The lifestyle magazine that Illawarra locals love

Welcome to Coal Coast Magazine, your premier guide for exploring the vibrant life and culture in the Illawarra, including Wollongong, Kiama and Shellharbour.

As a leading lifestyle publication, our pages are brimming with captivating stories, showcasing the best of local events, remarkable talents, and the unique spirit that defines our community.

At Coal Coast Magazine, we’re committed to bringing you a high-quality lifestyle publication through an insider’s perspective on what makes the Illawarra truly special. From breathtaking natural landscapes to bustling community gatherings, we cover it all with an eye for the extraordinary moments that weave the fabric of our local life.

Whether you’re a long-time local or a curious traveller, our print and digital magazine provides a thorough guide to experiencing the full spectrum of life in the Illawarra and South Coast.

As a free, independent publication, we tell real stories with authenticity and passion. Coal Coast Magazine is designed to be read on the beach, displayed on a coffee table, lovingly stored on a bookshelf as part of a collection or passed onto a friend.

Join us as we celebrate the art, culture, and people that make our region shine. Dive into our latest issue to discover why Coal Coast Magazine is more than just a publication—it’s the locals’ way of life.

the barkindji warrior

Shantelle Thompson, the Barkindji Warrior, works to create opportunities for herself, her family and her community.

finding hygge

Step into a local slice of Scandinavia via Dansk in Helensburgh. A bar where the flavours are just like the owners, a blend of Danish and Australian, the mood is “hygee” and the warmth of giving back to a community they love.

being married to the sound

With the launch of her newest album 'Married to the Sound', Elana Stone speaks on her musical evolution, the impact of motherhood and her home of the Illawarra region.

a century in the making

For David and Henry, age is just a number. But for these two centenarians, discovering a new friendship has been the key to enjoying a new chapter of life.

the queen’s nanny arrives in wollongong

Direct from its world premiere season at Sydney’s Ensemble Theatre, The Queen’s Nanny is set to enthrall audiences in Wollongong. We spoke to playwright Melanie Tait to find out about her connection to the Illawarra and what makes this play so captivating.

from the editor

Spring has arrived in the Illawarra, bringing with it a refreshing change from the wind and winter chill. As we embrace longer days and warmer temperatures, our region comes alive with vibrant colours and renewed energy.

This season, we’re especially excited to highlight the cabbage tree palm, a true symbol of our local landscape.

Native to the east coast of Australia, these distinctive palms thrive along salty, exposed coastlines – something that the Illawarra has in spades!

Whether it’s the tall Jerrara Palms on our cover, taken by the talented Belinda Doyle, the ‘valley of the Cabbage Tree Palms’ aka Thirroul, or the controversial palm up a pole in Wollongong Mall – they remind us of the strength and resilience of our natural environment.

In this issue, we meet two gents whose friendship is a century in the making, chat to award-winning chef Mark Olive who splits his time cooking at both the Sydney Opera House and Killalea, and we take a sneak peek at the upcoming Illawarra Festival of Architecture and Design.

We hope these features inspire you to take full advantage of the season’s opportunities and enjoy the beauty around us.

Here’s to a season of growth and renewal!

Kate and Team CCM x

Upcoming Events

Coal Coast: a term which recognises a prominent rock found beneath our area’s surface, while celebrating our glittering coastline and local heritage.