South Coast

Travel Guide

A beach with clear turquoise water, rocky shore, and dense green trees.
Two pelicans standing on rocks by the water with a sailboat in the background.
A beach with clear turquoise water, a person in a colorful dress, and a distant shoreline.
A crowded beach with people walking and playing in the water.
A beach with clear turquoise water, gentle waves, and a wide sandy shore under a partly cloudy sky.

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.

Sage Hotel Wollongong

Sage Hotel Wollongong

4 out of 5
60/62 Harbour Street Wollongong NSW
$113 nightly
The price is $124 total per night from Oct 25 to Oct 26
$124 total
Oct 25 - Oct 26
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Wollongong. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
Sage Hotel Wollongong
Nova Kiama

Nova Kiama

3.5 out of 5
31 Bong Bong St Kiama NSW
$113 nightly
The price is $125 total per night from Oct 25 to Oct 26
$125 total
Oct 25 - Oct 26
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kiama. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (817 reviews)
"Great location for walking and very close to cafes and restuarants."

Reviewed on Oct 8, 2026

Nova Kiama
Abode Hotel Malua Bay

Abode Hotel Malua Bay

3 out of 5
4 Kuppa Avenue Malua Bay NSW
$90 nightly
The price is $99 total per night from Nov 1 to Nov 2
$99 total
Nov 1 - Nov 2
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Malua Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (551 reviews)
"Great location across from the beach and children's playground was a bonus. The hotel is clean and well maintained. Only thing didn't like is that there is no 5G network in the room, outside and balcony had full bars so very annoying that they force you to use their wifi or sit outside in balcony ..."

Reviewed on Oct 10, 2026

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.
Abode Hotel Malua Bay

Abode Hotel Malua Bay

3 out of 5
4 Kuppa Avenue Malua Bay NSW
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Malua Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (551 reviews)
"Great location across from the beach and children's playground was a bonus. The hotel is clean and well maintained. Only thing didn't like is that there is no 5G network in the room, outside and balcony had full bars so very annoying that they force you to use their wifi or sit outside in balcony ..."

Reviewed on Oct 10, 2026

Abode Hotel Malua Bay
Wollongong Serviced Apartments

Wollongong Serviced Apartments

4 out of 5
54 Kembla Street Wollongong NSW
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Wollongong. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (634 reviews)
"Great apartments for family travel in a central location close to the beach"

Reviewed on Oct 11, 2026

Wollongong Serviced Apartments
Quest Nowra

Quest Nowra

4.5 out of 5
130 Kinghorne Street Nowra NSW
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Nowra. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Nowra Museum and Stockland Nowra ...
9/10 Wonderful! (522 reviews)
"Quest Nowra is just good enough. Nothing fancy and the friendly staff will help you if there is any issue. We had a fish smell in the room. They quickly changed our room."

Reviewed on Oct 11, 2026

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.

Stay near popular South Coast attractions

Things to do

Cities near South Coast

Explore a world of travel with Expedia