Must do
Fast facts
- More than 30 national parks, marine parks and reserves – plus beach culture and a rich Aboriginal history
- From the south of Sydney’s Royal National Park to Eden near the Victorian border
Why go there
The unspoilt natural beauty of the southern coastline of New South Wales unfolds in a series of bays and coves. Little townships, many with interesting histories, are known for their fine food and wines, and great country markets. Superb local cheeses are a speciality.
Marine mammals take pride of place – pods of dolphins and migratory whales cruise past secluded white-sand beaches, and Australian fur seals thrive on Montague Island. There are two marine parks here - at Jervis Bay and Batemans Bay.
Head south from Sydney through the Royal National Park and along the Sea Cliff Bridge, a sinuously seductive road that is flanked by the Tasman Sea on one side and the richly forested Illawarra escarpment on the other. Take in the expanse of Wadbilliga National Park – the largest undisturbed wilderness in New South Wales.
Take a dip in the pristine waters of Jervis Bay, stroll the old wharf at Tathra and relax in romantic little hideaways. Discover the secrets of Mystery Bay, Disaster Bay, Pigeon House Mountain and Mount Dromedary as you head towards the fabulous Sapphire Coast, the gateway to Eden.
Don’t miss
