South Coast

South Coast

Jervis Bay's whitest-sand beaches, Kiama blowhole, Eurobodalla and the wild Sapphire Coast.

8 tours
8 caravan parks
8 articles
📷 11 photos
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Tours in South Coast

See all 8 tours →
Jervis Bay Highlights Tour – Small Group Experience Scenic Coast

Jervis Bay Highlights Tour – Small Group Experience Scenic Coast

10 hours – 12 hours
From AUD $245
3 Day Murramarang Coast Journey from Batemans Bay with Meals and Villa Accom

3 Day Murramarang Coast Journey from Batemans Bay with Meals and Villa Accom

3 days
From AUD $1950
Private Tour: Sydney South Coast & Highlands

Private Tour: Sydney South Coast & Highlands

9 hours – 10 hours
From AUD $748
The South Coast refers to the narrow coastal belt from the Shoalhaven district in the north to the state border with Victoria in the south in the south-eastern part of the State of New South Wales, Australia. It is bordered to the west by the coastal escarpment of the Southern Tablelands, and is largely covered by a series of national parks, namely Jervis Bay National Park, Eurobodalla National Park, and Beowa National Park. To the east is the coastline of the Pacific Ocean, which is characterised by rolling farmlands, small towns and villages along a rocky coastline, interspersed by numerous beaches and lakes. The South Coast includes Shoalhaven district in the north and the Bega Valley in the more remote south as well as the Eurobodalla Shire and the Commonwealth Jervis Bay Territory which is adjacent to the City of Shoalhaven Local Government Area. Some definitions of the region include the Illawarra, but it is often seen as a separate and distinct region of New South Wales.

Background information about South Coast adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Next 7 days at South Coast

Live forecast from Open-Meteo. Updated each time the page loads.

Loading forecast…

Best time to visit South Coast

Based on 30 years of weather data. Sweet spot: Jun, Jul, Aug — mild temperatures, low rainfall and plenty of sun. Avoid Jan, Feb if you can — typically the wettest or hottest stretch of the year.

Jan
40°
13° low
82mm
Feb
41°
13° low
139mm
Mar
34°
11° low
108mm
Apr
32°
8° low
80mm
May
26°
7° low
67mm
Jun
22°
4° low
105mm
Jul
22°
4° low
65mm
Aug
24°
4° low
65mm
Sep
31°
6° low
49mm
Oct
33°
8° low
75mm
Nov
38°
8° low
85mm
Dec
38°
11° low
73mm
Daytime high (large) · overnight low (small) · monthly rainfall (blue bar). Climate normals: 1991–2020 from Open-Meteo's ERA5 reanalysis.

What else is around South Coast

Points of interest within 25 km, pulled from OpenStreetMap. Distances are straight-line; check road access before heading out.

🔭 Lookouts & viewpoints (48)
🕳️ Caves (3)
Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.

Drive times to and from South Coast

Real road distance and driving time to other destinations in the state. Click through for fuel estimates, suggested overnight stops, and tours along the way.

To Jervis Bay
47 km · 1h 0m
To Wollongong
95 km · 1h 36m
To Sydney
183 km · 2h 51m
To Central Coast
250 km · 3h 52m
To Blue Mountains
260 km · 3h 59m
To Newcastle
333 km · 4h 51m
To Snowy Mountains
335 km · 4h 54m
To Hunter Valley
337 km · 4h 59m

Photos from around South Coast

Royal National Park
Royal National Park
park
BIG4 Nelligen Holiday Park
BIG4 Nelligen Holiday Park
park
BIG4 Easts Beach Holiday Park
BIG4 Easts Beach Holiday Park
park
Holiday Haven White Sands
Holiday Haven White Sands
park
Windang Beach Tourist Park
Windang Beach Tourist Park
park
Kendalls On The Beach Holiday Park
Kendalls On The Beach Holiday Park
park
Surf Beach Holiday Park
Surf Beach Holiday Park
park
NRMA Shellharbour Beachside Holiday Park
NRMA Shellharbour Beachside Holiday Park
park
Backpackers
Backpackers
article
Events
Events
article
Ulladulla
Ulladulla
article

