South Coast

Travel Guide

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

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 which includes 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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Austinmer

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Austinmer. You might want to make time for a stop at Austinmer Beach or Little Austinmer Beach.

Austinmer
Sage Hotel Wollongong
Sage Hotel Wollongong
4 out of 5
60/62 Harbour Street, Wollongong, NSW
The price is €109 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
€109
includes taxes & fees
3 Apr - 4 Apr
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Very convenient to the stadium and entertainment centre. Walking distance to wonderful restaurants and nightclubs."

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2025

Sage Hotel Wollongong
Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
4.5 out of 5
2-14 Cliff Road, North Wollongong, NSW
The price is €138 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
€138
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Staff and room were amazing"

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2025

Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
Mantra Wollongong
Mantra Wollongong
4.5 out of 5
6-10 Gladstone Ave, Wollongong, NSW
The price is €97 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
€97
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
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! (1,522 reviews)
"We were a family of 4 and had a one night stay at the Mantra. It ticked all the boxes. It is on a main road so the surrounds are particularly picturesque but it was quiet and had plenty of street parking. We'd definitely go back as it was good value relative to other accommodation options in the ..."

Reviewed on 22 Feb 2025

Mantra 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 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! (1,522 reviews)
"We were a family of 4 and had a one night stay at the Mantra. It ticked all the boxes. It is on a main road so the surrounds are particularly picturesque but it was quiet and had plenty of street parking. We'd definitely go back as it was good value relative to other accommodation options in the ..."

Reviewed on 22 Feb 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! (602 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on 8 Mar 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! (411 reviews)
"Across the street from the beach"

Reviewed on 11 Mar 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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