South Coast Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Collingwood Beach showing general coastal views and a sandy beach
Eden featuring bird life, a bay or harbour and boating
Collingwood Beach featuring a bay or harbour and a beach 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 featuring general coastal views and a sandy beach
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

Austinmer

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Austinmer. You might want to make time for a stop at Austinmer Beach or Little Austinmer Beach.

Austinmer
Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
4.5 out of 5
2-14 Cliff Road, North Wollongong, NSW
The price is AU$221 per night from 16 Dec to 17 Dec
AU$221
includes taxes & fees
16 Dec - 17 Dec
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! (1,000 reviews)
"X"

Reviewed on 19 Nov. 2024

Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
Sage Hotel Wollongong
Sage Hotel Wollongong
4 out of 5
60/62 Harbour Street, Wollongong, NSW
The price is AU$229 per night from 8 Dec to 9 Dec
AU$229
includes taxes & fees
8 Dec - 9 Dec
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 clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"We stay at Sage regularly as it enables us to visit our daughters, however, over time it is becoming tired. The chair in the room was worn through on the arm, the curtains are worn and the worst part this time was the dank damp smell in the room - bit like wet dog. The bed is comfortable and the ..."

Reviewed on 12 Nov. 2024

Sage Hotel Wollongong
Hotel TOTTO
Hotel TOTTO
4 out of 5
60 Market Street, Wollongong, NSW
The price is AU$178 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
AU$178
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Wollongong. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8/10 Very Good! (372 reviews)
"I stayed in a room with an accessible bathroom and whilst there was a shower curtain, water spread over 2/3rds of the floor. It took a long time to dry. I suggest that a squiggle mop be provided to wipe the floor. The bed squeaked always when I first got into it, but was OK as I slept well. The best ..."

Reviewed on 14 Nov. 2024

Hotel TOTTO
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 WiFi, parking (surcharge), and onsite car rentals. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,482 reviews)
"It is a great place to stay and Sammy on the front desk was just fantastic."

Reviewed on 8 Nov. 2024

Mantra Wollongong
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! (384 reviews)
"Nice location, room was comfortable, only bad point was shower cubicle which has no door and made the bathroom floor wet every time used, also the shower head was not good, spraying water in every direction. Staff were nice and helpful."

Reviewed on 15 Nov. 2024

Abode Hotel Malua Bay
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 WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (587 reviews)
"Great location. Beautiful view. Good sized, well-equipped rooms. Very clean. Easy parking. Bit expensive. Overall, great experience."

Reviewed on 5 Nov. 2024

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

Activities

Cities near South Coast