Grabbing a hot cuppa while watching the whales pass by has become a bit more challenging this winter with work well underway on a major renovation at the popular Bulli Beach Cafe.

Wollongong Council is spending more than $680,000 to replace the ageing cafe's roof over the winter months.

In a report to Council it was said "the roof of the Bulli Beach Cafe has reached the end of life and requires full replacement."

The report said exposure to salt over many decades had caused corrosion of the steel roofing components.

"The scope of works involves a full replacement of the existing roofing, including roof sheeting, purlins and structural members," the Council report said.

"Associated works include adjustments to the access of the building, design and installation of a new grease trap to service the building, along with some drainage improvements."

A spokesperson for Council said it was decided to undertake the works during winter.

"After the previous lease for the cafe expired in December last year, the current tenant was granted an extension on a holdover agreement to allow them to trade through the summer months," the spokesperson said.

"This ensured residents and visitors could enjoy cafe services over the busy holiday period.

"The tenant vacated the premises at the end of April this year to allow Council to undertake capital works to the building through the cooler months.

"It is anticipated that these works will be completed by October 2025, at which time the new lease, awarded following an open tender process late last year, will commence in time for the busier summer period."

While the Bulli Beach Cafe is temporarily out of action, the other northern coastal cafes have been doing a roaring trade.