5 Secrets of the Illawarra From an Orthodontist Who Lives Here
When people hear “Illawarra,” they think beaches, Uni students, and that notorious afternoon traffic that mysteriously appears even when there are no cars around.
But after decades of working here, raising my family here, and perfecting thousands of smiles here, I’ve discovered that the Illawarra has layers, stories, secrets, and quirks that tourists don’t know, newcomers don’t realise, and locals quietly protect.
Here are the 5 best-kept secrets of the Illawarra, as told by an orthodontist who has heard everything from “Is it going to hurt?” to “Can I still eat Doritos with braces?”
1. The Illawarra Has One of the Most Diverse Communities in Australia; and It’s Hidden in Plain Sight
People assume Sydney holds the monopoly on multiculturalism, but the Illawarra quietly rivals it.
Walk through Corrimal on any weekday and you’ll hear English, Macedonian, Arabic, Serbian, Spanish, Vietnamese, sometimes all in the same coffee shop before 8am. Our patients alone represent more than 50 cultural backgrounds, and each brings traditions, humour, food recommendations, and stories that make our clinic feel like a United Nations with dental chairs.
The secret?
The Illawarra’s diversity isn’t loud or advertised. It’s woven naturally into everyday life, creating a warmth and openness that outsiders don’t expect, but locals couldn’t live without.
2. The Best Views in the Illawarra Aren’t From Bald Hill – They’re From Random Local Streets
Bald Hill is great if you enjoy crowds, parking chaos, and seeing 78 people taking the exact same selfie.
But the most beautiful views? They’re tucked away.
Try this:
- Go for a walk through the quieter suburban streets of Woonona, Coledale, or Thirroul.
- Look between two houses.
- Boom. World-class coastal views; no tourists, no noise, no cameras.
My favourite “secret lookout” is behind a street I won’t fully reveal, but let’s just say if you drive up the steeper parts of Bulli and accidentally take the wrong turn, you’ll thank me later.
The lesson?
In the Illawarra, beauty hides everywhere. You just need to wander.
3. The Illawarra Is Home to Some of the Funniest People You’ll Ever Meet, and They Don’t Even Know It
Forget TikTok comedians.
The Illawarra is full of natural-born storytellers, tradies with Olympic-level joke delivery, café staff who can roast you and make your day at the same time, and elderly locals with tales so wild you’re not sure whether they’re exaggerating or underselling it.
As for me?
I’ve long claimed I’m the funniest orthodontist in the Illawarra, a title no brave person has ever disputed.
But here’s the real secret:
Illawarra humour is special. It’s dry, honest, warm, and delivered with a wink. It forms instant connections. It has healed more awkward orthodontic appointments than I can count.
This region laughs easily. And that’s a gift.
4. The Illawarra Has Better Food Than Many Capital Cities – But We Don’t Brag About It
You want Lebanese food that tastes like Beirut’s best?
Vietnamese dishes that should win awards?
Fish and chips better than beach towns with triple the hype?
The Illawarra has it all, and barely advertises it.
Some of my personal favourites (which even some locals don’t know about):
- A Corrimal bakery with the best spinach pastry you’ll ever eat.
- A small family-run spot in Fairy Meadow serving pho worthy of a pilgrimage.
- A Woonona café that somehow makes every dish taste like comfort and holiday at the same time.
The difference between Illawarra food and big-city restaurants?
We don’t need queue barriers, neon signs, or influencers pretending to chew. Just good food, good people, and no fuss.
5. The Strongest Community Spirit in Australia Lives Here, Quietly
The Illawarra isn’t flashy, but it’s fiercely loyal.
I’ve seen:
- Strangers help push broken-down cars up hills.
- Local businesses fundraising for families they’ve never met.
- Schools rallying for sick children.
- Patients bringing homemade gifts to every appointment (you are welcome to do this also).
- Entire neighbourhoods supporting new migrants as if they were relatives.
During times of tragedy, celebration, growth, or uncertainty, this community shows up, often before you even ask.
This spirit is why I chose to build South Coast Orthodontics here.
It’s why we’ve stayed.
It’s why my team and I pour our energy into every patient, every smile, every appointment.
We’re not just treating teeth.
We’re taking care of people who help make the Illawarra one of the most special regions in Australia.
Living and Learning the Illawarra Way
The Illawarra isn’t a place you understand from a travel brochure.
It’s a place you learn by living, laughing, eating, walking, and connecting.
Once you know its secrets, you realise something important:
The Illawarra isn’t just beautiful, it’s unforgettable.
- If you live here, you know.
- If you’re new here, welcome.
- If you’re thinking of moving… do it. Your smile and your life will be better for it.
