Sea Cliff Bridge, CliftonCredit: Destination NSW
Sun rising over the Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton.
#feelnew #feelnsw
Unfurling south of Sydney in the Royal National Park, the Grand Pacific Drive is one of Australia’s most awe-inspiring road trips – and even if you have only a few days to explore, the South Coast’s sights and experiences refresh you, inside and out. Revel in a new sense of freedom as your 140km drive guides you through ancient rainforest, alongside the world’s whitest sandy beaches. Sip cool-climate wines and rejuvenate in luxury accommodation, and cross the landmark Sea Cliff Bridge as it snakes out over the Pacific Ocean. Stay and play in one of many charming towns – Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, the Shoalhaven and Jervis Bay among them – and reconnect with friends old and new in unforgettable landscapes. You’ll find an energising discovery at every turn, including these highlights…
Savour new flavours
You can taste the inspiration wherever you visit on the South Coast, with memorable dining served on a platter and world-class local produce to sample at the source. Your tastebuds’ transformation begins across the Sea Cliff Bridge, where The Scarborough Hotel pub is perched on the edge of the awe-inspiring Illawarra escarpment, overlooking sparkling seas. Choose a table in the huge water-facing gardens, order the legendary fish and chips, and, from May through November, settle in for an afternoon of whale watching. Or, grab a coffee and sweet treats for the road and continue south to Kiama, where you can visit the famous Blowhole, Lighthouse and Pilot’s Cottage Museum before enjoying all-day brunch at Diggies; or onwards to nearby Gerringong, where The Hill Bar and Kitchen offers sustainably sourced modern Australian feasts. And just 15km further south at Shoalhaven Heads, Bangalay Dining plates up creative dishes like Emu Tartar and Wattleseed Kangaroo, with native ingredients to invigorate your senses. Exploring the lush hinterland? Treat yourself to a vegetarian spread at Pilgrim’s in historic Milton, and paddock-to-plate dining at Far Meadow Table in Berry, where you can also unleash your inspiration in a cooking workshop.
Unwind between the vines
Create new memories on the South Coast’s unofficial wine trail, and sample cold-climate wines at their verdant source. It all starts just inland from Kiama, near Cullungutti Mountain, where Mountain Ridge Wines offers cellar door experiences and an indoor-outdoor restaurant with views over the vines. Then move on to Coolangatta Estate, complete with a cellar door for wine and cheese flights, a formal restaurant and historic cottages. Next up is the award-winning Two Figs Winery, perched atop one of Mount Coolangatta’s foothills. As you sip shiraz or chardonnay, and tuck into a picnic platter of delicious deli goods, you’ll discover the breathtaking views over the Shoalhaven River are equally moreish. About an hour’s drive south, and just a few minutes from Ulladulla, you’ll find Cupitt’s Estate – part winery, brewery and fromagerie, with an acclaimed farm-to-table restaurant and vistas across Burrill Lake. Revitalise yourself with a stay in their new luxury pods, where the mini-bar’s stocked with boutique wine, craft beer and cheeses all made on site, and the understated elegance makes the everyday seem worlds away.
Bangalay Dining, Shoalhaven Heads Credit: Destination NSW
Chef Brett Strong showcasing the local and native ingredients featured on the Bangalay Dining menu to patrons.
#feelnew #feelnsw
Bangalay Dining, Shoalhaven Heads Credit: Destination NSW
Chef Brett Strong showcasing the local and native ingredients featured on the Bangalay Dining menu to patrons.
Coolangatta Estate, Shoalhaven Heads Credit: Destination NSW
Sun setting over the scenic grounds of Coolangatta Estate, Shoalhaven Heads.
#feelnew #feelnsw
Coolangatta Estate, Shoalhaven Heads Credit: Destination NSW
Sun setting over the scenic grounds of Coolangatta Estate, Shoalhaven Heads.
