The name Thirroul comes form either the Aboriginal word ‘Thurrural’ meaning ‘The Valley of the Cabbage Tree Palms’ or ‘Throon’ meaning bush leech. Situated approximately 13 kilometres north of Wollongong, like other towns along the Illawarra escarpment, it was settled due to the advent of coal and rail industries. It has a long and checkered history of creative residents that continues to this day. Thirroul is home to many boutiques and popular eateries that reflect the towns creative and artistic demographic. The beach is a prominent feature of the town, popular with tourists and locals alike for its reliable year round surf conditions. The town is also set below the dramatic backdrop of the 400 metre high escarpment, making it a popular spot for bushwalkers.
