South Coast

Travel Guide

Collingwood Beach showing a beach and general coastal views
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

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

The Mollymook beach in Ulladulla, New South Wales, Australia.

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
Panorama view from Bass Point Reserve across Pacific Ocean to Mystics Beach on Minnamurra and spit with Saddleback Mountain in distance,  Shellharbour, New South Wales Australia

Shellharbour

Shellharbour is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Shellharbour South Beach and North Beach.

Shellharbour
The Mollymook beach in Ulladulla, New South Wales, Australia.; Shutterstock ID 538001260; Purchase Order: SP-2381; Order Number: SP-2381 STAYZ/VRBO/BOOKABACH Nov 2019 - Image Research; Client/Licensee

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
I've just spent five days on the Grand Pacific Drive starting in Wollongong. I would highly recommend this for a road trip as it passes through the cutest little towns; Kiama, Shoalhaven, Shellharbour and Southern Highlands. Make sure you grab a feed at the Hungry Monkey in Kiama, visit Bombo Quarry, waterfalls in the Highlands and Greenfields Beach is adorable! Oh, and Pilgrim cafe and Diggies cafe. So much to see, do and eat!

Wollongong CBD

While visiting Wollongong CBD, you might make a stop by sights like Crown Street Mall and Wollongong Golf Club.

Wollongong CBD
Approaching rain over Illawarra Escarpment

Thirroul

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

Thirroul
Sandon Point

Bulli

Bulli is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Bulli Beach and Sandon Point Beach.

Bulli
Novotel Wollongong Northbeach

Novotel Wollongong Northbeach

4.5 out of 5
2-14 Cliff Road North Wollongong NSW
The price is P8,911 per night from Mar 8 to Mar 9
P8,911
P9,802 total
Mar 8 - Mar 9
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! (1,002 reviews)
Room clean staff friendly main bar great with good music. Eat in restaurant Saturday night and had a great meal with very friendly waiters

Reviewed on Feb 10, 2026

Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
Sage Hotel Wollongong

Sage Hotel Wollongong

4 out of 5
60/62 Harbour Street Wollongong NSW
The price is P6,342 per night from Mar 9 to Mar 10
P6,342
P6,976 total
Mar 9 - Mar 10
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! (1,000 reviews)
Clean Quiet nice breakfasts and dinner friendly reception people

Reviewed on Feb 5, 2026

Sage Hotel Wollongong
Nova Kiama

Nova Kiama

3.5 out of 5
31 Bong Bong St Kiama NSW
The price is P7,513 per night from Mar 3 to Mar 4
P7,513
P8,265 total
Mar 3 - Mar 4
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this 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! (722 reviews)
Pleasant staff member at the front desk. Room very pleasant with a comfortable bed. Cute coffee van in the foyer. Pub next door had great food.

Reviewed on Feb 14, 2026

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.
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! (1,623 reviews)
Clean, spacious & quiet

Reviewed on Jan 16, 2026

Mantra Wollongong
Adina Apartment Hotel Wollongong

Adina Apartment Hotel Wollongong

4.5 out of 5
19 Market Street Wollongong NSW
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Wollongong. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,959 reviews)
Comfortable room with good facilities.

Reviewed on Jan 24, 2026

Adina Apartment Hotel 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! (475 reviews)
Very good 👍

Reviewed on Feb 10, 2026

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.

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