Feel awe wherever you explore
Every sense tingles with adrenaline as you hang glide over Stanwell Tops, and your heart soars as you skydive above Wollongong and learn to surf at Woonona. Enjoy a relaxing roll along the wildly beautiful Kangaroo River on a canoe tour or explore Jervis Bay’s glittering waterways by sea kayak. While you’re there, you can discover some of the most picturesque beaches in the world on the White Sands Walk, a 90-minute loop linking Vincentia and Greenfield Beach. Ready for a whale of a time? Jervis Bay is a haven for humpbacks and you can get up close to them on a whales and wine tour, a wildlife cruise – or even glide beside them on a whale-swim. As you come eye-to-eye with these gentle giants in the water, you’ll feel a heart-bursting sense of connection that stays with you a lifetime.
Retreat to your own private haven
There’s a relaxation station to suit every type of traveller along the South Coast. Recharge in grand-scale nature at The Dome, where you can stargaze until you fall asleep inside your clear, geodesic tent; and at Paperbark Camp, where some of the plush glamping tents feature freestanding tubs. Treat your special person to a romantic stay at the new Bangalay Luxury Villas, and you’ll reconnect in beautiful seclusion mere steps away from the Shoalhaven’s stunning beaches and national parks. Or enjoy luxe coastal style at one of Bannisters’ two hotels in Mollymook: Bannisters by the Sea and Bannisters Pavilion. The former comes with a celebrated Rick Stein seafood restaurant, while the latter offers pet-friendly rooms. Wherever you stay, you’ll find a combination of laidback luxury and natural beauty that melts away stress, leaving you feeling refreshed, centred, and ready for anything.
Whale Watching, Jervis Bay Credit: Jordan Robins
Humpback whales migrating off the south coast of NSW near Jervis Bay.
#feelnew #feelnsw
Whale Watching, Jervis Bay Credit: Jordan Robins
Humpback whales migrating off the south coast of NSW near Jervis Bay.
Bannisters Pavilion, Mollymook Beach Credit: Bannisters Hotel
Exterior view of the contemporary rooftop pool and suites at Bannisters Pavilion, Mollymook Beach on the South Coast.
#feelnew #feelnsw
Bannisters Pavilion, Mollymook Beach Credit: Bannisters Hotel
Exterior view of the contemporary rooftop pool and suites at Bannisters Pavilion, Mollymook Beach on the South Coast.
More Inspirational Stories
Three Sisters, Blue MountainsCredit: Filippo Rivetti
Sunrise over the Three Sisters and Mount Solitary in the Blue Mountains National Park, Katoomba.
#lovensw #newsouthwales
Whether you want to be immersed in the expansive bush of the Blue Mountains, lay back with a wine tasting in the Hunter Valley, or explore the natural beauty of South Coast towns Kiama and Berry, there are options for every interest area for a memorable day trip from Sydney.
Blue Mountains
A 90-minute drive west of Sydney, the ECO-certified Blue Mountains is a nature-lover’s paradise. Here you’ll find charming towns such as Katoomba and Leura surrounded by the rugged bush of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park.
First up, head to Echo Point lookout near Katoomba to see the iconic Three Sisters sandstone rock formation. Next, tackle one of the many bushwalking tracks throughout the national park (the Grand Cliff Top Walk is very popular) or skip the exercise and take in the vista via the Scenic Railway at Scenic World Blue Mountains. Alternatively, take in nature at a slower pace with a visit to Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah or look to the skies at Blue Mountains Stargazing.
For those seeking an arts and culture hit, drop into the contemporary Lost Bear Gallery in Katoomba, Bygone Beautys Treasured Teapot Museum and Tearooms for high tea and to peruse some 5,500 teapots, or the inter-war period garden at Everglades House & Gardens.
Ready to refuel? BLAQ at Kyah Boutique Hotel is a multi-award-winner showcasing hyper-local produce, and fine diners Ates Blackheath, Amara at Spicers Sangoma Retreat and Megalong at Lot 101 each have one Chef Hat by the Australian Good Food Guide. A little closer to the city, on the way out, Arrana in Springwood is a two-Chef-Hat restaurant with a focus on native ingredients.
Seeking a little luxury? Spend a night or two resting your head at Spicers Sangoma Retreat or Lilianfels Resort and Spa.
The Hunter Valley
Australia’s oldest wine region, the Hunter Valley is only a two-hour drive north of Sydney. This picturesque region is best known for its semillon, but wineries here also produce excellent red and white varietals.