Frequently asked about South Coast

Where is South Coast?
South Coast is in Illawarra & South Coast, New South Wales, Australia. The destination guide above maps the area; the drive-times panel further down lists distances to other New South Wales destinations so you can pencil it into a longer itinerary.
When is the best time to visit South Coast?
Based on 30 years of climate data, the most comfortable months at South Coast are typically August, July, June — milder temperatures, lower rainfall, and longer sunshine hours. February tends to be the trickiest month weather-wise. School holiday weeks (Easter, late June–early July, late September, mid-December–late January) get busy and prices rise, so shoulder season is usually the sweet spot if you're flexible.
What's the weather like in South Coast?
Summer daytime highs average around 41°C and winter overnight lows can drop to about 4°C. Annual rainfall sits at roughly 991 mm spread across the year. The climate panel above breaks every month down — daytime high, overnight low, monthly rain, sunny days — so you can match the trip to the weather you want.
How do I get to South Coast?
Most travellers arrive by road. From Jervis Bay it's about 47 km — roughly 1h 0m of driving via the main highway, conditions permitting. The drive-times panel above lists travel time and distance to every other New South Wales destination so you can sketch out a road-trip route. Check road conditions in winter if your route crosses high country, and plan for breaks every ~2 hours.
What are the top things to see in South Coast?
Well-known spots within day-trip range include Calymea, Pulpit Hill, Barringella Hill, Jerrawangala Lookout, Second classroom St George's Basin Public School 1959. The "What else is around" panel above lists every named point of interest by category — lookouts, peaks, waterfalls, museums, beaches — pulled straight from OpenStreetMap. Click any name for the location, opening hours and directions.
Where can I stay near South Coast?
We list 8 caravan and holiday parks in and around South Coast above — powered sites, cabins, glamping, and big-rig-friendly options. Pet rules, dump points and shaded sites are noted on each park's page. For hotel-style stays, the Drive Times panel makes it easy to base yourself in a nearby town and day-trip in.
How many days should I spend at South Coast?
Most travellers spend 1–2 days at South Coast to cover the highlights without rushing. There are 8 bookable tours and experiences, 0 attractions and 5+ named viewpoints/landmarks listed for the area on this page — plenty to fill a weekend, more if you slow down and explore the outer reaches.
Is South Coast good for families with kids?
Yes — there are 8 family-friendly attractions, museums and family destinations within easy reach (zoos, aquariums, interactive museums, family-friendly theme parks). The caravan parks section above flags parks with playgrounds, kids' pools and family cabins.
What day trips can I do from South Coast?
Within ~2.5 hours' drive: Jervis Bay, Wollongong. The drive-times panel above lists every nearby destination with road distance and travel time — pick one, drive across in the morning, and you're back for dinner.
Is there public transport at South Coast?
Coverage varies — major destinations have train and bus links from the closest capital, but smaller regional towns rely on infrequent coach services. The most reliable way to explore the wider area is a hire car or your own vehicle. If you're using public transport, plan around the timetables and check the night before you travel; rural routes are often once or twice a day.
Is South Coast accessible for wheelchair users and reduced mobility?
Major town centres, museums and built-up tourist precincts at South Coast are usually accessible; bush walks and lookouts vary widely. The OpenStreetMap data underneath the "What else is around" panel records wheelchair access on individual sites — click through to any place's page for the specific accessibility info. For tours, check the operator's website or call ahead; most reputable operators publish their access details.
How much does a trip to South Coast cost?
Budget travellers can do South Coast on roughly $120–180 per person per day (caravan park, cooking your own, free walks); mid-range $200–350 (hotel, paid attractions, eating out once a day); higher-end $400+ (boutique stays, tours, fine dining). Fuel is the big variable — Australia's regional driving distances add up. Tours and attractions in the listings above show prices in AUD where the operator publishes them.
Will I have phone signal at South Coast?
Most named destinations in New South Wales have at least Telstra and Optus coverage in town. Coverage drops off quickly outside built-up areas — particularly in national parks, valleys and along long stretches of highway. If you're heading into remote areas, download offline maps before you leave, tell someone your itinerary, and consider a PLB (personal locator beacon) for serious bush walks.

Everything in South Coast

Browse every guide, listing and how-to for South Coast.

