South Coast

Travel Guide
Eden showing bird life, boating and a bay or harbour
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

Travelers 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 featuring 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

While visiting Thirroul, you might make a stop by sights like Thirroul Beach and McCauleys Beach.

Thirroul
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Milton

Visitors to Milton like its cafes and gardens, and Milton Theatre is a sight worth a stop.

Milton
Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
4.5 out of 5
2-14 Cliff Road, North Wollongong, NSW
The price is CA $166 per night from Jun. 10 to Jun. 11
CA $166
CA $183 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 10 - Jun 11
Book a 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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,002 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 May 5, 2024

Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
Sage Hotel Wollongong
Sage Hotel Wollongong
4 out of 5
60/62 Harbour Street, Wollongong, NSW
The price is CA $160 per night from Jun. 2 to Jun. 3
CA $160
CA $176 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 2 - Jun 3
Stay at this 4-star golf hotel in Wollongong. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,002 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 May 6, 2024

Sage Hotel Wollongong
Nova Kiama
Nova Kiama
3.5 out of 5
31 Bong Bong St, Kiama, NSW
The price is CA $115 per night from May 19 to May 20
CA $115
CA $126 total
includes taxes & fees
May 19 - May 20
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Kiama. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (350 reviews)
Enjoyable Stay
"Lovely quiet place, clean/tidy, staff were very nice. Good location."

Reviewed on May 6, 2024

Nova Kiama
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 WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,802 reviews)
"The room was clean and comfortable to stay. Stuff members were friendly"

Reviewed on May 12, 2024

Adina Apartment Hotel Wollongong
Linnaeus Farm, Berry - by Linnaeus Collection
Linnaeus Farm, Berry - by Linnaeus Collection
Berry
Stay at this vacation home in Berry. Enjoy private pools, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Berry Courthouse and Berry Museum are located nearby.
8.6/10 Excellent! (3 reviews)
Beautiful
"Such a gorgeous property! Truly magical!"

Reviewed on Apr. 1, 2024

Linnaeus Farm, Berry - by Linnaeus Collection
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 WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (321 reviews)
"Great hotel, friendly staff, amenities were amazing."

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

Abode Hotel Malua Bay
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