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

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
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

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

Thirroul
Shell Cove

Shell Cove

Travelers like the golf courses in Shell Cove, and Links Shell Cove Golf Course 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 NT$3,508 per night from May 3 to May 4
NT$3,508
NT$3,859 total
May 3 - May 4
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! (1,013 reviews)
The room was comfortable and clean and the staff were very helpful.

Reviewed on 2026/4/12

Sage Hotel Wollongong
Novotel Wollongong Northbeach

Novotel Wollongong Northbeach

4.5 out of 5
2-14 Cliff Road North Wollongong NSW
The price is NT$5,495 per night from Apr 19 to Apr 20
NT$5,495
NT$6,044 total
Apr 19 - Apr 20
includes taxes & fees
Book a 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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
Partially visible ocean view. Overall satisfied.

Reviewed on 2026/4/7

Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
Hotel TOTTO Wollongong

Hotel TOTTO Wollongong

4 out of 5
60 Market Street Wollongong NSW
The price is NT$3,074 per night from May 6 to May 7
NT$3,074
NT$3,381 total
May 6 - May 7
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! (613 reviews)
The showers were not clean. The power point in one of the rooms didn’t work. The was poor reception on the television

Reviewed on 2026/4/11

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
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,643 reviews)
Awsome

Reviewed on 2026/4/11

Mantra 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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (489 reviews)
We had a great start at Quest Nowra during Easter.

Reviewed on 2026/4/11

Quest Nowra
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! (1,975 reviews)
Overall good.

Reviewed on 2026/4/2

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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near South Coast

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