South Coast

Travel Guide

South Coast
South Coast
South Coast
South Coast
South Coast

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
Aerial view of Mollymook Beach, Shoalhaven, NSW, Australia

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 CBD

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
Shell Cove

Shell Cove

Travellers like the golf courses in Shell Cove, and The Farm is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Shell Cove
Sage Hotel Wollongong

Sage Hotel Wollongong

4 out of 5
60/62 Harbour Street Wollongong NSW
The price is RM397 per night from 21 Jun to 22 Jun
RM397
RM437 total
21 Jun - 22 Jun
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Jalen at the front desk was absolutely outstanding in welcoming us and ensuring we had everything we needed to have a comfortable stay. A credit to the hotel. All staff were very friendly and the room was so spacious, fresh and comfortable. Highly recommend"

Reviewed on 19 May 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 RM617 per night from 21 Jun to 22 Jun
RM617
RM679 total
21 Jun - 22 Jun
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Always a fantastic stay"

Reviewed on 18 May 2026

Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
Nova Kiama

Nova Kiama

3.5 out of 5
31 Bong Bong St Kiama NSW
The price is RM382 per night from 25 May to 26 May
RM382
RM420 total
25 May - 26 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kiama. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (767 reviews)
"Well positioned and secure parking. Clean facilities and good size rooms."

Reviewed on 18 May 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.
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! (500 reviews)
"The room was fine. It was clean. Had to pay for parking which was disappointing."

Reviewed on 19 May 2026

Quest Nowra
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! (1,651 reviews)
"PARKING WAS GOOD CLEAN ROOM FRIENDLY STAFF"

Reviewed on 19 May 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! (508 reviews)
"Great view, quiet, clean, spacious and comfortable. Staff very helpful. Local restaurants & cafes are sensational. We enjoyed our 3 day stay and will return."

Reviewed on 19 May 2026

Abode Hotel Malua Bay
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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