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If you wish to get out of the hustle and bustle of Sydney and discover the highway much less travelled, it’s excessive time you launched into a South Coast New South Wale highway journey.
The South Coast of NSW is thought for having a few of the finest seashores, unspoiled nationwide parks, historic rainforests, and quiet small cities.
When you can drive from one aspect to the opposite in 6 and a half hours, it’s properly value slowing down and exploring this area correctly.
On this information, we share our final South Coast NSW itinerary unfold over a 2 week interval, as a result of there may be a lot to see and do, and that is the minimal period of time you’ll want to see the highlights.
After spending 5 weeks discovering the south coast, we have been fortunate sufficient to find the fantastic thing about this area and have chosen our favorite spots so that you can take pleasure in.
How lengthy do you want for a South Coast NSW highway journey?
Whereas there isn’t any set reply for a way lengthy you need to spend highway tripping the South Coast of New South Wales, we predict the best period of time to spend exploring this area is two weeks, not together with Sydney.
With Sydney, you’d be 2.5 weeks.
You might really do 5 weeks, like we did, and never get bored, however most individuals typically have a two week interval for journey.
The Final South Coast NSW Itinerary
The South Coast of NSW area begins simply exterior of Sydney and stretches from the Royal Nationwide Park down in the direction of the city of Eden.
You might do that itinerary in reverse, however since most individuals shall be flying in from out of city, it’s possible you’ll wish to begin in Sydney because it’s a serious metropolis and simpler to choose up a rental automobile.
We love this areas of Australia as a result of it’s quieter and extra relaxed than if you enterprise north up the East Coast.
It’s identified for having gorgeous seashores, unspoiled hinterland, lots of of wild kangaroos hopping round, and quiet ambiance in comparison with the north coast.
That will help you plan your journey, the above map is of the next South Coast highway journey itinerary. It consists of every notable cease, surrounding points of interest, locations to eat and the place to remain.
You’ll be able to obtain this map onto your cellphone or put it aside by clicking the star icon on the high.
Cease 1: Sydney (2-3 Days)
Sydney is Australia’s glittering harbour metropolis and one of the vital well-known cities on this planet! It’s a spot as lovely as it’s thriving, and has a really youthful and vibrant ambiance.
House to iconic landmarks such because the Sydney Opera Home and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it’s the right place to start out a highway journey on the South Coast of NSW, because it’s so iconic.
Spend a day or two wandering across the CBD, the vigorous Darling Harbour precinct, and The Rocks District, absorbing the artsy vibes and do some world-class purchasing, and spend one other day browsing the waves at Bondi Seashore, or take a ferry to Manly for postcard-worthy coastal views.
Cease 2: Royal Nationwide Park (2 Days)
- Distance from earlier cease: 27.5 km by way of Princes Hwy and A36
- Drive time: 32 minutes
- Notable locations to eat: no eating places, carry your personal meals
Lower than an hour south of Sydney is the attractive Royal Nationwide Park, a sprawling coastal wilderness and the second-oldest nationwide park on this planet.
Protecting over 15,000 hectares, it has a various panorama made up of eucalyptus forests, dramatic cliffs, secluded coves and seashores, and fern-filled gullies.
There are a number of strolling trails in Royal Nationwide Park, however essentially the most well-known is the Coast Observe, which extends for 26 kilometres alongside the rugged shoreline between Bundeena and Otford.
You don’t should stroll the entire observe, however be sure you stroll a bit of it and cease to admire the gorgeous ocean views and look out for humpback whales (July to November).
Cease on the pure surprise of Determine Eight Swimming pools, discover the luxurious forest round Uloola Falls, or spend a lazy afternoon swimming and picnicking at Wattamolla Lagoon.
There’s loads of issues to do right here for 2 days, however you can make it a day go to if you wish to scale back your trip time.
Cease 3: Wollongong (2 Days)
Heading south from Royal Nationwide Park, make you manner down the Grand Pacific Drive to our subsequent cease, Wollongong.
Alongside the best way, make a cease at Bald Head Lookout for some lovely views, and the Scarborough Resort for lunch.
After an hour and 45 minutes of driving, you’ll move over the Sea Cliff Bridge to Wollongong.
Wollongong is a vibrant seaside city with a lot to see and do.
A few of our favourite issues to do in Wollongong are biking on the Wollongong foreshore, and enjoying on North Wollongong Seashore and Seven Mile Seashore.
Among the high points of interest to not miss in Wollongong is the Nan Tien Temple, a peaceable Buddhist temple that serves scrumptious vegetarian meals, and the Kiama Blowhole.
If in case you have children, they might benefit from the Science Centre & Planetarium, which has fantastic academic applications.
Cease 4: Kangaroo Valley (2 Days)
After spending a few evening’s in Wollongong, it’s time to discover the South Highlands.
Head south from Wollongong and cease within the city of Gerringong for espresso, after which lunch on the Nice Southern Resort in Berry.
After driving for an hour and 10 minutes, you’ll attain Kangaroo Valley, which is thought to be as inexperienced as Eire and with the Australian bush and escarpments framing it.
There’s a lot to see and do right here, it’s actually a reasonably place to spend a number of days.
A few of our favourite issues to do in Kangaroo Valley are hike to Fitzroy Falls, admiring the Historic Hampden Bridge, and biking (or driving) the Higher Kangaroo River Highway.
