From hinterland waterfalls to powdery stretches of some of the world’s whitest sand, the NSW South Coast is a playground for outdoor lovers. Whether you’re whale watching, surfing, hiking, diving or kayaking, every turn invites a new kind of adventure.
- 3 min read
Walk the coast
Why be satisfied with one great coastal view when you can experience one after another, all day long? Hit the 20km Kiama Coast Walk and you’ll be front and centre to the dramatic beauty of the South Coast, from the Minnamurra River to Werri Beach. Four-legged friends can join the walk, too – there are several off-leash areas for Fido to run free. From May to November, find a whale-watching platform (they’re dotted along the coast) to see graceful humpbacks playing in the South Coast’s waters, and at the Kiama Blowhole – said to be the biggest in the world – watch a marine geyser shoot water up a remarkable 30m into the air (make sure you call in at its just-as-impressive baby cousin, the Little Blowhole, too).
Bombo Headland, Kiama Coast Walk
Follow a Songline
Amble along a traditional walking track of the Brinja-Yuin people and immerse yourself in an Indigenous perspective on the South Coast. In Eurobodalla National Park, the Bingi Dreaming Track follows a Songline – a traditional storytelling route passed down in song cycles, stories, dance and art. The 13.5km walk covers a stunning stretch of coast, from Congo in the north to Tuross Head in the south, and links campsites, ceremonial and trade sites, and water and food sources. Keep an eye out for shell middens, spectacular views of Gulaga (Mount Dromedary) and Baranguba (Montague Island), and humpback whales, just as the locals have done for tens of thousands of years.
Bingi Dreaming Track, Eurobodalla National Park
Walk on snow-white sand
Between the aquamarine waters, the dazzling white shores and the wild green national park that surrounds it all, you’ll feel like a castaway on your own private island as you beach hop along the coastline of Jervis Bay. And you can take a close-up look at a few of these glorious stretches of natural beauty on the White Sands Walk. An easy 2.5km hike through Jervis Bay National Park, it takes in bush tracks, lookouts offering views of dolphins and whales, and the chance to swim – or just walk along the sand – at idyllic beaches including Greenfield and Chinamans.
Murrays Beach, Jervis Bay
Surf a famous break
Whether you’re a grommet or a pro, the thrill of catching a wave at one of Australia’s most famous breaks will be hard to forget. The Farm is a legendary point break that’s part of a National Surfing Reserve in the stunning Killalea Regional Park, covering 8km of pristine coastline between Shellharbour and Kiama. With consistent swell that’s protected from the winds, it’s perfect for beginners, so sign up for a surf lesson with Pines Surfing Academy. Other options include the challenging ‘Wedge’ break in Kiama, Wreck Bay just south of Jervis Bay, and the consistent clean waves of Merimbula Bar.
The Farm - National Surfing Reserve, Killalea Regional Park
Fall for the falls
When the Kangaroo River spills off a sandstone plateau in Budderoo National Park, it has to freefall for 90m before it hits the pool below and continues on its journey. Welcome to Carrington Falls, one of the most spectacular locations in the Southern Highlands (and perfect fodder for your Instagram feed). It also happens to be blessed with nearby walking tracks and viewpoints that allow you to view the phenomenon from all sorts of angles; like the Carrington Falls walking track a gentle 30 to 45-minute amble. Nearby Nellies Glen is also worth adding to your itinerary, with a pretty picnic area, waterfall views and good birdwatching opportunities.
Nellies Glen, Southern Highlands
Kayak (and slurp)
The pristine waterways of the Sapphire Coast produce some of the world’s best oysters and on a Kayak and Shuck tour with Navigate Expeditions, you can enjoy these salty delicacies and explore their idyllic natural surrounds at the same time. After paddling the turquoise waters of the Pambula River with your tour guide, you’ll call in at the Broadwater Oysters farmgate to learn how to shuck and then taste award-winning oysters plucked fresh from the water. The Bermagui Kayak Tour offers an alternative journey that gives you exciting glimpses of some of the region’s other wildlife gems; look out for herons, kingfishers and stingrays as you glide along. A scrumptious morning tea is included.
Bermagui River Kayak Tour - Credit: Navigate Expeditions
Dive calm bays and cerulean waters
Let’s face it – blissful beaches are a major drawcard on the South Coast. But why stop at the shoreline? Slip beneath the surface and discover a whole new world of vibrant, marine-rich reefs. Near Shellharbour, don mask and fins to scuba dive and snorkel at Bushrangers Bay, a sheltered aquatic reserve home to everything from sea urchins to tropical fish. Similar expeditions are on offer in Jervis Bay and Ulladulla.
Bushrangers Bay, Shell Cove
Throw out a line
Whether reef fishing or deep-sea fishing, the South Coast attracts avid anglers for good reason. You can cast out a line from land or boat around Jervis Bay, a magnet for bream, whiting and flathead. The coastline and estuaries around the Eurobodalla region also offer a variety of fishing settings, from beach angling to off a dinghy on the river to leisurely charter-boat cruises deep at sea.
Fishing, Tuross Head
Watch out for whales
Between May and November, more than 30,000 whales travel along the east coast of Australia. Dedicated lookouts sprinkle the South Coast, but chances are you’ll spot them (and dolphins) from just about any clifftop perch. Penguin Head at Culburra and the viewing platform at Cape St George Lighthouse, located in Booderee National Park, are prime observation spots. For a closer look, join a whale-watching cruise – such as Dolphin Watch Cruises, Jervis Bay Wild and Shellharbour Wild – which take you out to sea without disturbing these gentle giants. From September, waters off the Sapphire Coast are particularly busy, as the whales pause here to feed their young before journeying on to Antarctica.
Jervis Bay Sea Sports, Jervis Bay - Credit: Jordan Robins
Go ahead and jump
It’s one thing to take in the South Coast from a clifftop or the water. It’s quite another adventure to glimpse it from the air. Adrenaline junkies routinely throw themselves out of planes to skydive onto the beach at Wollongong, and then – just north of the city at Stanwell Park – catch thermals from the Bald Hill Lookout. Conditions here are so good, the area has become known as one of the best coastal areas to hang-glide and paraglide in the world. Good news: tandem rides are available. Once you’ve visited Albion Park’s Aviation Museum, take to the sky yourself on a Touchdown Helicopters.
Touchdown Helicopters, Sea Cliff Bridge - Credit: Touchdown Helicopters
