South Coast

Travel Guide

Collingwood Beach showing a beach and general coastal views
Eden featuring boating, bird life and a bay or harbor
Collingwood Beach showing a beach and a bay or harbor as well as a small group of people
Collingwood Beach featuring general coastal views and a beach as well as a large group of people
Main Beach Recreation Reserve showing a beach and general coastal views

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

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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
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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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
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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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Shell Cove

Travelers like the golf courses in Shell Cove, and Links Shell Cove Golf Course is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Shell Cove
Novotel Wollongong Northbeach

Novotel Wollongong Northbeach

4.5 out of 5
2-14 Cliff Road, North Wollongong, NSW
The price is P7,731 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P7,731
P8,505 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Breakfast was good & the room was excellent only thing which was disappointing was the mattress as it was too soft and it felt like you were in a sink hole. My wife ended up sleeping on the couch. Wouldn’t hurt to drop the cost of parking. Overall we were very happy."

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
Nova Kiama

Nova Kiama

3.5 out of 5
31 Bong Bong St, Kiama, NSW
The price is P5,021 per night from Aug 20 to Aug 21
P5,021
P5,523 total
Aug 20 - Aug 21
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (620 reviews)
"We had a lovely stay here. The rooms are modern and very clean. Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

Nova Kiama
Sage Hotel Wollongong

Sage Hotel Wollongong

4 out of 5
60/62 Harbour Street, Wollongong, NSW
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P5,196 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P5,196
P5,716 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,003 reviews)
"It was a great place, third time I have stayed"

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Sage Hotel 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.
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! (1,576 reviews)
"Accomodation is very tired and run down. Needs a thorough deep clean"

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

Mantra Wollongong
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (632 reviews)
"Absolutely loved our days away. Clean, stylish room, wonder view of ocean, comfortable bed"

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

Headlands Austinmer Beach
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 and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,917 reviews)
"This is our second stay at this property and we will be back. The staff a incredibly friendly and helpful. Location is the biggest factor on why we would return. The property is alittle dated, but jt was reasonably clean for its age"

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2025

Adina Apartment Hotel 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.

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