South Coast

Travel Guide

Collingwood Beach featuring a sandy beach and general coastal views
Eden showing a bay or harbor, boating and bird life
Collingwood Beach featuring a sandy beach and a bay or harbor as well as a small group of people
Collingwood Beach featuring a sandy beach and general coastal views as well as a large group of people
Main Beach Recreation Reserve featuring general coastal views and a 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

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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
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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

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

Thirroul
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Shell Cove

Travellers 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 RM621 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
RM621
RM683 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
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! (1,017 reviews)
"Very pleasant and helpful staff. Relaxed and friendly atmosphere."

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
Sage Hotel Wollongong

Sage Hotel Wollongong

4 out of 5
60/62 Harbour Street, Wollongong, NSW
The price is RM464 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
RM464
RM511 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star 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! (1,009 reviews)
"This is a very lovely hotel close to the beach, WIN stadium and Wollongong entertainment centre so if you are attending anything at those pleaces then staying here will top off the experience . We were syaying here for the darts and were pleasantly surprised to see alot of the players also stay ..."

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Sage Hotel Wollongong
Harp Hotel

Harp Hotel

2.5 out of 5
124 Corrimal Street, Wollongong, NSW
The price is RM337 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
RM337
RM371 total
20 Oct - 21 Oct
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! (455 reviews)
"Clean - but music loud of an evening"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 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! (1,590 reviews)
"The 2 bedroom we had for the night was comfortable and well maintained. Although we could see marks and scratches on the furniture, the unit was clean and the carpet seemed new. Best of all, it is a pet friendly hotel which is rare in Australia, sadly. Our baby Shiba loved her stay. Thank you for ..."

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

Mantra Wollongong
Headlands Austinmer Beach

Headlands Austinmer Beach

4 out of 5
1 Yuruga Street, Austinmer, NSW
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Wollongong. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (643 reviews)
"We found the one bedroom apartment was large enough for three adult. The room was quite even considering we were next to the pool. I found the the sound of the surf during the night quite pleasant."

Reviewed on 28 Sept 2025

Headlands Austinmer Beach
Abode Hotel Malua Bay

Abode Hotel Malua Bay

3 out of 5
4 Kuppa Avenue, Malua Bay, NSW
Stay at this 3-star 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! (459 reviews)
"The property was along the coastal route by the ocean front and not far from Batemans Bay. My room was on level 2 with an ocean view. It was a very spacious studio apartment furnished with dining table and two double beds. The bathroom was large combined with laundry facilities. Kitchen facility ..."

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

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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