Activities(1)

Tours(2)

Travel guide(1)

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All tours in South Coast

Jervis Bay Highlights Tour – Small Group Experience Scenic Coast
Jervis Bay Highlights Tour – Small Group Experience Scenic Coast
★ 5.0 · from AUD $245
3 Day Murramarang Coast Journey from Batemans Bay with Meals and Villa Accom
3 Day Murramarang Coast Journey from Batemans Bay with Meals and Villa Accom
★ 5.0 · from AUD $1950
Private Tour: Sydney South Coast & Highlands
Private Tour: Sydney South Coast & Highlands
★ 5.0 · from AUD $748
Private Sydney South Coast to the Southern Highlands Tour
Private Sydney South Coast to the Southern Highlands Tour
★ 5.0 · from AUD $1750
South Coast Private Daily Group Tour - Pick up & Drop off
South Coast Private Daily Group Tour - Pick up & Drop off
from AUD $1256
Wollongong and Kiama South Coast NSW Tours
Wollongong and Kiama South Coast NSW Tours
from AUD $285
Private Kiama and South Coast Tour from Sydney
Private Kiama and South Coast Tour from Sydney
from AUD $1449
South Coast, Waterfals, Tempels, Kiama Truly Private Tour
South Coast, Waterfals, Tempels, Kiama Truly Private Tour
from AUD $743

Caravan parks nearby

Royal National Park
Royal National Park
★ 4.7
BIG4 Nelligen Holiday Park
BIG4 Nelligen Holiday Park
Nelligen · Eurobodalla Shire Council
★ 4.6
BIG4 Easts Beach Holiday Park
BIG4 Easts Beach Holiday Park
Kiama · The Council of the Municipality of Kiama
★ 4.5
Holiday Haven White Sands
Holiday Haven White Sands
Huskisson · Shoalhaven City Council
★ 4.5
Windang Beach Tourist Park
Windang Beach Tourist Park
Windang · Wollongong City Council
★ 4.5
Kendalls On The Beach Holiday Park
Kendalls On The Beach Holiday Park
Kiama · The Council of the Municipality of Kiama
★ 4.5
Surf Beach Holiday Park
Surf Beach Holiday Park
Kiama · The Council of the Municipality of Kiama
★ 4.5
NRMA Shellharbour Beachside Holiday Park
NRMA Shellharbour Beachside Holiday Park
Shellharbour · Shellharbour City Council
★ 4.4

Nearby destinations

Jervis Bay
Jervis Bay
Illawarra & South Coast
Wollongong
Wollongong
Illawarra & South Coast
Parramatta
Parramatta
Sydney
Blue Mountains
Blue Mountains
Greater Sydney
Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour
Sydney
Sydney
Sydney
Greater Sydney

South Coast travel articles

Backpackers
Backpackers
Quick Links Batemans Bay Backpackers is the perfect base to enjoy this beautiful town on the south coast of New South Wales, where all backpackers can relax and take some time out! You’ll have everything you need for an exciting and interesting stay in this seaside destination, so you won’t be disap
Events
Events
Quick Links Ulladulla, a vibrant town known for its spectacular harbor and plentiful seafood, offers a calming and delightful seafront escape. Situated in NSW South Coast's Shoalhaven area, Ulladulla is a great tourist spot, close to beautiful beaches, dazzling lakes, charming villages and nature re
Resorts
Resorts
Quick Links Within Ulladulla and the surrounding coastal towns such as Batemans Bay and Milton you can find some beautiful appointed resorts that are the perfect place to base yourself for a holiday that you will remember forever! Located on the south coast of New South Wales and approximately a thr
Holidays with Kids
Holidays with Kids
Quick Links Ulladulla, a vibrant town known for its spectacular harbor and plentiful seafood, offers a calming and delightful seafront escape. Situated in NSW South Coast's Shoalhaven area, Ulladulla is a great tourist spot, close to beautiful beaches, dazzling lakes, charming villages and nature re
Ulladulla
Ulladulla
Quick Links Ulladulla and the Shoalhaven districts of the South Coast of New South Wales are among the states most popular holiday destinations. The Shoalhaven district includes the towns of Huskisson and Nowra which lie close to the magnificent Jarvis Bay area and the coastal town of Ulladulla is l
Dining
Dining
Quick Links Ulladulla, a vibrant town known for its spectacular harbor and plentiful seafood, offers a calming and delightful seafront escape. Situated in NSW South Coast's Shoalhaven area, Ulladulla is a great tourist spot, close to beautiful beaches, dazzling lakes, charming villages and nature re
Specials
Specials
Quick Links Ulladulla, a vibrant town known for its spectacular harbor and plentiful seafood, offers a calming and delightful seafront escape. Situated in NSW South Coast's Shoalhaven area, Ulladulla is a great tourist spot, close to beautiful beaches, dazzling lakes, charming villages and nature re
Travel Guide
Travel Guide
Quick Links Ulladulla, a vibrant town known for its spectacular harbor and plentiful seafood, offers a calming and delightful seafront escape. Situated in NSW South Coast's Shoalhaven area, Ulladulla is a great tourist spot, close to beautiful beaches, dazzling lakes, charming villages and nature re