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South Coast New South Wales
From Wollongong to Merimbula, life is one long beach on the south coast. And you can be in the swim of it all in just 2 hours from Sydney and 6 from Melbourne.
Enjoy marine sports of all sorts in Wollongong. Thrill to Kiama’s famous blowhole. Check out the fishing at Ulladulla. Ride the great surf at Mollymook.
Or experience all the delights of Batemans Bay – great fishing, good family beaches and ocean beaches, tranquil lakes and secluded inlets.
A few hours south from Sydney, you'll find a charming strip of unspoilt coastline offering pristine beaches, picturesque seaside towns and quaint rural villages.
Stretching from Berry to Eden, the South Coast contains no less than 10 separate national and marine parks.
Create your own fun in this wonderful natural environment - whether you want secluded beaches or majestic bushland. There's everything from guided mountain biking to four-wheel drive tours.
Each national park has its own special charms from the world's whitest sand beaches and abundant wildlife, to pristine shingle beaches and rugged headlands.
For something completely different, meander through Kangaroo Valley or the quaint arts and crafts villages of the region. There are also many wineries that offer local award winning wines.
Nature lovers can enjoy a whale or dolphin watch cruise, an offshore fishing charter or a leisurely river cruise. For those who can't catch their own, sumptuous fish, crayfish, crab, oysters and prawns are available everywhere.
The South Coast is just waiting to be explored.
Wollongong
One of New South Wales' biggest cities, Wollongong has prospered in its time, but managed to keep its mellow sensibility. It stands by example as a fine place to springboard into the rest of the New South Wales' South Coast pleasures.
Wollongong Harbour can make for both an intimate afternoon and a family-oriented day and a stroll through the Botanic gardens is hugely enjoyable. And it's merely a short distance to beaches at neighbouring suburbs, including Stanwell Park, Coledale, and Sandon Point at Thirroul. Australian history buffs will definitely want to discover facts about Wollongong's major foundation in coalmining.
Remember how holidays used to be? Carefree, filled with laughter, shiny fresh prawns, cool drinks and the sleep of the content. A chance to recharge your batteries to prepare with coping with life's daily stresses. You can have a real break on Eurobodalla's Nature Coast. Just four hours out of Sydney by car, why not enjoy the drive down the Highway.
Batemans Bay
On the Clyde Rivera's broad estuary, Batemans Bay is the launching point for houseboat adventures along the river's 38 navigable kilometres. There are numerous beautiful beaches nearby and surfing, boating, snorkelling and fishing experiences for all. Forest and coastal walks are popular, including the historic Corn Trail, Murramarang National Park, Shallow Crossing & South Durras. In spring, watch for magnificent migrating whales on their way to the southern oceans to nurse their young.
Batemans Bay offers local seafood restaurant, casual cafes, art galleries and studios. Birdland Animal Park has close encounters with native fauna, while further south at Mogo Zoo get up close to many exotic species.
Merimbula
Taking it easy in Merimbula is not a privilege, it's the only way there is. The resort in the middle of the Sapphire Coast is one of the prime places to engage in activities such as a day picnic, a long walk or an afternoon at one of the town's clean, clear blue beaches. Take a cruise to Gabo Island and see the historic lighthouse or join a whale watching cruise in April, May and June.
Ulladulla
Ulladulla, with its small but enticing natural harbour, has long been a firm favourite for keen fishers, ever since it was originally christened 'Boat Harbour'. It's also a great spot for swimming and surfing, and bushwalking can be had along the neighbouring Budawang Range. From late April to May, the town becomes the focus of attention on the South Coast, hosting the Blessing of Fleets Festival.
Beaches
North of Wollongong you’ll find Sandon Point, Austinmer and Sharkies Beach, all excellent for swimming. To the south there’s Pebbly Beach, famous for its kangaroos. Hyams Beach on Jervis Bay boasts the whitest sand in the world and its own resident pod of dolphins.
For the best surf beach, get down to Mollymook, showpiece of the south coast and home to both State and National Surf Life Saving Championships almost every year.
Destination Guides
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Where to Eat
Lorenzo’s Diner
119 Keira Street, Wollongong
Chef Lorenzo Pagnan cooks superb northern Italian food with great style. A
treat. Open Mon-Sat for dinner and Fri for lunch.
Ph: 02 4229 5633
Harbourside Restaurant
84 Princes Highway, Ulladulla
Excellent position overlooking the harbour.
Ph: 02 4455 3377
On the Pier
Old Punt Road, Batemans Bay
Featured in SMH Guide. Friendly, polished service with great seafood and extensive
wine list.
Ph: 02 4472 6405
Must See Must Do
The Nan Tien Buddhist Temple
Berkeley Road, Berkeley
Take the spiritual path just a few kilometres south of Wollongong’s city
centre, to the largest Buddhist Temple in the Southern Hemisphere. Awe-inspiring.
Ph: 02 4272 0600
The Terrace – Kiama
Collins Street, Kiama
Visit Kiama’s historic building complex and check out the specialty shops
and eateries.
Shoalhaven Wineries
Be surprised by the quality of wines from Shoalhaven – try Coolangatta Estate Wines at Shoalhaven Heads for starters.
Fishing Charters
Experience the thrill of a leaping marlin or streaking yellowfin tuna.
Minnamurra Rainforest
Situated in the Budderoo National Park, this centre has 1.4km of elevated boardwalk through stunning rainforest.