Lake Illawarra is a large tidal, salt water lake with a surface area of 35sq km and a 37km shoreline. The Lake is shallow although over 70 per cent of the lake is navigable. Home to flocks of majestic black swans, pelicans, the royal spoonbill and a host of other water birds. The Lake is also a good prawning ground.

One of the best family outing locations is Reddall Reserve, offering plenty of picnic and bbq facilities, which make it an ideal and safe playground for the families.

On the shores of Lake Illawarra is the Illawarra Yacht Club, host to the National Sailing Titles and the Windsurfer Class World Championship.