Wollondilly Shire Council’s much loved Beach Bus is returning his week for its thirteenth summer.
The free transport for local residents who would like to enjoy a day down at the coast and some welcome relief from the summer heat will operate on four Thursdays in 2026, January 8, 15, 22 and 29.
Beach Bus offers residents of all ages free travel to North Wollongong Beach, with pick-up points across the Wollondilly Shire.
The service is sponsored by Metro Bingara Gorge and delivered thanks to the longstanding partnership with Picton Buslines, continuing a collaboration that has supported the Wollondilly community for more than a decade.
Beach Bus is a low-floor accessible service, ensuring the experience is inclusive and accessible for all members of the community.
Two buses will operate on separate routes, with one departing from Bargo and the other from Warragamba, providing coverage across the Shire.
Appin residents can access a free Opal card, pre-loaded with the correct fare, to travel on the regular bus service to North Wollongong. Opal cards are available for collection from Appin Pharmacy.
Bus 1 will depart from Bargo at 8.25am, and make stops at Tahmoor, Thirlmere, Picton (Redbank and shire hall), Bingara Gorge and Wilton before heading east to North Wollongong Beach at 9.45am. It is scheduled to depart at 2.25pm.
The second bus will depart from Warragamba at 7.30am and make stops to pick up passengers at Silverdale, Werombi, Oakdale, The Oaks, Mt Hunter, Camden Park, Douglas Park, also arriving at its destination at North Wollongong Beach 9.45am and depart at 2.25pm.
Upon arrival at the beach, Wollongong City Council lifeguards will board the buses to provide passengers with important updates on current surf conditions and beach safety.