Illawong is located 27 kilometres south west of the Sydney central business district. It is in the local government area of the Sutherland Shire in the region commonly called Menai.

The word Illawong is an Aboriginal word meaning *between two waters* referring to the Woronora and Georges Rivers, the area was once home to the Tharawal and Eora people.

In 1789 Captain John Hunter was the first European to explore the area sailing down the Woronora and Georges Rivers.

From 1843 to 1845 construction of Old Illawarra Road took place, it was inspected by Major Thomas Mitchell and was one of the last public works carried out by convicts. This new route was 32 kilometers shorter towards the south coast.

In the 1890’s Menai was a farming area and Illawong, which was then known as East Manai was an area where many wealthy Sydney families built holiday homes.

Surrounding suburbs include Alfords Point, Menai, Bangor, Lugarno. Bonnet Bay, and Oatley.

Illawong is located 27 kilometres south west of the Sydney central business district. It is in the local government area of the Sutherland Shire in the region commonly called Menai.

The word Illawong is an Aboriginal word meaning *between two waters* referring to the Woronora and Georges Rivers, the area was once home to the Tharawal and Eora people.

In 1789 Captain John Hunter was the first European to explore the area sailing down the Woronora and Georges Rivers.

From 1843 to 1845 construction of Old Illawarra Road took place, it was inspected by Major Thomas Mitchell and was one of the last public works carried out by convicts. This new route was 32 kilometers shorter towards the south coast.

In the 1890’s Menai was a farming area and Illawong, which was then known as East Manai was an area where many wealthy Sydney families built holiday homes.

Surrounding suburbs include Alfords Point, Menai, Bangor, Lugarno. Bonnet Bay, and Oatley.