Plan a South Coast visit

The NSW South Coast is a broad region of coastal towns, beaches, green spaces, marine reserves and hinterland. Begin with the official Visit NSW South Coast guide (opens in a new tab) to understand the region and choose a town or area that fits your trip.

Choose a region and pace

Destination NSW groups the South Coast into Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, Shoalhaven and Jervis Bay, Batemans Bay and Eurobodalla, and Merimbula and the Sapphire Coast. Use the South Coast nature and parks guide (opens in a new tab) to plan time in national parks, marine reserves and other natural areas.

Getting there

The region can be explored by road, with train and bus options for parts of the coast and airports serving selected areas. Check the current Visit NSW access guide (opens in a new tab) before travelling because road, service and flight arrangements can change.

Water and walking safety

Before visiting a beach, check weather, alerts and local conditions. Follow the NSW National Parks beach safety guidance (opens in a new tab): swim at patrolled beaches between the flags, never swim alone and take changing surf seriously. For walks, read Think Before You Trek (opens in a new tab), plan for the route and tell someone where you are going.

Country and heritage

South Coast places have continuing Aboriginal cultural connections and diverse local histories. Shoalhaven City Council recognises the First Peoples of the Shoalhaven and their ongoing connection to culture and Country. Read the council sources on visiting the Shoalhaven (opens in a new tab) and heritage and history (opens in a new tab), follow local signs and guidance, and do not treat a broad regional guide as a substitute for community led cultural knowledge.

Before you go

Recheck transport, weather, fire information, park and beach alerts and local safety advice immediately before travel. This guide does not confirm operator availability, prices, events or live conditions. For emergencies call 000.

Sources

Source register: South Coast (opens in a new tab); Getting to the South Coast (opens in a new tab); Nature and parks (opens in a new tab); Beach safety (opens in a new tab); Bushwalking safety (opens in a new tab); Visit the Shoalhaven (opens in a new tab); and Heritage and history (opens in a new tab).

Sources last validated: 1 September 2026.