South Coast Specials: Value Months, Tours and Parks

The cheapest way to see the South Coast is mostly a matter of timing. Summer and school holidays are the peak, and the coastal resorts fill early, so the savings sit in the months either side. These are our South Coast specials: the quieter months, the lower-priced tours, and the caravan parks we list.

Prices below are the listed "from" prices. Check current prices and times with the operator before you book.

The quieter months for South Coast specials

Resorts such as Kiama, Gerringong and Jervis Bay are busiest over summer holidays and school holidays. Berry and Kangaroo Valley are popular for weekend getaways, particularly in the cooler months, so weekends there can be busier even in winter. If you want a room over the summer break, book well ahead.

That leaves the shoulder and winter stretches for the better chance of space. The climate figures show these months are far from a write-off.

What the weather does month by month

The region has a mild, warm temperate climate. These are the 1991-2020 averages for the South Coast area.

Why winter and early spring look good on paper

July and August have the most sunny days of the year, at about 28, and the fewest rain days, at roughly 8 and 7. September is the driest month, with about 60 mm. Daytime maximums sit near 15 to 16 degrees in winter, so it is cool rather than cold, and you will want a jacket for the beach rather than a swimsuit.

Compare that with February, which has the most rain (about 124 mm over nearly 13 days) and the fewest sunny days (about 22). Summer is warmer, but it is not the driest or sunniest part of the year, which is a fair argument for travelling outside it.

One caution on rain

Rainfall here can be erratic. Heavy, irregular storms can fall at any time of year, and they are most frequent in late autumn and early winter. June averages about 116 mm, well above the months around it, so keep your plans flexible if you travel then.

Free and low-cost things to do

The coast itself is the main attraction, and much of it costs nothing to look at. The region is largely covered by national parks, including Jervis Bay National Park, Eurobodalla National Park and Beowa National Park, with beaches and lakes between rolling farmland and small towns. The Kiama blowhole is the best-known sight.

Gulaga National Park is the southernmost place in the state with subtropical rainforest, which makes it a distinctive stop. Tilba, where the TV series River Cottage Australia was filmed, is another town worth a look. The official Visit NSW site is a good place to check current details. For more ideas, see our guide to South Coast activities.

Lower-priced tours

Tour prices on the South Coast vary enormously, and most of the private options sit well above a typical day-trip budget. The one clear low-cost choice we list is the Jervis Bay Highlights small-group tour, from $245. It runs 10 to 12 hours from Sydney and takes in waterfalls, lookouts and three beaches. The route crosses Sea Cliff Bridge, visits the Kiama Blowhole and finishes at Cave Beach, where kangaroos roam freely.

Here is how the listed tours compare.

In our judgement, the small-group day is the standout for value, since the private tours cost considerably more. The private options make sense when a group splits the cost. The nine-hour private Southern Highlands tour takes up to six others, and covers national park entry fees.

The three-day Murramarang journey is the priciest, but all meals and beachside cabin accommodation are included. Browse everything on our South Coast tours page.

Caravan parks

A powered site or cabin is usually a cheaper base than a resort. We list two parks, and both offer powered sites and cabins. Contact them for current rates and availability before booking.

• Holiday Haven White Sands, Huskisson, in the Shoalhaven City Council area.
• Discovery Parks - Gerroa, Gerroa, in the Kiama municipality.

For other types of stay, our South Coast accommodation page covers the wider range.

Getting there without overspending

The train is an option for the northern end. The NSW TrainLink Illawarra line services Berry and ends at Bomaderry, about 123 km south of Sydney, and buses run to places south of Nowra. Beyond that, a car is the simplest way to move around, and the Princes Highway runs through the region. The Kings Highway reaches the coast from Canberra.

These are the road distances from the South Coast area.

Sydney is under three hours away, which makes a short winter weekend realistic. For the bigger picture, see our South Coast destination guide, or read about the region on Wikipedia.

Frequently asked questions

When is the South Coast cheapest and quietest?

Summer and school holidays are the peak times at resorts like Kiama, Gerringong and Jervis Bay, so the cooler months are the quieter choice.

Which month is driest and sunniest?

September is the driest, with about 60 mm of rain. August has the most sunny days, at about 28, and July is close behind.

What is the cheapest tour listed?

The Jervis Bay Highlights small-group tour, from $245 for a 10 to 12 hour day from Sydney.