A 35-year-old Umina Beach man is expected to face Wollongong court today charged with carjacking, high-range drink driving, common assault and two counts of break, enter and steal.

The 72-year-old man was parked near the intersection of Corrimal and Crown streets about 8am yesterday morning.

Police allege the accused approached the victim, pushed him to the ground and stole his keys.

The accused tried to start the car, again pushing the victim away, before the 72-year-old man sat himself in the passenger seat and refused to leave the car.

The accused started the car and drove a short distance to a car park off Queens Parade.

Police allege the accused then threatened to drive the car into a building.

The elderly man was able to contact police, who were able to apprehend the man at the scene.

Police found the man to be intoxicated.

When breath tested the accused returned a reading of 0.14, which is almost three times the legal limit.

He was refused bail and is expected to face court today.