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

Default Image

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
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 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
Default Image

Thirroul

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

Thirroul
Default Image

Shell Cove

Travelers like the golf courses in Shell Cove, and The Farm 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 P8,908 per night from Jan 27 to Jan 28
P8,908
P9,799 total
Jan 27 - Jan 28
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
The staff, spacious comfortable room, private balcony with peaceful seaside outlook. Fabulous beach access!

Reviewed on Dec 28, 2025

Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
Sage Hotel Wollongong

Sage Hotel Wollongong

4 out of 5
60/62 Harbour Street Wollongong NSW
The price is P8,174 per night from Jan 8 to Jan 9
P8,174
P8,991 total
Jan 8 - Jan 9
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
Clean room, comfortable bed, nice bathroom - could not fault this hotel. The staff are very friendly and helpful - we had purchased take-away and I asked if the hotel could lend us some plates and cutlery. The lady at the desk ducked out the back and returned with just what we wanted in less than ...

Reviewed on Dec 27, 2025

Sage Hotel Wollongong
Hotel TOTTO Wollongong

Hotel TOTTO Wollongong

4 out of 5
60 Market Street Wollongong NSW
The price is P5,488 per night from Feb 2 to Feb 3
P5,488
P6,037 total
Feb 2 - Feb 3
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Wollongong. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (556 reviews)
Nice hotel in the centre of town. Staff were very friendly and attentive. The building was very modern and clean. The rooms were clean and tidy, and although they were not overly spacious, they served our purpose over Christmas. The bed was very comfortable as were the pillows, great pillows. We'd ...

Reviewed on Dec 27, 2025

Hotel TOTTO 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.
Abode Hotel Malua Bay

Abode Hotel Malua Bay

3 out of 5
4 Kuppa Avenue Malua Bay NSW
Book a stay at this 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! (475 reviews)
Very good experience

Reviewed on Dec 21, 2025

Abode Hotel Malua Bay
Mantra Wollongong

Mantra Wollongong

4.5 out of 5
6-10 Gladstone Ave Wollongong NSW
Book a stay at this 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! (1,604 reviews)
They don’t move the blinds to clean so there was dead bugs by the windows and under the bed was very dirty. Needs a Reno and a good clean! Spacious though and good if you have a dog.

Reviewed on Dec 6, 2025

Mantra 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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (459 reviews)
Clean room and great amenities including a gym. Lots of options for parking. Good location with only a 20 minute drive away to spend time exploring Huskisson and Jervis Bay.

Reviewed on Dec 28, 2025

Quest Nowra
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