South Coast

Travel Guide

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

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 showing 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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Shell Cove

Travellers like the golf courses in Shell Cove, and The Farm is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Shell Cove
Novotel Wollongong Northbeach

Novotel Wollongong Northbeach

4.5 out of 5
2-14 Cliff Road North Wollongong NSW
The price is S$214 per night from 27 Jan to 28 Jan
S$214
27 Jan - 28 Jan
includes taxes & fees
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 rooms in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
The staff, spacious comfortable room, private balcony with peaceful seaside outlook. Fabulous beach access!

Reviewed on 28 Dec, 2025

Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
Sage Hotel Wollongong

Sage Hotel Wollongong

4 out of 5
60/62 Harbour Street Wollongong NSW
The price is S$174 per night from 11 Jan to 12 Jan
S$174
11 Jan - 12 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this golf hotel in Wollongong. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
The staff

Reviewed on 29 Dec, 2025

Sage Hotel Wollongong
Hotel TOTTO Wollongong

Hotel TOTTO Wollongong

4 out of 5
60 Market Street Wollongong NSW
The price is S$132 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
S$132
1 Feb - 2 Feb
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (558 reviews)
Great location, easy parking for $25 per night. Great to see a family of 4 room option - bunk beds over the king bed - genius. Hotel encourages checking in/out via kiosk or on your phone, which is convenient but seems unnecessary when there is then staff floating around, not very personable or welcoming! ...

Reviewed on 30 Dec, 2025

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.
Abode Hotel Malua Bay

Abode Hotel Malua Bay

3 out of 5
4 Kuppa Avenue Malua Bay NSW
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Malua Bay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (476 reviews)
Very happy it was dog friendly!

Reviewed on 2 Jan, 2026

Abode Hotel Malua Bay
Mantra Wollongong

Mantra Wollongong

4.5 out of 5
6-10 Gladstone Ave Wollongong NSW
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Wollongong. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and on-site car hire. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,605 reviews)
They don’t move the blinds to clean so there was dead bugs by the windows and under the bed was very dirty. Needs a Reno and a good clean! Spacious though and good if you have a dog.

Reviewed on 6 Dec, 2025

Mantra Wollongong
Quest Nowra

Quest Nowra

4.5 out of 5
130 Kinghorne Street Nowra NSW
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Nowra. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Popular attractions Nowra Museum and Stockland ...
9/10 Wonderful! (460 reviews)
Very clean and neat. Staff very friendly

Reviewed on 30 Dec, 2025

Quest Nowra
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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