and you’ll always find excellent chances to win with our Monster Raffles.