Elliott's Camping Ground: A Journey to Warilla's 1950s Seaside Paradise

Image courtesy discovershellharbour.recollect.net.au

Elliott's Camping Ground, located at Woodford Park along Osborne Parade in Warilla, New South Wales, was a prominent seaside holiday destination during the 1950s. Operated by the Elliott family, the campground offered visitors picturesque views of Lake Illawarra and the surrounding sandhills, making it a favoured spot for families seeking coastal recreation.

The Elliott family's contributions to the area were significant. In recognition of their impact, the nearby Elliott Park was officially named in their honour on 19 October 1973. Additionally, Little Lake was officially named Elliott Lake in 1963 after the Elliott family transferred ownership of the land at the entrance to Shellharbour Council.

Photographs from the era depict typical camping scenes, with canvas tents and families enjoying the natural surroundings. These images capture the essence of mid-20th-century Australian beachside camping culture. 

For those interested in exploring this history further, the Shellharbour City Council's local history collections and the Shellharbour History in Photos Facebook page offer additional resources and visual archives.