Warilla was officially granted township status in 1951.[2] It is predominantly a residential suburb with many of the houses being built in the 1950s and 1960s. Warilla's main commercial centre is located on George Street with surrounding shops located on Lake Entrance Road and Shellharbour Road, where Warilla Grove Shopping Centre is also situated. There is also a small industrial park located 1 km (0.62 mi) south at Sunset Avenue where light industries are established. Warilla is also blessed with fine beaches which are very popular with locals and tourist especially in summer.
Warilla held the council chambers for Shellharbour City Council from 1969 to 1991[2] when it relocated to the nearby Shellharbour City Centre. The building, which is still in good condition, is still used for council meetings. Other businesses have also set up inside.
There are two high schools—Lake Illawarra High School and Warilla High School (located in Warilla and Barrack Heights) and two public schools—Warilla North and Warilla Public School.
