South Coast Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Collingwood Beach showing general coastal views and a beach
Eden which includes a bay or harbour, boating and bird life
Collingwood Beach which includes a beach and a bay or harbour as well as a small group of people
Collingwood Beach which includes a beach and general coastal views as well as a large group of people
Main Beach Recreation Reserve which includes a beach and general coastal views

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 HighlandsOpens in a new window 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 IllawarraOpens in a new window region and visit a string of gorgeous seaside towns. In WollongongOpens in a new window, you’ll find a laid-back yet commercial hub with a multicultural feel and fantastic surf beaches. ShellharbourOpens in a new window, KiamaOpens in a new window and Batemans BayOpens in a new window 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 ValleyOpens in a new window, 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 CoastOpens in a new window 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

Default Image

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
Default Image

Shellharbour

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

Shellharbour
Default Image

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
Default Image

Thirroul

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

Thirroul
Default Image

Shell Cove

Travellers like the golf courses in Shell Cove, and Links Shell Cove Golf Course is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Shell Cove
Novotel Wollongong Northbeach

Novotel Wollongong Northbeach

4.5 out of 5
2-14 Cliff Road, North Wollongong, NSW
The price is ฿4,805 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
฿4,805
฿5,285 total
9 Nov - 10 Nov
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,018 reviews)
"Made our wedding engagement a special experience"

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
Sage Hotel Wollongong

Sage Hotel Wollongong

4 out of 5
60/62 Harbour Street, Wollongong, NSW
The price is ฿3,595 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
฿3,595
฿3,954 total
9 Nov - 10 Nov
includes taxes & fees
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 clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,010 reviews)
"This is a very lovely hotel close to the beach, WIN stadium and Wollongong entertainment centre so if you are attending anything at those pleaces then staying here will top off the experience . We were syaying here for the darts and were pleasantly surprised to see alot of the players also stay ..."

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Sage Hotel Wollongong
Lakeside Inn Illawarra

Lakeside Inn Illawarra

2.5 out of 5
140-146 Windang Rd, Windang, NSW
The price is ฿2,744 per night from 4 Nov to 5 Nov
฿2,744
฿3,018 total
4 Nov - 5 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Wollongong. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
7/10 Good! (479 reviews)
"Great staff and restaurant"

Reviewed on 20 Oct 2025

Lakeside Inn Illawarra
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.
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,591 reviews)
"The 2 bedroom we had for the night was comfortable and well maintained. Although we could see marks and scratches on the furniture, the unit was clean and the carpet seemed new. Best of all, it is a pet friendly hotel which is rare in Australia, sadly. Our baby Shiba loved her stay. Thank you for ..."

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

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. Popular attractions Nowra Museum and Stockland ...
9/10 Wonderful! (449 reviews)
"Friendly and helpful staff, clean rooms and secure parking underneath. The microwave smelt bad and needed a good clean but other than that it was a good place to stay."

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Quest Nowra
Headlands Austinmer Beach

Headlands Austinmer Beach

4 out of 5
1 Yuruga Street, Austinmer, NSW
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Wollongong. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (643 reviews)
"We found the one bedroom apartment was large enough for three adult. The room was quite even considering we were next to the pool. I found the the sound of the surf during the night quite pleasant."

Reviewed on 28 Sept 2025

Headlands Austinmer Beach
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

Things to do

Cities near South Coast