Stanwell Park

Stanwell Park is a consistent beach break that works year-round, producing both left and right-handers on a shifting sand and rock bottom. It's one of the heavier beach breaks along the NSW south coast, with an intermediate to challenging character despite its rating for intermediate surfers—the wave has significant power and a hollow, sucky quality that demands respect. It works best on southeast swell with northwest offshore winds, preferring low to medium tide. The break peaks during winter months, particularly July, though it caps out around three meters and loses shape in larger swells.

Professional surfer Kalani Ball comes from Stanwell Park and earned multiple junior titles before claiming his second Mick Lowe Trophy. Beyond that, specific historical detail about when the break became established in the surfing community or whether notable competitions have been held there remains sparse in available sources.

The beach sits 28 kilometers north of Wollongong at the northern reach of the Illawarra coast, nestled between Bald Hill to the north and Stanwell Tops to the west, with the break framed by a dramatic escarpment. Access is straightforward via Stanwell Park Road with free parking near the surf club, and facilities include wheelchair accessibility and public restrooms.