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
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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
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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Thirroul

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

Thirroul
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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 P8,038 per night from Dec 14 to Dec 15
P8,038
P8,842 total
Dec 14 - Dec 15
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! (1,004 reviews)
Room clean

Reviewed on Nov 14, 2025

Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
Sage Hotel Wollongong

Sage Hotel Wollongong

4 out of 5
60/62 Harbour Street Wollongong NSW
The price is P6,255 per night from Dec 15 to Dec 16
P6,255
P6,880 total
Dec 15 - Dec 16
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
Manager was really polite and friendly accesses accommodation when Wotif site mad 5 bookings and unable to cancel! Great venue clean rooms good breakfast and bar food happy hour great with snacks loved it! Helen

Reviewed on Nov 8, 2025

Sage Hotel Wollongong
Harp Hotel

Harp Hotel

2.5 out of 5
124 Corrimal Street Wollongong NSW
The price is P5,302 per night from Dec 1 to Dec 2
P5,302
P5,832 total
Dec 1 - Dec 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Wollongong. Enjoy free parking, a nightclub, and conference space. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (476 reviews)
The air was effective. The room very clean and well serviced. The staff were very friendly, polite and helpful. Chloe in particular was wonderful. Extremely efficient and considerate. She arranged a taxi for us and checked on us while waiting offering an umbrella if required. A valuable and pleasant ...

Reviewed on Nov 10, 2025

Harp Hotel
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! (1,596 reviews)
Just stayed one night,shower needed better cleaning as some mould visible, rest of apartment could not fault very spacey and clean

Reviewed on Oct 22, 2025

Mantra Wollongong
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! (469 reviews)
Room was spotless with all the amenities we needed. Fabulous stay there

Reviewed on Nov 16, 2025

Abode Hotel Malua Bay
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! (1,940 reviews)
The staff were very friendly and accommodating. Our room was spacious and comfortable and having a laundry in the space was an extra bonus. I would definitely recommend the Adina apartments and would stay again. Thankyou for our pleasant stay.

Reviewed on Nov 12, 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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