South Coast
Head for Wollongong, less than two hours from Sydney by car or train, to experience Skydive Sydney - Wollongong. A little further south is Kiama and its famous blowhole, which drenches spectators with seawater if they get too close. Inland from Kiama is the Minnamurra Rainforest at Jamberoo.
Watch whales migrate along the coastline, from Wollongong to Eden; find out about the region’s whaling past at Eden’s Killer Whale Museum. Snorkel and scuba dive with fur seals at Montague Island Nature Reserve. Camp under the stars in a national park.
About the South Coast
South of Sydney you’ll discover uncrowded beaches, marine and national parks and the famous Kiama blowhole, which spouts seawater 20 metres into the air.
The rugged coastline offers adventures such as swimming with seals and deep-sea fishing, as well as coastal walks and surfing.
Take a train at Sydney’s Central Station to get to popular destinations in Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and to the edge of the Shoalhaven region. A good way to explore the South Coast is to rent a campervan and drive on well-maintained roads, staying overnight at caravan parks and campgrounds.
The Grand Pacific Drive winds through the Royal National Park, in Sydney’s south, to where hang-gliders soar at Stanwell Park’s Bald Hill. Follow the coast to drive over the dramatic Sea Cliff Bridge and on to Wollongong, NSW’s third-largest city. In between Shellharbour and Kiama, you’ll discover some of Australia’s best surf beaches.
Seaside towns and fishing villages along the South Coast have a range of places to stay and restaurants specialise in serving local seafood, especially oysters. Fertile soils inland support rainforests, dairy farms and vineyards. Whale watching and Aboriginal cultural tours are popular along the coast.
At beautiful Jervis Bay, relax on the fine white sands at Hyams Beach and go dolphin and whale watching with Jervis Bay Wild Cruises or Dolphin Watch Cruises Jervis Bay, both based at Huskisson. Farther south, near Narooma, dive with seals and join a conservation tour in the Montague Island Nature Reserve. And in Eden is the fascinating killer whale museum.