A trip from Sydney to the South Coast of NSW is an absolute photographic buffet. You’ll drive past the most sublime sapphire-blue waters, historical attractions, quaint coastal towns, and rugged sea vistas along the shore-hugging route. The long, winding road eventually leads to Eden near the Victorian border, but there are plenty of worthwhile detours and adventures along the way. You can take on the whole stretch in one big road trip over several days or opt for a truncated weekend itinerary. Either way, you’re in for a treat. It’s a panoramic drive for all seasons but summer is when the magic really unfolds, so get your camera, cue up a playlist, grab some snacks for the road, and start mapping out your trip. Here is everything you need to do on one of the best summer road trips in NSW.
Total distance: Approximately 550km one-way
Recommended time: 6-8 days
Road trip itinerary South Coast NSW
1. Drive straight to the Royal National Park
Sydney is the perfect place to kick off your South Coast road trip, and the Royal National Park makes for an excellent first stop, especially for nature lovers. As one of the world’s oldest national parks, it offers a diverse range of adventures including waterfalls, coastal bushwalks, and hidden swimming spots with overlooks galore so make sure to budget plenty of time here. Must-see highlights include the beautiful Curracurrong Falls that flows directly into the sea, the Instagram-famous Figure Eight Pools, and Wedding Cake Rock. Whether you’re into hiking, photography, or simply looking to get out and soak up the summertime sunshine, the Royal National Park is the place to be. Read our full guide here and start planning.
Total drive time: Less than an hour from Sydney
Distance: Around 55km
2. See the Kiama blowhole
After you leave the Royal National Park, hop back in your car and drive along the stunning Grand Pacific Drive that passes the popular Sea Cliff Bridge towards Kiama, a picturesque coastal town famous for its remarkable natural wonders. The top spot to see here is the Kiama Blowhole, a stunning place that draws huge crowds all year long. While there, stretch your legs on the stunning 20km Kiama Coast Walk, shop from the local markets, or check out other natural attractions like Bombo Headland and Cathedral Rocks. It’s the perfect place for a break before you continue to the South Coast. See our full guide to Kiama.
Total drive time: Around an hour and 15 minutes from Royal National Park
Distance: Around 90km
3. Go antique shopping in Berry
Berry is one of the most popular day-trip destinations from Sydney and for good reason. Just a short drive out of the city, this country town is surrounded by rolling hills and lush farmland so stellar views are guaranteed. It also offers plenty to out-of-towners with antique stores, vintage shops, and quaint cafes sprinkled around the small town. Must-visit spots include the famous Berry Donut Van, heritage buildings like the Berry Museum, the quirky Berry Flea Markets, and the nearby Seven Mile Beach, one of the longest on the South Coast. Check out our full weekend guide to Berry.
Total drive time: 20 minutes from Kiama
Distance: Around 25km
4. Walk along the white sands of Jervis Bay
Jervis Bay’s beaches are decidedly showstopping, drawing visitors from far and wide for the famous white sands and clear blue waters, particularly at Hyams Beach. Other must-visit places include the charming small towns of Huskisson and Vincentia and the lovely Booderee National Park and Botanic Gardens. While this sought-after area can naturally get quite crowded, there are some hidden gems like Chinamans Beach and Barfluer Beach where you can enjoy the same white sands and crystal-clear waters with fewer crowds. If you’re visiting in summer, you might even be lucky enough to witness the magical bioluminescent waters that occasionally glow along the beaches. If you’re short on time, the famous White Sands Walk is a great way to soak up all the surroundings in a quick 90-minute coastal trail.
Total drive time: 55 minutes from Berry
Distance: Around 55km
5. Swim alongside stingrays at Bendalong Point
The marine life along the South Coast is rich and abundant, so naturally, there are countless wildlife experiences to enjoy. If that sounds like your thing, we recommend making a pitstop at Bendalong Point on your road trip, where you can swim alongside graceful stingrays in glass-like clear waters. This tranquil spot offers an unforgettable opportunity to get up close with these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat and it’s a must-visit for nature lovers visiting the coast. It’s also extra vibrant at sunset.
6. Enjoy all the water sports and wildlife at Bateman’s Bay
Bateman’s Bay might be the largest town in the Eurodobolla region, but it still retains its small-town charm. The country-style coastal town offers a wonderful blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. Known as the ‘land of many waters‘ Bateman’s Bay offers over 130 kilometres of unspoiled coastline, ideal for a range of water activities, bushwalking, whale watching, and more. The nearby Murramarang National Park offers picturesque walking trails and secluded beaches that you can get all to yourself. It’s equally laidback and equally adventurous depending on what you are looking for.
Total drive time: About 2 hours from Jervis Bay
Distance: Around 140km
6. Marvel at the natural wonders of Bermagui
Onwards to the fabulous coastal town of Bermagui which is home to spectacular million-year-old rock formations, glorious beaches, and the famous Blue Pool — a wildly beautiful natural rock pool set against a coastal backdrop. It’s a must-visit attraction on the South Coast. Bermagui is another town that offers a mix of relaxation and adventure, dive and snorkel in its pristine waters, check out the brilliant Horse Head Rock and Camel Rock, shop at the Bermagui Growers Market, and go on a stroll along the bright blue Wallaga Lake, the largest lake in southern NSW and enjoy a dose of summer nostalgia. Bearmagui’s coastal scenery is a thing of beauty so don’t miss out on this spot on your South Coast road trip.
Total drive time: 1 hour, 20 minutes from Bermagui
Distance: Around 102km
7. Discover the historic coastal town of Eden
Whichever route you plan to take, Eden is about as far south as you can go on the NSW South Coast. This charming seaside town marks the southernmost point of the region and is an unexpected hidden gem you must explore. Dubbed locally as the “Humpback Highway,” it offers remarkable whale watching in the migration months. It also has a rich maritime history that you can learn more about on a visit to the Eden Killer Whale Museum or on the Killer Whale Trail. The nearby Beowa National Park is a must-visit for delightfully lush walking trails with coastal views, hidden coves, and more. This is where you wrap up your South Coast road trip before heading further south into Victoria or returning to Sydney.
Total drive time: About 1.5 hours from Bermagui
Distance: Around 94km
It would take weeks to explore every inch of the south coast but some other popular activities you can do along this stretch include:
- Hand glide in Wollongong
- Visit the Nan Tien Temple
- Go on a glass bottom kayak tour
- Visit Australia Rock at Narooma
- Explore the Bundadoon Art Musuem
- Try fresh oysters at Ulladulla
- Enjoy the sunset at Mystery Bay
Ready to hit the road? Start planning the ultimate South Coast road trip today and find accommodation options, local wineries, perfect white sand beaches, and much more here.