The South Coast of New South Wales is one of the most beautiful coasts of Australia, and it is jam-packed with many things to do, see, experience, discover and explore, making it the coast with the most!
The South Coast is home to magical waterways, beaches galore, lakes and rivers, as well as lush bushland and rainforest, mountains and valleys.
The South Coast is home to an abundance of must-see attractions
There is an array of natural attractions, quaint villages, rich heritage and history, as well as many hidden gems.
* Please note that some of the attractions below were affected by the devastating bushfires and some attractions perished. Please do not let this dishearten you from visiting the beauty of the South Coast.
Also, do note that due to the COVID-19 pandemic some attractions will also be closed. Please check the websites before visiting.
Be sure to stop at the many lookouts
The list below features the best of the South Coast with the Top Must-Sees:
Beach Must-Sees:
There is an endless strip of beaches to explore and enjoy, making this list challenging to compose. However, there are a few beaches that must-sees, including:
Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay- The whitest sand beach in the world! The beach is suited for swimming and snorkelling.
Broulee Beach, Batemans Bay- Sheltered by Broulee Island, this beach is a magnet for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts, and it also offers excellent swimming and surfing opportunities.
Bar Beach South, Narooma- This beach makes a superb family-friendly or beginner snorkelling spot.
Kianinny Bay, Tathra- This sheltered gem is certainly a family-friendly pleaser as it is often secluded.
The beautiful hues of Hyams Beach
Main Beach, Merimbula- This protected beach is home to striking and colourful rock formations and makes an excellent spot for fishing, scuba diving, swimming, surfing, and canoeing.
Pambula Beach, Pambula- This beach is a hotspot for kangaroos as well as a great beach to enjoy surfing and swimming.
Shelly Beach, Moruya Heads- This family-friendly beach makes an ideal spot to enjoy a picnic as well as swimming.
Tathra Beach, Tathra- The mesmerising blue and green waters of Tathra Beach makes a perfect spot to enjoy surfing and sailboarding. It also attracts kangaroos and wallabies.
Enjoying the tranquility at Tathra Beach
Spectacular lakes dominate the South Coast and beyond, making it a water recreation haven!
Activities including boating, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and fishing can all be enjoyed at:
The beautiful waters of Lake Conjola
Enjoying a quiet fish at Wallaga Lake
There is an array of National Parks to explore and discover, including:
Booderee National Park, Jervis Bay- Rich with Indigenous culture, gleaming beaches, and spectacular bushwalks.
Ben Boyd National Park- This National Park offers an endless stretch of sea views, secluded beaches, and fascinating Aboriginal and historical remnants.
The historic Boyd's Tower at Ben Boyd's National Park
, accessed from Moruya- This National Park is home to The Big Hole, an ancient rock feature of Marble Arch where stalactites hand from ancient elevated ceilings. It is also home to an array of birdlife and wildlife, water-based activities, and pastoral heritage.
Bournda National Park, near Tathra- This National Park is jam-packed with crowd-free stunning beaches backed by a rugged coastline. It is also home to Wallagoot Lake where swimming and boating can be enjoyed.
The coastal Bournda National Park
, near Bega- Home to spectacular rock formations galore, best admired from epic headlands. There are also stunning beaches and lagoons.
Eurobodalla National Park, reached from Moruya or Narooma- This coastal classic National Park is home to incredible beaches, lakes, a wealth of birdlife and wildlife, as well as spectacular walking paths.
Murramarang National Park, surrounding near South Durras- You will find a mix of sprawling rainforest with enticing beaches, and an array of beautiful rainforest walks.
The contrasts of Mimosa Rocks National Park
Located only 9km offshore from Narooma, Montague Island is home to an adorable assortment of marine life, including fur seals, little penguins, and an abundance of birdlife. Access to the Island is by tour only.
Eurobodalla Botanic Gardens, Batemans Bay- This Botanic Garden boasts with a cluster of trails that highlight the magnificent flora and fauna that are native to the area.
The breathtaking views from Montague Island
- This platform provides an enjoyable stroll, combined with lake views (with opportunities to spot out marine life), mangroves, and lush bushland.
Mill Bay Boardwalk, Narooma- Marvel at the eye-catching emerald waters of Wagonga Inlet, with opportunities to spot stingrays and large schools of fish.
The Mill Bay Boardwalk, Narooma
After exploring the coastline, check out these must-see rock formations:
Glasshouse Rocks, Surf Beach, Narooma- Glasshouse Rocks are an icon to the town of Narooma. These big and bold rocks are framed from endless angles.
This amazing ancient geological significant site is a photographers dream. The Geological Society of Australia dates it between 510 and 440 million years old!
Australia Rock, Narooma- This stunning formation is another photographers dream, and again this freak of nature formation is the remnants of volcanic activity hundreds of millions of years ago.
The fascinating Australia Rock
Horse Head Rock, Bermagui- This striking rock formation believed to be around 500 million years old and among the oldest rocks in New South Wales.
Camel Rock, Bermagui- Another striking rock formation to add to the must-see list! The rock formation of folded 470 million-year-old turbidite beds was created by underwater avalanches 450 million years ago!
The natural and incredible Camel Rock
, north of Batemans Bay- This Zoo is home to an assortment of endangered and exotic animals. The zoo offers talks, feedings, and up-close encounters.
Birdland Animal Park, Batemans Bay- Another wildlife wonder, Birdland Animal Park is filled with dozens of native feathered species, as well as native animals in a bushland setting.
Magic Mountain, Merimbula- This family-friendly fun park is packed with exhilarating rides and amusements for all ages.
Funland, Ulladulla- This family-friendly must-see attraction is home to a selection of amusements, arcade games, dodgem cars, and more.
Mogo Zoo is a must-see attraction!
, Pambula- You will find an animal barn home to adorable farmyard animals, pony and trail rides, and for the adults enjoy some time out at the microbrewery.
Montreal Goldfield, Bermagui- This Goldfield is Australia's only seaside goldfield and is home to a fascinating history. In 1880, gold was discovered on a beach north of Bermagui.
The goldfield was also the start of the great unsolved Bermagui Mystery-the disappearance of government surveyor and four other men.
Merimbula Aquarium & Wharf Restaurant, Merimbula- The aquarium is home to a 70,000-litre Oceanarium featuring 28 tanks of local and tropical marine life of all kinds. Do not forget to see the fish feeding frenzy!
Museum & Gallery Must-Sees:
Food Must-sees (must-eats):
The signature food of the South Coast region is seafood, of course! There is a wealth of places to indulge, whether you are looking for fine dining or fish and chips by the sea.
First-rate eateries include:
With so many things to do, see, experience, discover, and explore, the South Coast of New South Wales is a truly magical place to visit! Be sure to add this gem to your bucket list or itinerary.
