South Coast

Batemans Bay sits at the mouth of the Clyde River where it pours into the Pacific, providing a superb water playground of sailing, beach and big game fishing, swimming, surfing and river cruising. For the golfing enthusiast, there is a challenging 27 hole golf course, and for a spot of family fun, take some time out at mini golf or the wildlife park where you can feed koalas and snakes.

Being home to the famous Clyde River oyster, fresh local seafood is a menu favourite at many waterside restaurants and there is also an abundance of places to shop, museums and galleries to explore, and pubs and clubs and reminisce and make new friends.

Things to See & Do

• Birdland Animal Park
• Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens
• Pearly Oyster Bar & Farm

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)

Wrapped around the vast blue playground of Jervis Bay Marine Park of Shoalhaven North.

Huskisson is a natural magnet for fans of water sports and classic Australian beach holidays. Fishing, diving, snorkelling and sailing all rank high here while the beaches are pristine, well protected and great for families. A bustling village with a rich history which traces back to the fishing and boat building industries, is a haven for holiday makers. Whether you want to soak up the sun, or enjoy the thriving shopping scene, this coastal village will satisfy your every recreational pursuit.

Currarong is a tourist haven boasting a beautiful stretch of beach and is ideal for families wanting a summer escape with Currarong Creek offering safe and calm waters for swimming. Fishing is a much loved past time in and the lobsters are an absolute speciality of the area not to be missed.

Migrating whales are often sighted inside the bay between May and November while fur seals and dolphins can be seen from cruise vessels based in Huskisson. This is Australia’s most northerly fur seal colony, as well as the only mainland colony.

Things to See & Ddo

• Abrahams Bosom Reserve
• Beecroft Head Lookout and Lighthouse
• Cape St George Lighthouse
• Jervis Bay Marine Park
• Jervis Bay National Park
• Lady Denman Heritage Complex
• Point Perpendicular Lighthouse

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 crystal clear waters of Lake Conjola in the Shoalhaven South is ideal for all types of water activities.

Soak in the sunshine and swim to your heart’s content, enjoy some fishing, or for the more confident water enthusiasts, try a spot of water skiing, sailing, scuba diving or sail boarding.

After an exciting day on the water, why not take the boardwalk (suitable for wheelchair access).

Things to See & Do

• Ben Boyd Lookout
• Lake Conjola
• Bush walking

The heart of the Sapphire Coast surrounded by stunning beaches and national parks. A coastline that inspires activity, offering swimming, surfing, sail boarding and diving. Fine dining of every cuisine is on offer with fresh mussels, oysters, calamari and crayfish local delicacies.

Things to See & Do

• Merimbula Aquarium
• Merimbula Boardwalk
• Merimbula Magic Mountain
• Sapphire Coast Winter Orchid Show (August)
• Merimbula Classic (Surf – November)

A natural wonderland which makes it a mecca for big game fishing and whale watching. You can cruise the dazzling blue waters of Wagonga Inlet, stroll through the lush forest gardens of Mount Dromedary or go big game fishing on the Continental Shelf.

To end a relaxing and inspiring day on the water, there are many fine dining restaurants and friendly clubs will set the scene for a sumptuous meal and enjoyable company.

Things to See & Do

• Montague Island Nature Reserve
• Narooma Lighthouse Museum
• Narooma Oyster Festival (May)

An historic village with old-world charm is nestled peacefully between the waters of Pambula and Merimbula Lakes.

Become entranced with the life in the rock pools, tour an oyster farm or river cruise upstream where Aboriginal history dates back over 2000 years.

Things to See & Do

• Nethercote Falls
• Pambula Beach
• Panboola Wetlands
• Pambula Annual Show (January)

Situated on the southern side of the beautiful waterways at the neck of St Georges Basin. The area also caters for nature lovers with a wide variety of reserves and bush and beach walks to ensure you get a taste of the beauty and serenity of the unspoilt natural environment.

Much of the town is built around a system of tidal canals, offering water panoramas and easy access for boating enthusiasts. There are ocean beaches just to the south and the broad expanse of St George’s Basin to the north, while Jervis Bay is just a few kilometres away.

At its southern end, Jervis Bay is enclosed by Booderee National Park, a pristine coastal wilderness. From Wreck Bay village on Summercloud Bay in the park’s south, a walking trail circles the peninsula to St Georges Head, passing a succession of quiet beaches, cliffs and forests.

Things to See & Do

• Hyams Beach
• Booderee National Park
• NSW Jervis Bay National Park
• Booderee National Park Botanic Garden
• Green Patch and Telegraph Creek
• Walking Tracks

The town is surrounded by living history, a rich culture life, a delightful range of colourful shops, fascinating galleries and lively food places. Stroll along the streets and venture into some of the gift shops, cafes, antiques and craft outlets to immerse yourself in the culture of and country town atmosphere.

You may even have the opportunity to meet the artists and crafts people in the many arts and crafts galleries, wood and leather craft stores to give you an insight into their art.

If you enjoy water sports then head to Burrill Lake just five kilometres south of Ulladulla. Boats, sailboards, canoes, and kayaks are available for hire at three separate launching ramps on the lake, with windsurfing, water skiing, swimming, and fishing being among the most common pastimes.

Things to See & Do

• Burrill Lake
• Funland
• Ulladulla Harbour & Wharf
• Warden Head Lighthouse
• The Blessing of the Fleet (March)