Five-Day Winter Road Trip

Post

Subscribe

Posted 2025-04-22 by Maria-MPG Narratives ⇒ follow

Sydney to Shoalhaven via Kiama and Wollongong.

Here is an easy road trip suggestion for visiting the NSW South Coast during winter. There is still plenty to do, even without beach weather. There is bushwalking and hiking, fishing and boating, whale watching (peak season), and many galleries, wineries and farmers' markets to explore. So, take a leisurely drive down the coast and enjoy the south coast in all its winter glory.

Wollongong Harbour. Image courtesy of Maria-MPG Narratives.

Day 1 – Sydney to Kiama via Wollongong (2 - 4 hours)
Leave Sydney early in the morning to allow for a stop for coffee at Wollongong Harbour. How long you spend here will determine the time you arrive in Kiama. My husband and I like to linger at Levendi Kiosk and take in the view of the harbour. Also, if you're travelling with kids, this harbour beach is safe for them to play in the sand or at the children's playground next to the kiosk.

This path takes you to the Levendi Kiosk, where you can enjoy the harbour view with a good coffee. Image courtesy of Maria-MPG Narratives.

Levendi Kiosk, Wollongong. Great spot for coffee, gelato and fish 'n' chips. Images courtesy of Maria-MPG Narratives and chips image from the Levendi website.

After this pitstop, drive to the beautiful seaside town of Kiama, home of the Kiama Blow Hole. There are some lovely lunch spots like these 4+ star cafes and restaurants -

Saltwater Cafe

The Farmer's Table

Little Betty's

Miss Arda

The Hungry Monkey

After lunch, drive through Shoalhaven to Huskisson / Jervis Bay, which can take 1 -2 hours, depending on whether you stop on your way. There are many Instagram-worthy views.

Day 2 – Huskisson / Jervis Bay

My pick for accommodation would be Manzi, a house that sleeps five people and is situated at 40 Duncan St, Huskisson. Basing yourselves here means you are central to all the sites you want to explore.

Manzi, accommodation at Jervis Bay, sleeps 5. Image courtesy of Booking.com

Manzi, accommodation at Huskisson - Booking.com

With so many things to see and do in this area, you won't know where to start. Check out some of these attractions -

Visit the Jervis Maritime Museum and Gallery
Walk the Jervis Bay Mangrove Boardwalk
Hike in the Boodoree National Park
Sample some ale at the Jervis Bay Brewing Company

A spot of wine tasting at nearby wineries like -

Two Figs Winery, Berry

Mountain Ridge Wines Restaurant & Cellar Door, Coolangatta

Cupitt's Estate, Ulladulla

Coolangatta Estate, Coolangatta

Day 3 – Drive to Callala Bay
This beautiful white sand beach and small town are approximately 25 mins drive from Huskisson. You may see kangaroos and other wildlife at Callala Beach. This is a lovely spot to enjoy the crystal clear waters of Jervis Bay. It is family-friendly too.

Crystal waters of Callala Bay. Image courtesy of Visit NSW website.

Day 4 – Drive to Bawley Point

This is a full day, so plan to head out early morning because it is a 1.5-hour drive. It will be worth it once you arrive and decide what you want to explore.

Depot Beach marks the start and end of an easy 4 km walk through lush littoral rainforest. This type of rainforest is found on the south coast on exposed or sheltered headlands and beach dunes. It is endangered due to erratic storms and rising sea levels, due to climate change.

Lush rainforest at Depot Beach. Image courtesy of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website.

More information is available at the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website.

Whale Watching
If you don't wish to drive, an alternative to driving to Bawley Point is whale watching. You can find out where you can spot whales just off Huskisson by checking out these operators at Huskisson Wharf.

Jervis Bay Wild:
This operator offers a range of whale watching and dolphin cruises that depart from Huskisson.

Whale Watching Cruises:
Whale watching cruises leave from Huskisson Wharf. Head down to the wharf to choose the cruise you prefer.

Best Time of Year:
May to November is when the whales migrate up the coast, and is peak season to spot them.

Day 5 – Drive back to Sydney via Berry

On the last day of this enjoyable road trip, head off to Berry to enjoy the historical main street, lush landscape and feast on the great food on offer. Berry is the perfect place for a lunch stop as you head home. And, don't forget to sample the donuts before buying some to take home.