South Coast surf beaches
Discover some of NSW’s best surfing beaches on the South Coast. You’ll also find good casual dining at waterfront cafés and restaurants and plenty of exciting things to do, such as Skydive the Beach in Wollongong. Farther south is 1080 Beach in Eurobodalla National Park, near breathtaking Mystery Bay. Other popular southern surfing locations are at Tathra, Merimbula and Pambula.
Rent a car or a campervan in Sydney from companies such as Mighty Cars and Campers and Camperman Australia, and drive to secluded surfing spots like Mystics and The Farm at Shellharbour. Werri Beach at Gerringong, south of Kiama, has point breaks at both ends of the beach plus a beachside campground and a youth hostel.
Marvel at South Coast waves
Some of the best surfing in Australia is found on the NSW South Coast with mighty waves rolling on to beautiful beaches. Many of the most popular surf breaks are located less than two hours from Sydney by car or train at Wollongong, NSW’s third-largest city.
At Stanwell Park, hang-gliders soar above the headland and surf beach. Along the Grand Pacific Drive, you’ll find surfing beaches such as Austinmer and Thirroul dotting the coast down to Wollongong and beyond, with plenty of accommodation options along the way.
Two great surf breaks are less than 30 minutes’ drive south of Wollongong in Killalea State Park, near Shellharbour and Kiama. Only 500 metres separates The Farm and Mystics.
Both surf locations are listed on National Surfing Reserves and each offers a different experience. The Farm has “largely deep water, and an open rolling wave” and Mystics is “short, peaky, thick and wedge-like”, says the National Surfing Reserves.
There are accredited surf schools along the South Coast and tours from Sydney with operators such as Surf Camp Australia. Jervis Bay Wild Cruises and Dolphin Watch Cruises Jervis Bay, both based in Huskisson, offer whale and dolphin watching in the bay’s crystal clear waters. Stay at nearby Paperbark Camp for a charming “glamping” experience.
