South Coast

Travel Guide

A beach with clear turquoise water, rocky shore, and dense green trees.
Two pelicans standing on rocks by the water with a sailboat in the background.
A beach with clear turquoise water, a person in a colorful dress, and a distant shoreline.
A crowded beach with people walking and playing in the water.
A beach with clear turquoise water, gentle waves, and a wide sandy shore under a partly cloudy sky.

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.

Nova Kiama

Nova Kiama

3.5 out of 5
31 Bong Bong St Kiama NSW
The price is CA $132 per night from Aug 13 to Aug 14
CA $132
CA $145 total
Aug 13 - Aug 14
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kiama. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (787 reviews)
"I give full mark as the hotel is in an excellent location, friendly staff, always smile and give warm welcome. Car park is secured. Some facilities need to be improved, bath door is difficult to lock, the room is too hot and unable to adjust the room temperature. Overall is good experience in ..."

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2026

Nova Kiama
Sage Hotel Wollongong

Sage Hotel Wollongong

4 out of 5
60/62 Harbour Street Wollongong NSW
The price is CA $143 per night from Aug 9 to Aug 10
CA $143
CA $158 total
Aug 9 - Aug 10
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Wollongong. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
"Clean rooms Vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv."

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2026

Sage Hotel Wollongong
Novotel Wollongong Northbeach

Novotel Wollongong Northbeach

4.5 out of 5
2-14 Cliff Road North Wollongong NSW
The price is CA $220 per night from Aug 13 to Aug 14
CA $220
CA $242 total
Aug 13 - Aug 14
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Wollongong. Enjoy a beach locale, 4 bars/lounges, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Room was pun not intended roomy, simple yet stylish bathroom, room was soundproof and the view was amazing. Staff were welcoming and checking in and out were efficient."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2026

Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
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
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Wollongong. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,997 reviews)
"The room was as described and the bed very comfortable, a definite highlight. No restaurant or cafe on site but many options nearby."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2026

Adina Apartment Hotel Wollongong
Quest Nowra

Quest Nowra

4.5 out of 5
130 Kinghorne Street Nowra NSW
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Nowra. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Nowra Museum and Stockland Nowra ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (509 reviews)
"We stayed there before and found it a great place to stay plenty of room amenities were great convenient to everything ,It was good to have sercurity parking ,would thoroughly recommend the Quest Nowra .We had a great meal in the Restaurant Two Brown Men next door."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2026

Quest Nowra
Wollongong Serviced Apartments

Wollongong Serviced Apartments

4 out of 5
54 Kembla Street Wollongong NSW
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Wollongong. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (601 reviews)
"Clean room. Plenty of off street parking/secure. Central to most things."

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2026

Wollongong Serviced Apartments
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.

Stay near popular South Coast attractions

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