Beach trips to Wollongong's popular South Beach are set to become significantly easier this summer with the opening of 43 additional parking spaces.
The new two-hour parking spots along Marine Drive have been created following the relocation of the bus layover area to Auburn Street at Lang Park.
Safety Improvements Accompany New Parking
Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown announced that alongside the standard parking spaces, the council has added two mobility parking spaces and six motorcycle spaces to improve accessibility for all visitors.
Cr Brown highlighted that the parking expansion is just one part of broader safety improvements to the beach foreshore area. "We have also reinstalled speed cushions along Cliff Road and kerb blisters, splitter islands, roundabouts, and kerb along Marine Drive to make it safer for pedestrians," she said.
Further pedestrian safety measures are planned for the new year, with additional pedestrian crossings to be installed along Crown Street, Cliff Road and Marine Drive.
Alternative Transport Options Encouraged
Despite the significant addition of 43 parking spaces, Cr Brown acknowledged that finding parking during peak summer months remains challenging.
"That's why, where possible, we ask beachgoers in the city centre to utilise buses including the free Gong Shuttle Bus to access the patrolled City, North and Fairy Meadow beaches, or get there by active transport like walking, scooting or cycling," Cr Brown advised.
The council's push for alternative transport aims to reduce congestion around popular beach areas while providing sustainable options for residents and visitors.
The timing of the parking expansion is strategic, coming just as warmer weather approaches and beach visitation numbers typically surge across the Illawarra region.
