South Coast Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Eden which includes a bay or harbour, boating and bird life
Miles of coastline stretch between New South Wales’ capital city and its southern border, encompassing gorgeous beaches, hinterland and countryside.

Experience the awe-inspiring landscapes of the South Coast, where the Southern Highlands meet secluded bays and laid-back surf beaches. Wherever you visit within the South Coast’s seafront belt between Sydney and the Victorian border, you’re likely to find diverse landscapes, mild weather and breathtaking flora and fauna. Discover beautiful national parks, wild rivers and pastoral serenity. Stop by one of the South Coast’s busy townships or seaside retreats to experience the range of local events, craft markets and regional culinary hotspots.

Travel down the South Coast and find your ideal beachside getaway. Marvel at views of the breathtaking tree-lined Eastern Escarpment that frames the Illawarra region and visit a string of gorgeous seaside towns. In Wollongong, you’ll find a laid-back yet commercial hub with a multicultural feel and fantastic surf beaches. Shellharbour, Kiama and Batemans Bay are excellent vacation destinations for lovers of water-based adventure. Explore the Minnamurra River or Lake Illawarra on a fishing trip or with your kayak, windsurfer or Jet Ski.

Explore the natural splendor of the Shoalhaven region and check out Kangaroo Valley, Ettrema Wilderness and the Booderee National Park. Whether you’re exploring boutiques and cozy cafés in Nowra or pampering yourself in the coastal resort hubs of Milton and Ulladulla, you’re sure to find a rejuvenating vacation experience.

The stretch of coast known as Eurobodalla is threaded with pristine waterways and estuaries. Have beautiful beaches all to yourself or find solitude in the rugged mountain hinterlands to the west. The southernmost section of the region is known as the Sapphire Coast and is known for its fantastic fishing spots and dairy industry, which is centered on the farming town of Bega. Go fishing at the surrounding lakes or visit Eden to learn about the region’s whaling history.

Reach the South Coast by driving south from Sydney, catching the regional intercity train or flying into regional airports, such as Illawarra Regional Airport. Mild temperatures make the South Coast a year-round destination. Whether you seek seclusion in remarkable national parks and careening mountaintops or family-friendly beaches and captivating seaside towns, the South Coast has plenty to share.

Where to stay in South Coast

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Mollymook

Travellers come to Mollymook for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like Mollymook Golf Club and Mollymook Beach while you're in town.

Mollymook
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Shellharbour

Shellharbour is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Shellharbour South Beach and North Beach.

Shellharbour
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Mollymook Beach

Mollymook Beach is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Hilltop Golf Course and Mollymook Beach.

Mollymook Beach
Wollongong which includes outdoor art

Wollongong CBD

While visiting Wollongong CBD, you might make a stop by sights like Crown Street Mall and Wollongong Golf Club.

Wollongong CBD
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Thirroul

If you're spending some time in Thirroul, Thirroul Beach and McCauleys Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Thirroul
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Milton

Cafes and gardens are just a few things travellers like about Milton. A stop by Milton Theatre is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.

Milton
Nova Kiama
Nova Kiama
3.5 out of 5
31 Bong Bong St, Kiama, NSW
The price is ₹7,094 per night from 19 May to 20 May
₹7,094
per night
19 May - 20 May
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Kiama. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (352 reviews)
"Great posirion in Kiama with easy access to coffee shops, restaurants and shops. And for walks around the headland and up to the bloehole. Comfortable and pleasant especially rhe room with kitchenette"

Reviewed on 15 May 2024

Nova Kiama
Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
4.5 out of 5
2-14 Cliff Road, North Wollongong, NSW
The price is ₹10,241 per night from 10 Jun to 11 Jun
₹10,241
per night
10 Jun - 11 Jun
Stay at this beach hotel in Wollongong. Enjoy a beach locale, 4 bars/lounges and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
Location and views excellent
"Great location and fabulous balconies overlooking the cliffs with easy access to the beach. Staff forgot to refill the coffee supplies during the stay though"

Reviewed on 5 May 2024

Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
Sage Hotel Wollongong
Sage Hotel Wollongong
4 out of 5
60/62 Harbour Street, Wollongong, NSW
The price is ₹9,886 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
₹9,886
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
Stay at this 4-star golf hotel in Wollongong. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Our room was very spacious and comfortable. Lots of room for our daughters wheelchair. The only things i could winge about was that there was no microwave, the frige was leaking and the bathroom floor wasnt cleaned properly ... Other than that it was great."

Reviewed on 6 May 2024

Sage Hotel Wollongong
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Abode Hotel Malua Bay
Abode Hotel Malua Bay
3 out of 5
4 Kuppa Avenue, Malua Bay, NSW
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Malua Bay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (323 reviews)
Beach view
"Loved our spacious room with balcony and a beautiful ocean view. Staff were lovely and everything was so easy. About a 7 minute walk to club Malua. A nice Restaurant and a few shops just next door to us. Secure parking and about a 10 minute drive to mogo zoo."

Reviewed on 15 May 2024

Abode Hotel Malua Bay
Adina Apartment Hotel Wollongong
Adina Apartment Hotel Wollongong
4.5 out of 5
19 Market Street, Wollongong, NSW
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Wollongong. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,790 reviews)
"The room was clean and comfortable to stay. Stuff members were friendly"

Reviewed on 12 May 2024

Adina Apartment Hotel Wollongong
Quest Nowra
Quest Nowra
4.5 out of 5
130 Kinghorne Street, Nowra, NSW
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Nowra. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (371 reviews)
"Handy location. Great quest apartment. Loved the free icecreams! Appreciated weekend room service!"

Reviewed on 5 May 2024

Quest Nowra
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near South Coast