South Coast Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A wooden sign for NSW Jervis Bay National Park with a beach and ocean in the background.
A beach with clear turquoise water, rocky shore, and dense green trees.
A beach with clear turquoise water, a sandy shore, and a forested island in the distance.
A sandy beach with waves, a few people, and houses in the background.
A beach with clear turquoise water, sandy shore, and a forested hill in the background.

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 holiday 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 splendour 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 cosy cafés in Nowra or pampering yourself in the coastal resort hubs of Milton and Ulladulla, you’re sure to find a rejuvenating holiday 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 centred 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.

Sage Hotel Wollongong

Sage Hotel Wollongong

4 out of 5
60/62 Harbour Street Wollongong NSW
The price is £98 per night from 13 Dec to 14 Dec
£98
13 Dec - 14 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this golf hotel in Wollongong. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
Sage Hotel Wollongong
Nova Kiama

Nova Kiama

3.5 out of 5
31 Bong Bong St Kiama NSW
The price is £90 per night from 13 Dec to 14 Dec
£90
13 Dec - 14 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kiama. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (829 reviews)
"It was lovely"

Reviewed on 12 Nov 2026

Nova Kiama
Abode Hotel Malua Bay

Abode Hotel Malua Bay

3 out of 5
4 Kuppa Avenue Malua Bay NSW
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £81 per night from 3 Dec to 4 Dec
£81
3 Dec - 4 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Malua Bay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
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.
Abode Hotel Malua Bay

Abode Hotel Malua Bay

3 out of 5
4 Kuppa Avenue Malua Bay NSW
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Malua Bay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
Abode Hotel Malua Bay
Wollongong Serviced Apartments

Wollongong Serviced Apartments

4 out of 5
54 Kembla Street Wollongong NSW
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Wollongong. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
Wollongong Serviced Apartments
Mantra Wollongong

Mantra Wollongong

4.5 out of 5
6-10 Gladstone Ave Wollongong NSW
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Wollongong. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and on-site car hire. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
Mantra Wollongong
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

Things to do

Cities near South Coast

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