Murrays Beach, Jervis BayCredit: Destination NSW
Murrays Beach, Jervis Bay, NSW
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Whether you’re basking in the heat of summer or rugged up against a brisk breeze, you’ll find a long string of spectacular beaches to enjoy on the South Coast of New South Wales. Take deep breaths of salty ocean air as you explore white sandy beaches and rugged coastal national parks, and feast on fresh seafood from just-caught fish to world-class oysters.
Discover a seemingly endless beach in the Shoalhaven
Surrender to the sound of waves crashing on an untouched shore as you stroll along Seven Mile Beach, a 12-kilometre long stretch of sand between the town of Gerroa and Shoalhaven Heads around two hours south of Sydney. Pack a picnic for a leisurely beachside lunch, and spot honeyeaters and thornbills as you hike through Seven Mile Beach National Park’s forests of blackbutts and bangalay trees. Recreate family holidays of yesteryear at Gerroa’s Seven Mile Beach Holiday Park, nestled between the beach and Crooked River. Float in the holiday park’s resort-style pool and sit around the fire pit admiring the spectacular stars after canoeing or fishing the river. Thrill to the sight of dolphins and whales (between May and November) on Gerroa’s headland. And relish a plate of fish tacos or tuna ceviche at The Blue Swimmer, a light-filled café/restaurant overlooking the mouth of Crooked River.
Swim in the protected waters of Jervis Bay
Feel spoilt for choice when you discover Jervis Bay, a sheltered inlet lined with a string of beautiful beaches three hours’ drive south of Sydney. Venture into Booderee National Park, at the southern end of the bay, to share the crystalline waters and reefs of Murrays Beach with turtles, families of squid and inquisitive bright blue gropers. Refresh with a swim before learning about local plants, animals, culture and history as you walk the Munyunga Waraga Dhugan loop from Murrays Beach. Then head to Huskisson, the main town on Jervis Bay, to savour delicious local seafood at Huskisson Hotel. Linger at this popular hotel to take in breathtaking views over the bay, or settle into a seat at Flamin Galah Brewing Co’s beer garden and relax with a craft brew.
Murrays Beach, Jervis Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoy a walk along Murrays Beach at Jervis Bay, NSW
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Murrays Beach, Jervis Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoy a walk along Murrays Beach at Jervis Bay, NSW
North Durras, Murramarang National Park Credit: Josh Burkinshaw
Woman swimming in the water at North Durras, Murramarang National Park
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North Durras, Murramarang National Park Credit: Josh Burkinshaw
Woman swimming in the water at North Durras, Murramarang National Park
Share the beach with kangaroos near Batemans Bay
Thrill to the sight of eastern grey kangaroos sedately grazing in the dunes of Depot Beach, a magical spot surrounded by littoral rainforest in Murramarang National Park, around a four-hour drive south of Sydney. Make the most of this natural playground, beloved by families for its crystal-clear water, abundant native wildlife and many rockpools, by staying at the superbly placed campsite just across from the beach. Or start your day in comfort at The Isla, a design-led boutique hotel that’s around a 25-minute drive away in Batemans Bay. Splurge on the Isla’s two-bedroom, two-bathroom Grande Suite to enjoy a private plunge pool, an outdoor courtyard with ocean views and chic décor, including oak furnishings and terrazzo features.
Say hello to seals at Narooma
Snorkelling with the Australian fur seals of Montague Island, a short boat ride from the town of Narooma, is an unforgettable thrill. If you prefer to stay on dry land, you can also spot these playful creatures from shoreline of Narooma, around a five-hour drive from Sydney. Revel in the placid waters of Narooma Bar Beach South, a naturally enclosed stretch of sand protected by a breakwall that fur seals love to bask on. Then feel the wind rushing through your hair as the water twinkles beside you when you pedal along the Narooma to Dalmeny cycle route. Top off a memorable day with fruity daiquiris and fresh oysters served by the water at the iconic tiki-style Quarterdeck waterfront restaurant, or feast on pub classics at the restored heritage Lynch’s Narooma. Then wind down at a luxury cabin at the beachfront Surf Beach Holiday Park or a stylish room at the Whale Inn boutique hotel.
