Your Guide to the best NSW South Coast Road Trip
The open road is calling
If you’re looking for a fun family adventure, why not plan a road trip through the New South Wales South Coast? You may have heard of the Sapphire Coast but what about the picturesque South Coast? This region offers stunning landscapes, secluded beaches and plenty of outdoor activities. With so much to explore, it can be hard to know where to start, so we’ve put together this handy guide to help you plan your NSW South Coast Road trip.
First, decide how long you’d like to stay and plan out an itinerary that fits your schedule. The NSW South Coast stretches from Sydney to the Victorian state border, so it’s important to focus on the areas you most want to explore in the vast region. From the beachside areas of Killalea Reserve and Jervis Bay to wandering through national parks in Pigeon House Mountain, there is so much to do on the South Coast.
Explore our NSW South Coast itinerary below.
Exploring Berkeley
Drive: 1 hour 30 minutes from Sydney
Under 2 drive hours from Sydney, Berkeley is an area of great beauty, with rolling green hills and grazing cattle. It’s an ideal spot to take a scenic drive or explore the surrounding towns at your own pace. There are also plenty of walking trails in the area for when you want to get out and about on foot.
Kiama Blowhole
Drive: 26 minutes from Berkeley
The Kiama Blowhole is one of the most popular attractions in the area and is definitely worth a visit. It’s located at the end of a pathway along the foreshore, so it’s easy to find and access. When conditions are right, you can experience huge spurts of water shooting out of the blowhole, reaching heights up to twenty metres.
Seven Mile beach is also only a 30-minute drive south of the blowhole, it’s known for its fantastic surfing waves and stunning south coast views.
Keep driving South and pass through some cool coastal towns like Nowra, Batemans Bay and Narooma on your way to the Reflections Holiday Park at beautiful Bermagui.
Image courtesy of Destination NSW
Jervis Bay Marine Park
Drive: 1 hour 5 minutes from Kiama Blowhole
On your road trip to Reflections Holiday Park Bermagui, the Jervis Bay Marine Park is a must to visit. The crystal-clear waters are home to an abundance of marine life and offer wonderful opportunities for snorkelling, diving and kayaking.
There are plenty of trails through the park too that make for a great hike or bike ride. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting during the winter months, you might even spot some whales passing through on their migration.
Spend the night in Vincentia, Jervis Bay.
Bawley Point Beach
Drive: 1 hour 10 minutes from Jervis Bay Marine Park
If you’re looking for a peaceful spot to relax and soak up some sun on the South Coast, head to Bawley Point Beach. This beach is known for its crystal clear waters and white sand, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic or take a dip. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also explore some of the nearby rock pools and try your hand at fishing.
Batemans Bay
This coastal town offers ample activities and attractions for the whole family. Enjoy a stroll along the promenade, visit one of the small boutique shops in the town centre or take a scenic cruise up Clyde River to spot some local wildlife. Batemans Bay is also home to some great restaurants and cafes, so be sure to try out the local cuisine, like fresh oysters, before heading back on your journey.
North Narooma
Drive: 54min from Batemans Bay
North Narooma is known for the Mill Bay Boardwalk. This boardwalk offers up stunning views of the bay and a great chance to spot some dolphins in their natural habitat. There’s also an amazing lookout point at the top of Mount Dromedary, which is well worth the climb for spectacular panoramic views. Imagery courtesy of Destination NSW
Reflections Bermagui
Spend the night at relaxing Reflections Bermagui, the perfect pit stop for one night or more with a range of cabins and sites to choose from and explore the famous Bermagui Blue Pool and Horseshoe Bay.
Eden
Drive: 1hr 37min from North NaroomaEden
Eden is a town in the Bega Valley that is home to some of the best coastal views in NSW. Spend a day taking in the stunning scenery, then relax and unwind with some delicious seafood such as freshly caught fish and oysters. If you’re interested in history, you can also explore the area’s heritage sites such as Twofold Bay and Ben Boyd National Park.
Visiting the Eden Whale Festival is the perfect way to round up your South Coast Road trip. This annual celebration takes place in late winter and celebrates the migration of thousands of whales off the coast around this time. Be sure to check out their website for details on what’s happening during the festival, as they usually have lots of events.
These are just a few of the great attractions that make up the NSW South Coast. No matter what type of road trip adventure you’re looking for, there is something to suit everyone. So get out and explore the South Coast today!
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There are plenty of great places to stop between Sydney and Berry. A few popular options include the Jervis Bay Marine Park, Kiama Blowhole, Berkeley Valley Orchard and Pigeon House Mountain.
The best time to visit the NSW South Coast depends on what kind of activities you’re looking to do. The summer months offer great weather for beach days and outdoor adventure, while the winter months are ideal for whale watching. For cooler temperatures, the autumn months can be a great time to visit as well. Also, be mindful of seasonal fruit-picking activities.
Yes, there are plenty of great camping spots on the NSW South Coast. Some popular options include Bermagui Holiday Park, Pambula Holiday Park, and Eden Holiday Park. Be sure to plan ahead and book your campsite before you go as some locations may be booked out during peak season.