Whether you take the inland route, via the Snowy Mountains Highway, or the Princes Highway along the coast, it takes around three-and-a-half hours to reach Bermagui, the northernmost town on the Sapphire Coast.

The coastal route takes you through lush bush-scapes and scenic coastal hamlets. Head east out of town along the Kings Highway to join the Princes Highway heading south. You may want to stop for a stroll or a swim at Batemans Bay, Moruya or Narooma. 

Stop in at Alfresco Coffee Roasters at Batemans Bay  or Moruya for ethically sourced, locally roasted coffee. At Mossy Point, long-time favourite The Mossy Cafe has a vegan-friendly menu (try the vermicelli rainbow salad or the Middle Eastern bowl) that also caters to diners who are dairy-free and gluten-free.  

For classic seafood by the water, JJ's at the Marina in Batemans Bay has glorious views over the marina and the freshest catch on the menu.

In Narooma, The Quarterdeck, now owned by Merivale, serves tiki-style cocktails and seafood. Next door, The Inlet serves fish and chips with outdoor tables and sunset views. 

On the banks of the tranquil Moruya River, chef Peter Compton offers sophisticated dishes showcasing local ingredients at The River Moruya, from seared scallops with cauliflower puree to pork belly with pickled fennel salad. 

Stretch your legs on the scenic Depot Beach Rainforest Walk near Bawley Point, a short but atmospheric walk which winds its way through a stand of 50-million-year-old littoral rainforest. This stretch of coast is also home to a large number of artists; make an appointment to visit one of the studios, such as Grace Paleg at Batemans Bay or the Around Art Studio at Malua Bay, set in two hectares of gardens. 

At one of the world’s largest blowholes, in Kiama, the spouts can spray 30 metres into the sky. Another guaranteed highlight is a dolphin-watching cruise at Jervis Bay. 

The coastal town of Nowra, two-and-a-half hours south of Sydney, is a great place to stop overnight. Quest Nowra has spacious apartments or head for the coast and Holiday Haven Shoalhaven Heads, which has waterfront cabins on Seven Mile Beach. Pay a visit to Shoalhaven Zoo or enjoy a kayak or cruise along the Shoalhaven River while you’re there. 

Let the kids eat fruit fresh from the tree at Darkes Glenbernie Orchard near Stanwell Park – they may even get to pick their own! Go retro at The Dairy Bar, an old-school milk bar in Berry, or pick up some sweet treats at the iconic Berry Donut Van. And of course, a stop for fish and chips is a must – you’ll find options in every town. 

Take a hike through the tree fern-filled Minnamurra Rainforest or opt for a more adrenaline-charged experience at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures. Got a kid who loves planes? The collection at the HARS Aviation Museum in Albion Park will put a smile on their faces.