The oldest vineyard in Pokolbin, Audrey Wilkinson offers sweeping views of the valley from its position perched atop a foothill of the Brokenback Mountain Ranges. Brokenwood Wines Cellar Door has an inviting outdoor terrace, ideal for long lunching. While Tulloch Wines is particularly ideal for those with a brood: they offer Junior Tasting, and Kombucha Tasting Experiences for teens and designated drivers. There’s also the new ‘Welcome to Wonnarua’ experience aimed at immersing visitors in the rich culture and traditions of the Wonnarua Nation, complete with a virtual Welcome to Wonnarua Country led by Local Elder Uncle Warren. Meanwhile, Tyrrell’s Wines is home to some of Australia’s most awarded wines, including the number-one spot for Halliday Wine Companion’s Top 100 Wineries for 2024. Prefer to stay put? Stay n’ Sip offers mobile wine tastings and has recently added a casino-style experience to its offering.
Food-wise, after breakfast in the sky with Balloon Aloft, be sure to tuck into the region’s delicious local produce at acclaimed restaurants such as Muse Restaurant at the Hungerford Hill Wines, Bistro Molines, EXP Restaurant and Margan. Harkham also has a new restaurant alongside its cellar-door offering.
Planning to stay the night? Stay at the luxe Chateau Elan or Spicers Guesthouse, both near Pokolbin.
Audrey Wilkinson, Pokolbin Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic views across the Audrey Wilkinson vineyard, Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley region.
#newsouthwales #feelnsw
Audrey Wilkinson, Pokolbin Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic views across the Audrey Wilkinson vineyard, Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley region.
Kyah Boutique Hotel & Blaq Restaurant + Bar, Blackheath Credit: Steven Woodburn
Kyah Boutique Hotel & Blaq Restaurant + Bar located in Blackeath located in the Blue Mountains of NSW.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Kyah Boutique Hotel & Blaq Restaurant + Bar, Blackheath Credit: Steven Woodburn
Kyah Boutique Hotel & Blaq Restaurant + Bar located in Blackeath located in the Blue Mountains of NSW.
Kiama and Berry
The seaside town of Kiama, around two hours’ drive south from Sydney along the spectacular Grand Pacific Drive, is best known for its world-famous blowhole. Once you’ve experienced the majesty of this natural wonder, you’ll find the surrounding area is home to magnificent coastal walks including the stunning Kiama Coast Walk, scenic rainforest trails and pristine beaches. If you’re feeling adventurous, a little further south you can learn to surf with the Gerringong Surf School, or further still (closer to Berry), find dolphins and whales in the wild on a Jervis Bay Wild whale or dolphin cruise.
Staying the night? Book into Nova Kiama, a boutique hotel in the heart of town, or at The Sebel Kiama overlooking Kiama Harbour.
A 20-minute drive from Kiama, or just over two hours from Sydney, idyllic village Berry has long been a favourite getaway spot for Sydneysiders. Browse the shops along Queen Street or pop into one of the many cafes and restaurants in town. South on Albany highlights the best of the South Coast, you’ll find locally sourced delicacies at Flavours of Shoalhaven, and sourdough bread and pastries are top-notch at the nearby Milkwood Bakery. If you’re in town on a Thursday, stock up on picnic supplies at the farmer's market at Berry Showground.
Make the most of the visit by staying at Bangalay Luxury Villas, a 15-minute drive from Berry. This luxury resort on Seven Mile Beach is home to Bangalay Dining, an innovative fine-dining restaurant that highlights Australian native ingredients.
Kiama Blowhole Point, Kiama Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial overlooking Kiama Blowhole Point, Kiama.
#lovensw #newsouthwales
Kiama Blowhole Point, Kiama Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial overlooking Kiama Blowhole Point, Kiama.
Bangalay Dining, Shoalhaven Heads Credit: Destination NSW
Dish at Bangalay Dining, Shoalhaven Heads.
#lovensw #newsouthwales
Bangalay Dining, Shoalhaven Heads Credit: Destination NSW
Dish at Bangalay Dining, Shoalhaven Heads.