For nature lovers, go to see wild wombats at Bendeela Picnic Space, or sit by the Higher Kangaroo River for a picnic or BBQ.
Cease 5: Jervis Bay (3 Days)
Drive from Kangeroo Valley south and you’ll attain our subsequent vacation spot, Jervis Bay.
Jervis Bay is magical and simply one of many finest seaside locations in Australia. I’ve little doubt you’ll be blown away by the wonder similar to I used to be.
The Jervis Bay space wants most of your consideration, which is why I like to recommend you keep for 4 nights/3 days at a minimal.
There may be a lot to see and do round Jervis Bay, from exploring its lush seashores, taking whale watching cruises or exploring the attractive Booderee Nationwide Park, that are arguably the finest seashores in NSW South Coast.
Some common seashores in Jervis Bay are the well-known Hyams Seashore, which seems to be as lovely in actual life because the postcards, Inexperienced Patch Seashore, Murrays Seashore, Chinamans Seashore, and Greenfields Seashore.
You can even do the White Sands Stroll, go mountaineering in Booderee Nationwide Park, and admire the Scottish Rocks. For extra adventures, go kayaking alongside Currambene Creek or go fishing or whale watching.
Cease 6: Murramarang Nationwide Park (2 Days)
Now we’re stepping into rural territory, it’s time to ditch know-how and luxuriate in reducing off for a few nights.
The drive between Jervis Bay and Murramarang Nationwide Park is brief, however you’ll want to drive slowly and cease off alongside the best way for wonderful coastal views.
Take a detour over to Milton and the neighbouring cities of Mollymook and Ulladulla on the best way to the nationwide park, which is thought to have wonderful locations to eat corresponding to Rick Stein at Bannisters. Make sure to try Cupitt’s Property Vineyard in Ulladulla for those who’re a wine lover.
Murramarang Nationwide Park is a superb place to go tenting, both by pitching a tent or staying at a caravan park close to Batemans Bay or Bermagui.
It’s the most effective locations in Australia to identify jap gray kangaroos.
If in case you have time at your disposal, you’ll be able to stroll the complete Murramarang South Coast Stroll, which takes 3 days, and takes you thru the parks most lovely websites, from craggy cliffs to grassy headlands.
Another issues to do in Murramarang Nationwide Park and locations to play are Fairly Seashore, Pebbly Seashore (well-known for kangaroos), Depot Seashore and Durras Seashore.
A shorter stroll you are able to do is the Fairly Seashore to Merry Seashore coastal stroll, and there’s additionally Mogo Wildlife Park.
Cease 7: Narooma (2 Days)
- Distance from final cease: 89 km by way of Princes Freeway and A1
- Drive time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- The place to remain: Horizon Vacation Condominium
- Notable locations to eat: The Quarterdeck (cool cafe and bar on the water)
Drive south alongside the Princes Freeway and you’ll attain Narooma.
Narooma is one other sleepy city that’s merely gorgeous. The surroundings is breathtaking and so distinctive, the truth is, the identify Narooma means “blue water” in historic indigenous language, so you’ll be able to just about count on lovely waters right here irrespective of if you go to.
I don’t assume I’ve ever seen water that color earlier than in every other place in NSW.
It’s additionally a fantastic place to lease a motorbike and cycle between seashores, try spectacular rock formations, take a ship cruise over to the close by nature reserve, Montague Island, the place you’ll be able to see native seals and penguins, or you’ll be able to merely tub on the seaside.
Another issues to do in Narooma are cycle The Mill Bay Boardwalk (search for stingrays), loosen up on Bar Seashore and admire views from Bar Lookout.
Should you take pleasure in bike rides, there’s a 12 km cycle solution to Dalmeny Seashore. You can even take a ship journey to Montague Island Nature Reserve, a wide ranging wildlife sanctuary, or drive over to Camel Rock and swim within the blue pool ocean pool.
Don’t miss Australia Rock at dawn, the Central Tilba Markets, and the Bodalla Dairy Shed to study Tilba Cheese.
Cease 8: Merimbula (2 Days)
From Narooma, it’s one other quick drive south to our subsequent and closing cease, Merimbula.
We really stayed in Eden once we visited Merimbula, however don’t keep in Eden. Merimbula is a nicer city. We make these errors so that you don’t should!
Merimbula is a small city on the Saphire Coast and is thought for having surf breaks over a sandbank on the seaside, so surfers can discover glorious waves all yr spherical.
The close by Quick Level is a superb place to see humpback whales throughout their annual migration (June to November).
Another issues to do in Merimbula are biking the Merimbula Boardwalk, mountaineering in Ben Boyd Nationwide Park (don’t miss the Pinnacles) and Mimosa Rocks Nationwide Park, and whale watching in Eden.
For seaside lovers, don’t miss Merimbula Bar Seashore and Quick Level Seashore, and if you wish to see native wildlife, head to Potoroo Palace to see wombats, echidnas and kangaroos.
Closing Ideas
The South West Coast is an underrated area in Australia and certainly one of our favourite elements of New South Wales.
It has a few of the finest seashores in Aus, unbelievable pure magnificence, and a sleepy small-town ambiance that permits you to disconnect and recharge your batteries.
I hope that this information gave you some inspiration for easy methods to plan your South Coast NSW highway journey and helped you’re employed out the place to remain and what to do.
Are you planning on visiting the South Coast of NSW? What locations are you most excited to go to from this listing? Tell us within the feedback.
