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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Austinmer

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Austinmer. You might want to make time for a stop at Austinmer Beach or Sharky Beach.

Austinmer
Nova Kiama
Nova Kiama
3.5 out of 5
31 Bong Bong St, Kiama, NSW
The price is ฿2,892 per night from 19 Jun to 20 Jun
฿2,892
per night
19 Jun - 20 Jun
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (359 reviews)
"Had a great stay at Nova Kiama. Walking distance to attractions in the town, cafes and clubs. Would definitely stay there again."

Reviewed on 15 Jun 2024

Nova Kiama
Sage Hotel Wollongong
Sage Hotel Wollongong
4 out of 5
60/62 Harbour Street, Wollongong, NSW
The price is ฿4,090 per night from 1 Jul to 2 Jul
฿4,090
per night
1 Jul - 2 Jul
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Great hotel. Really comfy beds."

Reviewed on 15 Jun 2024

Sage Hotel Wollongong
Hotel TOTTO
Hotel TOTTO
4 out of 5
60 Market Street, Wollongong, NSW
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿3,512 per night from 30 Jun to 1 Jul
฿3,512
per night
30 Jun - 1 Jul
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Wollongong. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (336 reviews)
"Great location, modern and clean facilities with a cafe at the doorstep."

Reviewed on 12 Jun 2024

Hotel TOTTO
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.
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! (1,812 reviews)
"Great place to stay midweek, so close to everything, able to walk to shops, restaurants and beachfront. Spa bath needs a good scrub."

Reviewed on 11 Jun 2024

Adina Apartment Hotel Wollongong
Mantra Wollongong
Mantra Wollongong
4.5 out of 5
6-10 Gladstone Ave, Wollongong, NSW
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Wollongong. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and on-site car hire. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,440 reviews)
"Check-in was fine. I would suggest as parking is crazy in the Gong. Incorporate parking in the price of your stay. I think $287 a night fair with parking, when mentioned x-tra for secure parking, that’s strange. All should be in the room stay."

Reviewed on 14 Jun 2024

Mantra 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! (376 reviews)
"Great option nice rooms and facilities"

Reviewed on 10 Jun 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.

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Things to do

Cities near South Coast