Fast facts
- A compact but lively town at the gateway to the Illawarra
- At the junction of routes to Sydney and the Southern Highlands
- 104 km south of Sydney, population 20,000
Why go there
Albion Park has some wonderful small museums. The Illawarra Light Railway Museum is dedicated to the small steam- and diesel-powered locomotives that served in the mining and agricultural industries. The Tongarra Museum illustrates the amazing history of the Illawarra with artefacts, photographs, historical documents and sketches. The Historical Aircraft Restoration Society Museum features fully restored and operational aircraft, ranging from small Cessnas to a fleet of stars, such as Tiger Moths.
Albion Park’s Illawarra Regional Airport is a great place to experience the thrills of flying in a light aircraft. The Sydney Microlight Centre, based at the airport, offers professional pilot training as well as introductory flights. This is the closest approved microlight training facility to Sydney.
History
The area around Albion Park was cleared by cedar cutters, and they were quickly followed by graziers who recognised the potential of this well watered area. The arrival of the railway line in 1887, and the completion of the road through Macquarie Pass to the Southern Highlands, hastened the town’s growth.
Things to do
- Take a scenic flight along the coast.
- Drive the circuit from Sydney to Albion Park and back via the Southern Highlands.
- Spend an afternoon browsing in the town’s museums.
Events
- The Albion Park Show in January is a great family event, with animals, events, competitions and a carnival atmosphere.
Don’t miss
- The vintage aircraft at the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society Museum.
- The miniature train ride at Illawarra Light Railway Museum.
- The artefacts from early pioneer times at the Tongarra Museum.
- A spectacular drive through the Macquarie Pass.
