South Coast Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Collingwood Beach showing general coastal views and a sandy beach
Eden featuring bird life, a bay or harbour and boating
Collingwood Beach featuring a bay or harbour and a beach as well as a small group of people
Collingwood Beach which includes a beach and general coastal views 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 featuring 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 AU$269 per night from 11 Jan to 12 Jan
AU$269
11 Jan - 12 Jan 2026
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! (1,002 reviews)
room fine and staff very helpful

Reviewed on 13 Dec 2025

Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
Sage Hotel Wollongong

Sage Hotel Wollongong

4 out of 5
60/62 Harbour Street Wollongong NSW
The price is AU$219 per night from 18 Dec to 19 Dec
AU$219
18 Dec - 19 Dec
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
Not bad. Our rooms tv was very old . No option for Netflix or anything. Curtains were ripped. Like I said not bad but not great. Bed was nice . Shower good . Good view. Close to cbd

Reviewed on 14 Dec 2025

Sage Hotel Wollongong
Harp Hotel

Harp Hotel

2.5 out of 5
124 Corrimal Street Wollongong NSW
The price is AU$179 per night from 17 Dec to 18 Dec
AU$179
17 Dec - 18 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Wollongong. Enjoy free parking, a nightclub and conference space. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (493 reviews)
The room was clean, the beds comfortable, and the sound of the pub was significantly more reduced in the room. Fantastic! The only reason I don’t give a 5 star review is because I tend not to trust 5 star reviews

Reviewed on 14 Dec 2025

Harp Hotel
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 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! (1,602 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
Adina Apartment Hotel Wollongong

Adina Apartment Hotel Wollongong

4.5 out of 5
19 Market Street Wollongong NSW
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Wollongong. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,944 reviews)
Beautiful apartment room with city views. Room was very clean and comfortable bed. Staff were so nice and helpful. Good and secured parking 🅿️ option.

Reviewed on 10 Dec 2025

Adina Apartment Hotel Wollongong
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! (473 reviews)
Great room. Really comfortable King size bed. Beautiful location .

Reviewed on 5 Dec 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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