Sydney – South Coast of Australia

A wonderful little weekend trip when staying in and around Sydney  is to take a drive down the South Coast from Sydney. You head out from Sydney towards Wollongong and keep going down from there. This can be a great little one day trip down to Nowra and Jervis Bay or you can keep on going and spend the night in some of the many beautiful towns along the way.

 

Here is my advice for a nice 3 day trip spending 1 night in Stanwell Tops or Berry and 1 night in Jervis Bay area.

 

The drive itself from Sydney down our Southern Coastline is stunning. Taking the coastal road via Stanwell Tops is a great start and if you are taking it slowly then spend the morning at SYMBIO WILDLIFE GARDENS. Symbio is fantastic as it has Australia’s most loved Native Animals and you can get right up close and personal with them, cuddling a Koala and feeding a Kangaroo. You can then squeeze in an afternoon of Hang gliding from Stanwell Tops down to the beach at Stanwell Park below, or simply grab an ice cream and watch others give it a go.

SYMBIO ANIMAL PARK: http://www.symbiozoo.com.au/

HANG GLIDING:http://www.hangglideoz.com.au/

 

Next stop is Kiama. First driving past the gorgeous Bombo beach and through some terrific countryside and catching a glimpse of Australia’s diverse natural environments. Kiama has some great little restaurants and cafes by the sea where you can relax and watch the Pelicans soar in. A visit to the Terrace shops for cute gifts and some old fashioned lollies is a must. Before you head on, take a drive up to the blow hole and Lighthouse on the point- this is always a great thrill for tourists and something that is never boring.

KIAMA: http://www.kiama.com.au/pages/welcome/

 

Back in the car and its back to the views of the countryside and winding coastal roads with the ever changing scenery to the right at all times. This drive can be done all in one day or take your time and enjoy the little towns along the way. Berry is the perfect place to put up your feet and rest for the night. Whether it’s camping near the 7 mile beach, keeping it cosy in a little B& B or pulling up to a caravan park, you will find all sorts of accommodation here. Great antique shops, boutique fashion stores and homely food will keep you busy when wandering around this lovely little town. The opal store and Chocolate Factory are two of the best attractions, so make sure you’ve got some cash on you.

BERRY: http://www.southcoast.com.au/berry/

 

The drive then continues down quite straight towards Nowra from here. You will reach the Shoalhaven area and pass many fruit picking spots and vineyards (depending on the season) as well as little beach suburbs. I would suggest renting a house for a night in Collalla Bay, a little further then Nowra or continuing closer to Jervis Bay, Huskisson or Vincentia. Huskisson offers wonderful fishing spots and great whale and dolphin watching cruises. Jervis Bay Caravan Park puts you right out there in the middle of nature with Kangaroos bounding up to your cabin door and always stopping by for a pet. Nearby is also the Valhalla Horse Riding Centre which will take guests through the bush on 1-3 hour guided tours. A brilliant way to see Australia’s Natural beauty.

Valhalla Horse Riding: http://www.valhallahorseriding.com.au

 

Stop by Nowra’s Information Centre or Visit the Website to get all the hot tips on the Shoalhaven area: http://us.sydney.com/town/Nowra/Shoalhaven_Visitor_Information_Centre_Nowra/info.aspx

 

So whether it’s a one day trip or a three day trip, there are plenty of options of great things to do and see all along this beautiful coastal path. You can zip straight back after your weekend in 3 hours or again take it slowly with lots of nice stops along the way.

 

Please see here for a map of the route:

http://maps.google.com.au/maps?hl=en&tab=wl&q=sydney%20-%20nowra