Illawarra & Southern Highlands

Gerringong is ideally located for outdoor fun at the beach in the Illawarra-Southern Highlands region. Werri Beach is one of the best surfing beaches on the South Coast while Seven Mile Beach is one of the best for wind surfing. You can learn to surf at either beach with local experts.

This hilltop village overlooks a great swathe of blue ocean that promises long days of sport and sunshine. Stay around town a while and you’ll discover this atmospheric town also has a taste for the finer things in life, including wines, great fishing and golf.

Things to See & Do

• Kiama Coast Walk
• Werri Beach
• Crooked River Winery
• Boolarng Nangamai – Aboriginal Art and Culture Studio
• Pottery at Old Toolijooa School
• Land’s Edge Surf School
• Stomping of the Grapes Festival (February)

Gerroa is the closest town to Seven Mile Beach National Park on the South Coast, a grand and inspiring sweep of sand with an extensive dune system and a wealth of bird and mammal life.

Gerroa offers easy access to several national parks and fine beaches as well as many of the prime attractions of the Illawarra, such as wineries, quaint country towns and historic attractions.

Things to See & Do

• Sir Charles Kingsford Smith Memorial and Lookout
• Surf Camp Australia
• Seven Mile Beach

Kangaroo Valley is a National Trust-listed village nestled between the Cambewarra and Barrengarry mountains.

Less than two hours from Canberra and Sydney, Kangaroo Valley is one of the state’s hidden gems. With a backdrop of rainforest greens, picturesque mountains, rolling pastures, lush valleys, and the Kangaroo River, Kangaroo Valley offers the perfect escape from the bustle of city life.

Things to See & Do

• Kangaroo Valley Pioneer Museum Park
• Canoe along Kangaroo Valley
• Cambewarra Mountain Lookout and Tearooms
• Kangaroo Valley Golf Club
• Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival (October)

The commercial centre of the Illawarra and beautifully located on a fishing harbour and is recognised for its lighthouse and famous Blowhole which is a natural fault in the cliffs which explodes into a water spout when hit by a large wave – truly a natural wonder to witness.

The town is steeped in history, charm and atmosphere with a seemingly busy yet relaxed pace to remind you of the holiday feel. There is something for everyone; you can surf, swim, and play at the wondrous beaches the area has to offer or simply take a leisurely stroll along many of the scenic trails and heritage walks.

And two natural rock pools in the foreshore area are ideal for youngsters to explore and enjoy.

Things to see & do: 

• Kiama Blowhole
• Kiama Coast Walk
• Minnamurra Rainforest
• Jamberoo Action Park
• Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk

The gateway to the Southern Highlands, Mittagong lies between the volcanic peaks of Mount Gibraltar and Mount Alexandra, just 110 km south-west of Sydney.

The town’s pretty gardens are open to the public throughout the year but it’s in spring and autumn that they are in full bloom. This is a great place to potter, for antiques and books, good food and wine.

Mittagong has a fine collection of sandstone buildings dating from the early years of European settlement in the mid-19th century.

Stroll along Main and Victoria streets to see fine country homes, delightful gardens and specialty shops.

Things to See & Do

• Mount Gibraltar
• Sturt Craft Centre
• Cave Creek Walking Track
• Nattai Gorge Lookout
• Southern Highlands Art Festival (November)

Moss Vale is the rural centre of the Southern Highlands, with its regional livestock saleyards, farmers market and agricultural show. The meandering tree-lined main street and lush gardens make it one of the most picturesque towns in the region.

Moss Vale is a pretty village peppered with historic buildings in the heart of the Illawarra-Southern Highlands.

Just 130 km south-west of Sydney, Moss Vale is surrounded by rolling green hills, with tree-lined streets and gardens thriving on the area’s volcanic soils.

Things to See & Do

• Bowral
• Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve
• Food & Wine Trails
• Throsby Park Historic Site

Perfectly positioned in the heart of the Illawarra, the mild climate makes it a popular holiday destination for many travellers.

Many caravan and holiday in the area boast stunning water views with sublime surrounds for the ultimate outdoor experience.

Whether your visit is designed to be a relaxing escape by the sea, an adventure getaway, a nature experience or a family holiday, there is something to suit everyone’s recreational pursuits.

A whole spectrum of attractions, adventures and activities can be experienced with two major golf courses, great scuba diving and snorkelling locations, clean golden beaches, fishing and surfing, extensive cycle ways and microlight and scenic flights.

All this as well as a variety of dining experiences including award winning restaurants through to the relaxed atmosphere of a cafe, pub or club.

Things to See & Do

• Macquarie Pass National Park
• Bass Point Reserve
• Bushrangers Bay Aquatic Reserve
• Blackbutt Forest Reserve
• Shellharbour Ocean Swim (April)

Located on the southern tip of the Lake Illawarra peninsula, Windang boasts fabulous fishing, surfing and boating, all wrapped up in lazy coastal town ambience.

Immerse yourself in the relaxed and laid back atmosphere that the town has to offer and revel in the natural surrounds.

Things to See & Do

• Black Diamond District Heritage Centre
• Bulli Beach
• Illawarra Fly Tree Top Walk​
• Jamberoo Action Park
• Nan Tien Temple
• Sea Cliff Bridge
• Sublime Point Lookout
• Wollongong City Gallery