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The South Coast of NSW is the kind of place you tell people about for years. White sand beaches, humpbacks swimming through clear water, forest that runs right down to the sea. Whether you’re chasing a big day out or a slow weekend away, there are so many things to do on the South Coast NSW, and the hard part is picking what comes first.
Book someone a South Coast getaway or a morning on the water and you’re giving them a story to tell, not a thing to unwrap.
From whale watching off Merimbula to kayaking the Clyde River, helicopter flights over Wollongong and long lunches in the Southern Highlands, here’s where to start.
Things to Do on the South Coast NSW
Things to Do in Wollongong
Wollongong sits where the South Coast begins, with surf beaches on one side and the rainforest-covered Illawarra escarpment on the other. There’s plenty to fill a day here, and the view is half the reason to come.
– Weekend Tandem Skydive over Wollongong, up to 15,000ft: freefall for up to 60 seconds, then float back down with the beach, the harbour and the Great Dividing Range laid out beneath you. See more skydiving in Wollongong.
– Scenic Helicopter Flight over Wollongong, 12 minutes for 2: lift off from Wollongong Heliport and trace the coastline together, camera ready.
– Wollongong Deep Sea Reef Fishing Charter, 6 hours: head out past the breakers for a full day of reef fishing, gear and skipper sorted.
– Thrilling Break Room Experience: had a week? Suit up, pick up a bat, and let a crate of crockery take the hit.
Things to Do in Jervis Bay
Jervis Bay is famous for turquoise water, some of the whitest sand in the country, and dolphins that turn up like they own the place. It’s one of the best spots on the coast to get out on the water.
– Jervis Bay Guided Sea Kayak Tour with Morning Tea, 5 hours: paddle past sea caves and hidden beaches with a guide who knows where to look, morning tea included.
– Jervis Bay Sunset River Cruise, 2 hours: drift down the river as the light goes gold, drink in hand.
– Jervis Bay Dolphin Cruise, 1.5 hours: a relaxed way to spend an afternoon watching resident dolphins play in the bay.
Whale season runs from roughly May to November, and you can find every whale watching cruise in Jervis Bay in one place.
Things to Do in Batemans Bay
Further south, Batemans Bay and the Eurobodalla coast are all oyster leases, glassy estuaries and easygoing seaside towns.
– Clyde River Oyster Farm Kayak Tour for 2: paddle out to the leases and taste oysters straight from the water with fourth-generation farmers.
– Guided Wildlife Tour in a Glass Bottom Kayak: watch the estuary world go by beneath your feet as you paddle.
– Merimbula Whale Watching Tour, 2 hours: further down the coast, a great vantage point for humpbacks on the move.
Things to Do in the Southern Highlands
Just inland, the Southern Highlands around Bowral, Berry and Berrima trade the coast for cool-climate wine, farm produce and long lunches.
– Exclusive Wine and Cheese Experience at Peppergreen Estate: settle in for a tasting matched with local cheese. Browse more wine tasting and winery tours.
– Southern Highlands Gnocchi and Arancini Cooking Class for 2: roll your own gnocchi, then eat the results.
– Multi-Course Set Menu at Bangalay for 2: a coastal-Highlands dining stop at Shoalhaven Heads worth planning a day around.
South Coast Getaways
Some of the best South Coast moments happen when you stay the night.
– Rejuvenating Weekend Coastal Getaway: two nights in Gerringong with the ocean on your doorstep.
– 2 Night Tiny Home Getaway with Ocean Views: a Central Tilba escape built for switching off.
– 1 Night Stay in Berry with a Bottle of Wine, Midweek: a quick, easy night away in one of the coast’s prettiest towns.
Things to Do on the South Coast with Kids
The coast is made for family days. Whale watching, glass-bottom kayaking and the treetop adventure and zip-trek experience at Nowra all keep younger explorers happy, and you’ll find plenty more child-friendly experiences to fill a school holiday.
Not sure which one to pick? A RedBalloon Gift Voucher lets them choose their own moment, whether that’s an activity, a meal or a coastal stay.
Places to Visit on the South Coast
The South Coast runs from Wollongong all the way to the Victorian border. Top spots to base yourself include Wollongong, Jervis Bay, the Southern Highlands (Bowral, Berry and Berrima), Batemans Bay, Gerringong and the Shoalhaven River.
Exploring other regions near the South Coast
Once you’ve had your fill of the coast, the rest of NSW is close by. Head north to the harbour city for things to do in Sydney, climb into the Blue Mountains for cliffs and canyons, taste your way through the Hunter Valley wine country, or follow the shoreline up to the Central Coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do on the South Coast? Standouts include whale watching off Jervis Bay and Merimbula, sea kayaking in Jervis Bay, the Clyde River oyster farm tour near Batemans Bay, scenic helicopter flights over Wollongong, and wine and cheese tastings in the Southern Highlands. RedBalloon lists over 85 South Coast experiences you can book online.
What are the top attractions on the South Coast? Well-known attractions include Sea Cliff Bridge, Hyams Beach, the Illawarra escarpment, Jervis Bay and Booderee National Park, and the estuaries around Batemans Bay. Many are best explored on a guided kayak tour, cruise or scenic flight.
When is the best time to visit the South Coast? Summer (December to February) is ideal for beaches and swimming. Whale watching season runs roughly May to November as humpbacks migrate past the coast. The Southern Highlands are lovely in autumn for cool-climate wine and colour.
What are the best day trips on the South Coast? Popular day trips include a Jervis Bay dolphin or sunset cruise, a Wollongong deep sea fishing charter, a Clyde River oyster kayak tour from Batemans Bay, and a wine and cheese tasting in the Southern Highlands.
What are the best romantic things to do on the South Coast? For couples, try a two-night coastal getaway in Gerringong, an ocean-view tiny home stay in Central Tilba, a sunset river cruise in Jervis Bay, or a multi-course dinner at Bangalay.
What are the best family-friendly things to do on the South Coast? Great family options include the Nowra treetop adventure and zip-trek, glass-bottom kayaking near Batemans Bay, dolphin cruises in Jervis Bay, and whale watching in season.
What are the best places to eat on the South Coast? The region is known for fresh oysters, seafood and cool-climate produce. Standout food experiences include a set menu at Bangalay in Shoalhaven Heads, a Southern Highlands cooking class, and oysters straight off the Clyde River.