Carnival  information 

Shellharbour Surf Life Saving Club has great pleasure in being the host Club & venue for the 2008 Australian IRB Championships and we welcome all competitors, their supporters, friends and family to this carnival.  We know you will enjoy the Championships and you certainly will enjoy our local area.

For those fellow club members and visitors to Shellharbour not familiar with our location & facilities, here is a quick overview.

• Shellharbour is located approximately 115 kms and 1.5hours drive, south of the centre of Sydney
  
• Shellharbour North Beach provides E/NE aspect, with a slightly curving foreshore of approx 900 metres, allowing ample space for activities and excellent viewing
  
• There are two all weather access points to the beach competition area.   Crews would be required to load & off load boats from their trailers.  Access to and from the beach for water safety craft would also use those points
• Trailer parking is in an enclosed area immediately behind the competition area.  Clubs can off load their trailers there & leave them for the duration of the carnival.
  
• Plenty of vehicular parking is available along the streets adjoining the club grounds and main surf\carnival area.
  
• Overnight security will be on duty for the Friday and Saturday   evening of the carnival.  They will patrol the trailer parking area & gear compounds.
• Our "first call" back up beach, South Shellharbour, is a 3 minutes drive immediately south of the main beach, with similar facilities available

Secure containers

    We have obtained a small number of shipping containers that will be available for hire by clubs that wish to have  "lock-up" security for their gear & equipment.  Cost for the weekend is $236.  The containers are 20ft long & would comfortably contain a clubs gear.  Contact the club if you want one of these containers.  Unfortunately due to the limited supply it'll on a "first in" basis.

Food & carnival services

During the carnival the club will have a good supply of food outlets

available during the carnival.  The usual suspects, bar b q, pies, hot

dogs, espresso coffee, snacks, fruit and soft drinks will be available at

good prices.  A licensed bar will also operate on each afternoon of

competition. Normal liquor licence conditions will apply.  The bar &

canteen areas will be run by club members. 

After Carnival Function

At the conclusion of the carnival we have arranged for an after carnival

get-together at which all participants' are welcome.

It'll be held at Shellharbour Workers Club, our Clubs major sponsor.  Live

music will be available & it'll be a great opportunity to enjoy some post

competition social activity. This venue is approx 2kms from the

competition area. Entry is free.  As it is a licensed club, age restrictions

will apply to sale of alcohol.

Getting Here

Shellharbour, located in the heart of the Illawarra Region, is serviced by the Princes Highway.  The nearest major airport is Sydney, and involves a road trip of just over 1.25 hours.   

A wide variety of accommodation is readily available within a maximum travelling time of 20 – 25 minutes from carnival venue.   

There are two motels providing accommodation within easy walking distance of the carnival venue. Tourist style cabin accommodation is located also within walking distance of  venue at one of our Clubs major sponsor, Warilla Bowls & Recreation Club. There are numerous B&B establishments within the immediate Shellharbour area.  Two caravan parks, again within in easy walking distance of the venue, have good facilities to offer.

Details provided by Tourism Shellharbour indicate accommodation levels of:

• Shellharbour City 0.5kms -15kms      860 rooms
  
• Kiama Municipality 10kms - 15kms  1665 rooms
  
• Wollongong City 7kms – 30kms       1675 rooms
  
• Van Parks Shellharbour    3
  
• Van Parks Kiama  5
  
•  Van Parks Wollongong 10

Further detailed information regarding accommodation & the Shellharbour area can be found at http://www.tourismshellharbour.com.au/. (Please note, that accommodation listed is only those members of Tourism Shellharbour. Further venues are available)

Shopping Complex

Approximately 5 minutes drive from the event site is a major Stocklands Shopping Centre, with over 120 specialty shops and major Department stores.  This shopping centre is one of the larger outlets outside the metropolitan area of NSW.  In addition there are also major retail outlets at Warrawong ( approx 11 kms away) and central Wollongong ( approx 20 minutes away)   All centres are serviced by a major arterial road network.

Entertainment

Shellharbour township has a vibrant "eat street" with a good mix of cafes & restaurants  located along the main street.  In addition there are several licensed clubs within close proximity to the venue.  Major clubs include Shellharbour Workers Club and Warilla Bowls Club.  Both these licensed clubs are long time financial supporters of our surf club and will welcome your patronage during the carnival.

Further Information

We'll provide further info regarding the carnival venue as the event gets closer, meanwhile, if you have any questions or queries relating to the venue or local facilities you can contact the local organising committee at the following email addresses; deneandcathy@yahoo.com.au  or  robmcalister@internode.on.net