Montague Island, Narooma Credit: Destination NSW
Snorkilng with seals as part of the Montague Island Discovery Tours experience
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Montague Island, Narooma Credit: Destination NSW
Snorkilng with seals as part of the Montague Island Discovery Tours experience
Short Point Beach, Merimbula Credit: Dee Kramer Photography
Sunset at Short Point Beach, Merimbula.
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Short Point Beach, Merimbula Credit: Dee Kramer Photography
Sunset at Short Point Beach, Merimbula.
Find a hidden gem on the Sapphire Coast
Take yourself out of the ordinary by discovering a secluded river beach surrounded by dense bushland in Beowa National Park, between Merimbula and Eden on the Sapphire Coast. Turn off the Princes Highway south of Merimbula for a scenic drive through vibrant greenery, and walk 300 metres from the car park to dig your toes into the soft white sands of Severs Beach. You’ll be transported back in time as you take in the masses of trees surrounding Pambula River and encounter shell middens left by Aboriginal communities up to 3,500 years ago. Float in the river, try your hand at fishing (best between December and May), or look out for a sea eagle diving for its catch. At the end of an another idyllic day, soak up the ocean views at Hillcrest Motel, a refurbished 1970s-style motel high on a hill above Merimbula.
To discover more of New South Wales’ beautiful beaches and coastline, head to sydney.com and visitnsw.com. Share your Feel New moments with #FeelNSW and #FeelNewSydney
Notes to editors:
Whale Inn, Narooma is closed for renovations through Australian winter 2024.
Seven Mile Beach, Gerroa/Shoalhaven Heads Credit: Destination NSW
Surfers catching waves at Seven Mile Beach which stretches from Gerroa to Shoalhaven Heads.
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Seven Mile Beach, Gerroa/Shoalhaven Heads Credit: Destination NSW
Surfers catching waves at Seven Mile Beach which stretches from Gerroa to Shoalhaven Heads.
Sea Cliff Bridge, CliftonCredit: Destination NSW
Sun rising over the Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton.
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Buckle up for a spectacular journey exploring the Grand Pacific Drive, taking in rugged coastal cliffs, pretty beachside towns and secluded stretches of sand, stopping in at wineries and immersing in pockets of rainforest all within easy reach of Sydney.
Coast along ocean roads
Heading south from central Sydney, your journey begins well before the official starting point of the Grand Pacific Drive. Relish an increasing sense of freedom as you leave Sydney’s southern suburbs behind and find yourself driving through the open coastal bushland of the Royal National Park. Cruise into the first-ever declared national park in the country for an invigorating hike along one of the many walking trails in this expansive oceanside nature reserve, or make memories when you come face to furry face with a koala at Symbio Wildlife Park, immediately south of the Royal National Park in Helensburgh.
Follow the winding road down the steep escarpment from the Royal National Park to begin your Grand Pacific Drive odyssey by cruising along the spectacular Sea Cliff Bridge, which winds for 665m around sheer cliff faces with the waves of the Pacific Ocean crashing below. Rest and recharge with coffee and a refreshing swim at one of the beachside villages along the coastal road, such as Austinmer, before continuing on to Wollongong, NSW’s third-largest city. Here you can immerse in Aboriginal, Asian, colonial and contemporary art at Wollongong Art Gallery, tour fascinating Nan Tien Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the southern hemisphere, or dive under the waves at one of the city’s golden beaches.
Hug the coastline as you leave Wollongong bound for the stunning surf beaches of Shellharbour, taking in the bird-rich expanses of Lake Illawarra to your right and the deep blue of the ocean to your left along the way. Marvel at the skill of surfers catching powerful waves at Minnamurra Beach and Killalea Beach, which together form the Killalea National Surfing Reserve. Join awestruck locals at Minnamurra Whale Watching Platform to spot majestic humpback whales making their way along the coast on their annual migration from Antarctica from May to July and from September to November.
Symbio Wildlife Park, Helensburgh Credit: Destination NSW
Friendly koala at Symbio Wildlife Park, Helensburgh in the Illawarra region.
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Symbio Wildlife Park, Helensburgh Credit: Destination NSW
Friendly koala at Symbio Wildlife Park, Helensburgh in the Illawarra region.
