South Coast Info
Introduction
New South Wales’ South Coast is a natural paradise extending down the narrow strip of coastline south of Sydney, bordering with Victoria to the southeast. The area is bounded in the west by the Southern Tablelands, a vast escapement which is home to a number of breathtaking national parks. To the east, is a rocky coastline spilling over into the immense Pacific Ocean. The South Coast encompasses the district of Shoalhaven in the north and reaches down through Eurobodalla in the south.
The area is characterized by pristine sea waters unfolding into a series of bays and inlets, bordering small townships with unique histories, and home to a vast array of marine creatures. Further inland are stretches of rolling hills and lush green forests. The unspoiled natural environment and the untouched sandy, white beaches are spectacular sights.
The South Coasts encompasses two marine parks, one at Jervis Bay and another at Batemans’ Bay; here, you can take in the beauty of the natural surroundings while watching pods of dolphins glide past the magnificent beaches.
The South Coast has a warm temperature climate—temperatures typically range from 26 degrees Celsius to 17 degrees Celsius in the winter. Storms occur throughout the year, most frequently in late autumn and early winter.
Visiting
You can take the CityRail South Coast Line train all the way down to Bomaderry railway station, which is located 123 km south of Sydney. However, if you rent a car, you’ll be able to take pleasure in the impressive scenery as you pass through the Royal National Park heading south along the sea Cliff Bridge, a sinuously twisting road which is edged in by the Tasman Sea to the east and the Illawarra escarpment to the west. Take in the sights as you cruise through Walbilliga National Park, the largest expanse of unspoiled wilderness in all of New South Wales.
The wide open hinterland skies create the perfect backdrop for this natural wonderland. Do make sure to bring your camera, because the views are picture post card perfect, so impeccable and beautiful, you’ll think you’ve found paradise.
For those who enjoy sand and surf, Jervis Bay cannot be missed. Some 180 kilometers south of Sydney, this area is home to sun-dappled, immaculately white beaches set against a lush forest of tea tree, mahogany and blackbutt. You can hire a boat to go dolphin watching in Huskisson, the bay area’s main town. Or simply take a dip in the crystal clear waters. Explore the intricate underwater topography of gently curving slopes, arches caves and rock formations. Practice your diving skills and find gropers, cuttlefish sea dragons and wrasses living beneath the water’s surface. Jervis Bay is flanked by Booderee National Park, a perfect stretch of wilderness.
Mollymook is a quiet coastal town where the sands are golden and the waters are crystal clear. It is favored by surfers and vacationers alike. The town is equipped with hotels and holiday rentals; it also features two luxurious golf courses, which will challenge anyone who likes to tee off.
The Sapphire Coast, also known as Bega Valley is the most southerly part of the South Coast region. There, at Wallaga Lake, you can enjoy an array of family fun cultural activities, such as touring the aboriginal areas and going fishing in the northern coastal town of Bernagui. Going further south, there’s Eden, which used to be a whaling center and is now a fishing and timber hub. There you can take a look at the whale museum and explore the outlying landscapes. Beyond that, there are a number of small towns and villages which dot the region. These towns often specialize in handmade crafts and exquisite culinary eats.
The South Coast is an excellent place to go surfing. The beaches around Ulladulla, provide some of the finest surfing waters around. Beaches in the area included Aussie Pipe, Bendalong, Golf Course reefs, and Wairo Beach. The area also is great for scuba diving and spear fishing.
Other activities in the area include bushwalking tours, winery tours, canoeing, horse trekking, mountain biking and skydiving.
On your way back to Sydney, be sure to head on over to Kiama to see the famous Kiama Blowhole. This blowhole has been known to spout water up to 25 meters up into the air, drenching bystanders in its path.