South Coast of NSW
secret coves…
Stretching from Sydney’s Royal National Park to Eden, near the Victorian border, the South Coast of NSW forms a string of pristine beaches and bays, backed by a hinterland that includes more than 30 national parks, marine parks and reserves.
Here you’ll find glittering white sands – renowned as some of the whitest in the world – and an abundance of wildlife, from penguins to whales.
Take the spectacular Grand Pacific Drive and discover pretty seaside towns and historic villages where you can browse in country markets and charming specialty stores.
Dive under a historic wharf, learn about the killer whale that once guided whalers to their prey or just relax on an uncrowded beach. On the South Coast you’ll find your own piece of paradise.
The Illawarra region is conveniently located 1 hour drive south of Sydney and offers the best of everything - dramatic landscapes, pristine beaches, scenic drives and towns full of character. These are just the start of what the region has to offer. Add to this world renowned attractions and an excellent choice of accommodation and dining and you've got the ingredients for the perfect holiday destination.
In the Shoalhaven region the main towns are Nowra (the business and commercial hub of Shoalhaven City ), and Ulladulla, famous for its picturesque harbour and working fishing fleet. Jervis Bay with its dazzling white sands and crystal clear waters is a seaside lovers delight.
On the Eurobodalla Coast Batemans Bay is a popular resort for fishing and sailing and a holiday base for growing numbers of people and especially popular with the Canberra set. Further south are Moruya – gateway to numerous National Parks, and Narooma – the departure point for tours to Montague Island with its penguins and seals.
Further south on the Sapphire Coast are Bermagui – a centre for game fishing known throughout the world, Bega and its famous cheeses and dairy herds, Merimbula and Eden with the magnificent Twofold Bay and whale festival each year.
With more than 10 large national parks and many smaller ones, the South Coast provides a web of coastal, forest, mountain and rural country. These natural, unspoiled environments provide the atmosphere for a peaceful, relaxing or adventurous visit in contact with Australia's unique flora and fauna. Visit Murramarang National Park boasting its marvellous beaches, rock platforms, cliffs and spotted gum forests.
Camp on Pebbly Beach amongst the friendly kangaroos. Jervis Bay Marine National Park, with its white, sandy beaches and abundant wildlife, is a playground for diving, sailing and sea kayaking. Extending to the Victorian border, the patchwork of National Parks can be explored by guided mountain bike or four wheel drive tours and bushwalks exist in all.
The South Coast is also rich in cultural assets from vibrant festivals, to an extensive and quality artistic scene. The craft and artisan villages and the unique indigenous and European heritage have so much to offer.
The region has a variety of high class museums and galleries and picturesque towns and villages that preserve stories of the past. Visit the National Trust village of Central Tilba for a fascinating slice of Australian history or discover Berry, the arts and craft centre of the region.
The coast is well known for its fine food including fresh seafood (try the great oysters) and specialist dairy products. These include several cheese manufacturers with the most famous being Bega Cheese at Bega.
The South Coast has numerous medal winning wineries that are well worth the visit and will compliment the seafood cuisine in any of the region's fishing villages. There are few better places to tangle with exciting game fishing offshore and estuary fishing in the waterways.
The South Coast also boasts a range of activities to satisfy any traveller. Activities such as golf, swimming and surfing, cruising, dolphin and whale watching, bushwalking and picnicking are to be enjoyed throughout the region.
The area is highly suited to self-drive visitors with some organised tours available from Sydney, Canberra or Melbourne. Air services are also available to Merimbula and Moruya airports.