Minnamurra River, NSW Credit: Destination NSW
Friends kayaking on the Minnamurra River on the NSW South Coast
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Minnamurra River, NSW Credit: Destination NSW
Friends kayaking on the Minnamurra River on the NSW South Coast
Have a blast in Kiama
Jump back in your car for the short drive to Kiama, a pretty beachside town that’s best known as the home of the world’s largest blowhole. Glory to the power of nature as the ocean sprays water 30m into the sky at the Kiama Blowhole before following the Kiama Coast Walk track to Little Blowhole and a seemingly never-ending series of scenic headlands and bays. Recharge after a bracing coastal walk with a wholesome burger at Kiama’s Hungry Monkey, or graze on the all-day brunch menu at Diggies Kiama. Linger longer and top up your ‘vitamin sea’ levels while taking in the ocean views from your room at one of the many accommodation options in Kiama.
Rejoin Princes Highway for the 10-minute drive to Crooked River Wines, to sample fine wines and craft beer and slide down freshly shucked South Coast oysters, before the short drive to Gerringong, a classic beach town where the allure of the laidback lifestyle is hard to resist. Slip back into the swimsuit you’ve left drying in the back of the car for a revitalising dip at Gerringong’s Werri Beach before easing into a seat at The Hill Bar and Kitchen for a post-swim snack of locally sourced seafood or perhaps an ale or a glass of wine.
Cruise from Gerringong through lush coastal farmland to the village of Gerroa for a soul-soothing walk along the white sands of Seven Mile Beach before checking into a beach house looking out over the ocean. Or steer your car back onto the coastal road to cross into Seven Mile Beach National Park and the start of the Shoalhaven region. Settle in to a secluded luxury suite at Bangalay Luxury Villas at Shoalhaven Heads, at the southern end of Seven Mile Beach, to rest before communing with the ocean on a sunset stroll. Complete a memorable day of exploration by indulging in incredible food incorporating native ingredients and locally sourced and foraged ingredients at the in-house restaurant Bangalay Dining.
Seven Mile Beach, Gerroa/Shoalhaven Heads Credit: Destination NSW
Surfer catching waves at Seven Mile Beach which stretches from Gerroa to Shoalhaven Heads.
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Seven Mile Beach, Gerroa/Shoalhaven Heads Credit: Destination NSW
Surfer catching waves at Seven Mile Beach which stretches from Gerroa to Shoalhaven Heads.
Bangalay Dining, Shoalhaven Heads Credit: Anna Wiewiora
The breezy Bangalay Dining restaurant at Bangalay Luxury Villas in Shoalhaven Heads.
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Bangalay Dining, Shoalhaven Heads Credit: Anna Wiewiora
The breezy Bangalay Dining restaurant at Bangalay Luxury Villas in Shoalhaven Heads.
Go wild in Jervis Bay
Keep the good times coming by sampling your way south at the wineries of the Shoalhaven Wine Coast, including Coolangatta Estate and Mountain Ridge Wines, both around a five-minute drive from Bangalay Luxury Villas. Then follow the Shoalhaven River inland and cross the placid waterway on the outskirts of Nowra, the largest town in the region.
Refuel yourself and your car before the 20-minute drive from Nowra to the sheltered waters of Jervis Bay. Here you can splash around on powder-white, tree-lined beaches or hire a kayak from Sea Kayak Jervis Bay to paddle the clear waters of Jervis Bay Marine Park while spotting dolphins, seabirds and penguins. Take a scenic cruise with Dolphin Watch Cruises for a thrilling encounter with bottlenose dolphins — and with migrating humpback whales in winter and spring. Or slide under the waves and swim with seals and colourful reef fish with Dive Jervis Bay.
Relish an unusual wine pairing with a Whales & Wine tour, combining tastings at two local vineyards with a two-hour whale-watching cruise around the bay. And bliss out in a cottage or glamping tent at The Woods Farm or retreat to an elevated safari-style luxury tent at Paperbark Camp to restore your energy levels ahead of another memorable day on the bay.
Coolangatta Estate, Shoalhaven Heads Credit: Destination NSW
Sun setting over the scenic grounds of Coolangatta Estate, Shoalhaven Heads.
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Coolangatta Estate, Shoalhaven Heads Credit: Destination NSW
Sun setting over the scenic grounds of Coolangatta Estate, Shoalhaven Heads.
Dolphin Watch Cruises, Jervis Bay Credit: Somethingswild
Sun rising over Huskisson Wharf in Jervis Bay.
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Dolphin Watch Cruises, Jervis Bay Credit: Somethingswild
Sun rising over Huskisson Wharf in Jervis Bay.