South Coast

Take your pick of breathtaking beaches, meet a menagerie of wildlife and enjoy a huge range water sports. All of this and more awaits on the unspoilt NSW South Coast, where you’ll find spectacular coastline, magnificent wilderness, top food and wine experiences, and gorgeous seaside and hinterland towns.

Relax on some of the whitest sands in the world, explore sparkling estuaries by kayak and savour freshly shucked oysters on Australia’s Oyster Coast. Go tandem skydiving, or see dolphins, whales and seals in the wild. There’s also rock climbing, coastal walks and fascinating Aboriginal cultural experiences, among other things to do.

Green Couple near the Cape Lighthouse on the Light to Light Walk, Sapphire Coast, South Coast

Begin your discovery of the NSW South Coast just south of Sydney on the Grand Pacific Drive touring route, winding your way through the Wollongong area and over the stunning Sea Cliff Bridge. Stop at Stanwell Park, an acclaimed spot for hang-gliding and paragliding above the azure-coloured sea.

South of Wollongong is the Shellharbour area. Enjoy snorkelling and diving at some of NSW’s best dive sites, and visit famous surf breaks, The Farm and Mystics, at Killalea State Park. The gorgeous Shellharbour beaches and lakes are perfect for stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking.

Couple stand-up paddelboarding at Lake Illawarra in Shellharbour.

A short drive south is the Kiama area and the famous Kiama Blowhole. For breathtaking natural scenery, follow the Kiama Coast Walk and explore the enchanting Minnamurra Rainforest, near the waterslides of Jamberoo Action Park. Surf Camp Australia is based in nearby Gerroa and offers surfing lessons at Seven Mile Beach.

Australia’s Oyster Coast begins in the Shoalhaven area, home to the White Sands Walk and dolphins of Jervis Bay. Enjoy a beach picnic, and explore gorgeous inlets and bays on a stand-up paddle board or kayak. You can taste delicious Shoalhaven Coast wines at local restaurants, such as Rick Stein at Bannisters.

Scuba diver swimming with seals at Montague Island.

Farther south is the Eurobodalla region and one of the great wildlife adventures in the world – snorkelling or diving with a colony of fur seals on Montague Island, off the coast of Narooma. Eurobodalla also has great fishing, bushwalking and cycling, as well as many kayak tours and hire services.

In NSW’s southern tip is the Sapphire Coast and Eden, one of Australia’s best spots for whale watching. Explore the fascinating Eden Killer Whale Museum, savour freshly shucked oysters in Pambula on a delicious oyster tour and explore incredible natural beauty on bushwalking tracks, such as the Light to Light Walk.