South Coast Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more with this comprehensive guide to South Coast, New South Wales in Australia.


Introduction to South Coast

South Coast is a picturesque region of New South Wales, Australia, located in the southeastern coastal area of the state. Known for its stunning natural beauty, unique culture, and wide range of tourist attractions, South Coast is a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers alike.

The region is filled with charming seaside towns, rolling green hills, and white-sand beaches. Along with beautiful landscapes, visitors can also enjoy a variety of outdoor adventures, visit historical landmarks, and savor the delicious local cuisine. Whether you are looking for relaxation or action-packed fun, South Coast has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in South Coast

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Jervis Bay Maritime Museum: Located in Huskisson, this museum showcases the region’s rich maritime history and offers visitors insight into the seafaring culture of South Coast.

  • Batemans Bay Heritage Museum: This museum in Batemans Bay features artifacts and exhibits that chronicle the area’s past from Aboriginal times to the present.

  • Eden Killer Whale Museum: Housed in the original Eden waterfront whaling station, the Eden Killer Whale Museum displays the complete history of the whaling industry and the unique relationship between killer whales and the community of Twofold Bay.

Natural Attractions of South Coast: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Kiama Blowhole: A natural rock formation in Kiama that creates a massive plume of water when waves crash into the coastline.

  • Jervis Bay National Park: This national park is home to the whitest sand beaches in the world and is perfect for hiking, cycling, and birdwatching.

  • Morton National Park: Located in the Southern Highlands, this park has an extensive network of walking trails that lead to spectacular waterfalls, river gorges, and cliff-top views.

Hiking/Biking Routes of South Coast

  • Light to Light Walk: A stunning five-day hike along the rugged coastline of the Ben Boyd National Park, where you can stay in wilderness campsites or lodges.

  • Bike Track from Berry to Kangaroo Valley: A scenic 35 KM bike ride that winds through the countryside, past paddocks of grazing cows and over the spectacular mountain range.

  • Illawarra Escarpment Trail: A 30 KM hike from Coalcliff to the Sublime Point Lookout that offers stunning views over the Illawarra coast and the surrounding countryside.

Best Things to Do in South Coast: Activities and Tours

  • Whale watching: Between May and November each year, whales migrate along the eastern coast of Australia, stopping around South Coast. Take a whale-watching tour around Jervis Bay or Eden for an unforgettable experience.

  • Surfing lessons: South Coast is famous for its world-class surfing beaches. Take a surfing lesson in one of the many surf schools in Batemans Bay or Kiama to experience the thrill of catching a wave.

  • Wine tasting: Enjoy the excellent wine of South Coast by visiting cellar doors located at wineries in Shoalhaven.

Week-Long Itinerary for South Coast

Day Activity
1 Arrival, explore Kiama Blowhole, and check into accommodation in Kiama
2 Hiking in Jervis Bay National Park
3 Visit Huskisson for shopping, beach-going, and lunch
4 Explore Batemans Bay Heritage Museum and stay overnight in Batemans Bay
5 Kayaking in Broulee Island Nature Reserve
6 Visit the Eden Killer Whale Museum and hike in Ben Boyd National Park
7 Departure or free day for additional activities

Food and Drink Scene of South Coast

Must-Try Dishes

  • Australian meat pies: A savory pastry filled with delicious minced meat and gravy, which can be easily found in local bakeries.

  • Lamingtons: A sweet cake coated in chocolate and coconut flakes, a dessert you can find in most of the bakeries in the area.

  • Fish and Chips: Try the locally caught fish, battered and deep-fried to perfection and served with crispy chips.

Local Beverages

  • Bottled Water: Fresh and pure bottled water from Shoalhaven River is available from local vendors.

  • Wine: South Coast is famous for its wine regions. Some of the tastiest wines include Coolangatta Estate and Cambewarra Estate.

Where to Stay in South Coast: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Lyall’s Accommodation in Batemans Bay: An award-winning, eco-friendly property with stunning ocean views.

  • Meridian Apartments in Kiama: A modern, self-contained apartment accommodation located near Kiama Beach.

  • HarbourView Motel in Eden: A comfortable, budget-friendly motel with harbor views.

What to Buy in South Coast: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Aboriginal Artifacts and Crafts: You can find authentic local crafts and souvenirs in the Museum of Sydney and the Australian Museum.

  • Local Wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Semillon, and Shiraz wines from the region are renowned.

Local Culture and Customs of South Coast

South Coast is known for its rich history and unique culture, which is heavily influenced by the region’s indigenous people and European settlers. Visitors to South Coast should be respectful of the land and its traditional owners, the Aboriginal people. Aboriginal culture is well preserved and celebrated in the many museums and cultural events held throughout the region.

Best Time to Visit South Coast

The best time to visit South Coast is during summer, from December to February, when the weather is ideal for beach-going and outdoor activities. Spring is a great option as well, from September through November, when the flowers are in full bloom. If you would like to experience whale watching tours, the best time to come is between May and November.

Do’s and Don’ts of South Coast

Do:

  • Respect the indigenous culture and traditions of South Coast’s Aboriginal people.

  • Engage in a variety of outdoor activities, including surfing, hiking, and kayaking.

  • Taste the local food and wine, which are renowned around the world.

Don’t:

  • Litter or pollute the pristine environment of South Coast.

  • Damage the fragile ecosystems in the national parks and reserves.

  • Ignore local warnings about marine stingers or other dangerous wildlife.

Safety and Health

Safety in South Coast

South Coast is generally a safe place to visit, but visitors should still take precautions against theft, crime, and natural hazards such as extreme weather and marine stingers. Be careful when swimming or participating in any water sports, as dangerous marine life such as sharks and jellyfish can pose a real threat.

Health in South Coast

Visitors should take precautions against sunburn, dehydration, and insect bites, especially if they plan to spend time in the great outdoors. It is also advisable to have travel insurance in case of any medical emergencies that may arise.

Getting to South Coast: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near South Coast

  • Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport is the closest major international airport, which is approximately 2.5 hours by car from South Coast.

  • Canberra Airport is the closest domestic airport to South Coast, which is a 2.5-hour drive away.

Bus Stations Near South Coast

  • Batemans Bay Bus Station is located in Batemans Bay, with regular buses running from Sydney and Canberra.

  • Nowra Bus Station is located in Nowra, which offers regular bus services to Sydney and Canberra.

Other Options

  • Self-Drive: Hire a car and drive to South Coast from Sydney or Canberra, or hire a car in the region.

How to Get Around in South Coast

The easiest way to get around South Coast is by car, which can be hired from major cities such as Sydney or Canberra. Visitors can also use taxis, buses, and trains to travel around the region, with plenty of routes available to many of the major towns and attractions. If you plan to travel out to some of the more remote locations for outdoor adventures, you can hire bicycles or kayaks locally and explore by yourself.

Where to Go Next from South Coast: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Sydney is Australia’s largest city, offering world-class museums, galleries, restaurants, and entertainment options.

  • Canberra is the capital of Australia, with several museums, galleries, and historical landmarks to explore.

Conclusion

South Coast, located in New South Wales, Australia, is a perfect destination for travelers seeking natural beauty, outdoor activities, unique culture, and great food and wine. With a wide range of attractions and activities, travelers will never run out of things to see and do in this stunning region. Plan your next vacation to South Coast and experience the beauty and adventure of this remarkable destination.