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

Sunrise at Mollymook beach Ulladulla

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
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

If you're spending some time in Thirroul, Thirroul Beach and McCauleys Beach are top sights worth seeing.

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
Sage Hotel Wollongong

Sage Hotel Wollongong

4 out of 5
60/62 Harbour Street Wollongong NSW
The price is NZ$234 per night from 26 Mar to 27 Mar
NZ$234
26 Mar - 27 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this golf hotel in Wollongong. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
Clean, friendly staff, perfect location

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2026

Sage Hotel Wollongong
Novotel Wollongong Northbeach

Novotel Wollongong Northbeach

4.5 out of 5
2-14 Cliff Road North Wollongong NSW
The price is NZ$288 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
NZ$288
29 Mar - 30 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Wollongong. Enjoy a beach locale, 4 bars/lounges and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
Side view of ocean but mainly a flat roof

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2026

Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
Hotel TOTTO Wollongong

Hotel TOTTO Wollongong

4 out of 5
60 Market Street Wollongong NSW
The price is NZ$179 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
NZ$179
29 Mar - 30 Mar
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (610 reviews)
Everything was amazing

Reviewed on 19 Mar 2026

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.
Mantra Wollongong

Mantra Wollongong

4.5 out of 5
6-10 Gladstone Ave Wollongong NSW
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Wollongong. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and on-site car hire. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,636 reviews)
Room was ok but run down but if you want a sleep in this place may not be for you with the construction going on next door with the big machinery breaking rock

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2026

Mantra Wollongong
Abode Hotel Malua Bay

Abode Hotel Malua Bay

3 out of 5
4 Kuppa Avenue Malua Bay NSW
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Malua Bay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (492 reviews)
Xracka hotel v good

Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026

Abode Hotel Malua Bay
Quest Nowra

Quest Nowra

4.5 out of 5
130 Kinghorne Street Nowra NSW
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Nowra. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Popular attractions Nowra Museum and Stockland Nowra are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (484 reviews)
Very comfortable with the washer, dryer and full Kitchen

Reviewed on 13 Mar 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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Cities near South Coast

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