The South Coast is a narrow belt of rolling farmland, small towns, rocky headlands, lakes and beaches, and most of it is wrapped in national park. That makes South Coast activities a mix of walking, swimming, whale and dolphin spotting, and slow drives between villages.
This page gathers the sights, walks and outdoor ideas we can name for the region, plus the tours listed on this site, with prices as listed. For the wider picture, see our South Coast destination guide.
National parks and wild coastline
The region runs from the Shoalhaven district in the north to the Victorian border in the south, with the coastal escarpment of the Southern Tablelands to the west and the Pacific to the east. Jervis Bay National Park, Eurobodalla National Park and Beowa National Park cover much of it, so bushwalks and beach days are never far away.
Gulaga National Park is worth knowing about. It is the southernmost place in New South Wales with subtropical rainforest, which is a surprise on a coast better known for sand and surf.
Kiama, Jervis Bay and the beaches
The Kiama Blowhole is the best-known sight on the northern end of the coast. The Jervis Bay area is known for some of the whitest sand in the state, and the Sapphire Coast in the far south has a wilder feel.
The Jervis Bay Highlights Tour is a small-group day that takes in waterfalls, lookouts and three beaches. It crosses Sea Cliff Bridge, looks for whales and dolphins from clifftops, visits the Kiama Blowhole and finishes at Cave Beach, where kangaroos roam freely. Details are on the Jervis Bay Highlights Tour page; it runs 10 to 12 hours from Sydney and is listed from $245.
Towns worth a stop
Towns in the Shoalhaven include Berry, Nowra, Ulladulla, Milton, Mollymook, Lake Conjola and Culburra Beach. Further south, the Eurobodalla Shire has Batemans Bay, Moruya and Narooma, and Tilba, where the television series River Cottage Australia was filmed. The Bega Valley takes in Bega, Merimbula, Pambula and Eden, plus Cobargo, home of an annual folk music festival.
If you are planning around dates, our South Coast events page is the place to check.
Tours listed for the South Coast
Several guided options are listed, from a single day out of Sydney to a three-day walk. Check current prices and times with the operator before booking.
| Tour | Length | From |
|---|---|---|
| Jervis Bay Highlights Tour, small group | 10 to 12 hours | $245 |
| South Coast, Waterfals, Tempels, Kiama Truly Private Tour | 8 to 9 hours | $743.25 |
| South Coast Private Daily Group Tour | 7 to 8 hours | $1255.5 |
| Private Kiama and South Coast Tour from Sydney | 11 hours | $1449 |
| Private Sydney South Coast to the Southern Highlands Tour | 9 hours | $1750 |
| 3 Day Murramarang Coast Journey | 3 days | $1950 |
A multi-day coastal walk
The 3 Day Murramarang Coast Journey from Batemans Bay follows the shoreline through sandstone formations, open beaches and forested ridgelines. Vehicle support carries your kit between daily stops, you stay in beachside cabins within the National Park, and meals and accommodation are included. The pace is relaxed, low to moderate.
Private day tours
The Private Sydney South Coast to the Southern Highlands Tour runs nine hours in a climate-controlled minivan, passing beaches, winery estates and historic towns. National park entry fees are covered, and you will need to arrange lunch separately. We have more options on our South Coast tours page.
Getting around and how far things are
The Princes Highway links Sydney and Melbourne along the coast, and the Kings Highway brings you in from Canberra. Trains on the NSW TrainLink Illawarra line run to Berry and terminate at Bomaderry, with buses south of Nowra. Merimbula and Moruya airports have daily flights to Sydney and Melbourne.
| From or to South Coast | Distance by road | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Jervis Bay | 47 km | about 60 minutes |
| Wollongong | 95 km | about 96 minutes |
| Sydney | 183 km | about 171 minutes |
| Central Coast | 250 km | about 232 minutes |
| Blue Mountains | 260 km | about 239 minutes |
| Newcastle | 333 km | about 291 minutes |
Weather, and where to stay while you explore
The climate is mild and warm temperate. Averages for the area show January highs of 27 degrees and July highs of about 15 degrees, with overnight lows around 9 degrees in July. February is the wettest month at 124.3 mm, while September is the driest at 59.5 mm. July and August have the most sunny days, at around 28 each. Rain can be erratic, arriving in heavy storms that are most frequent in late autumn and early winter, so check the forecast before a long walk.
Our South Coast travel guide has more planning help, and Visit NSW is the official state tourism site. Background on the region is also on Wikipedia.
Two caravan parks are listed on this site: Holiday Haven White Sands at Huskisson, and Discovery Parks - Gerroa. Both offer powered sites and cabins, so contact the park for current rates and availability. Other options are on our South Coast accommodation page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest listed tour?
The Jervis Bay Highlights Tour, listed from $245 for a 10 to 12 hour small-group day.
Is there a walking tour?
Yes. The 3 Day Murramarang Coast Journey is a guided walk with vehicle support, listed from $1950 with meals and accommodation included.
How long does it take to drive from Sydney?
About 171 minutes by road, covering 183 km.
