The '''South Coast''' region of New South Wales has an interesting rural/tourist mix. The area is rich in rural charm, having a strong dairy industry (and cheese-making in Bega). Most of the coastal areas are popular tourist destinations, especially with weekend visitors from Sydney.
Towns
Batehaven
Batemans Bay
Bega
Bermagui
Berry
Bodalla
Central Tilba
Cobargo
Eden
Jervis Bay
Kangaroo Valley
Merimbula
Milton (New South Wales)
Moruya
Narooma
Nowra
Quaama
Stanwell Tops
Tathra
Ulladulla and Mollymook
Other destinations
Jervis Bay, one of the most beautiful spots on the south coast
Booderee National Park
Ben Boyd National Park
Montague Island
Understand
The south coast of New South Wales is a major local holiday destination and in peak holiday periods the population swells to between more than three times the number of long-term residents.
Two major local government areas administer the region: Eurobodalla Shire to the south and the Shoalhaven Municipality to the north including Nowra. Jervis Bay is a territory of the Commonwealth Government administered separately and housing a naval base.
80% of the Eurobodalla shire is national park or state forest with extensive stands of spotted gum forest.
The coastal region has a reputation for locals who are easygoing and friendly, environmentally conscious and politically liberal.
Get in
You can get to the South Coast by car or train.
By car
If travelling from the Illawarra or Sydney, travel to Wollongong and join the Princes Highway. It will get you to any part of the South Coast or even deposit you in Melbourne if you go far enough.
Be aware that traffic can be very slow around Kiama, south of Wollongong, at the start and end of long weekends or school holidays.
If travelling from Canberra, take the Kings Highway from Queanbeyan to Batemans Bay. The Kings Highway connects to the Princes Highway for access to areas north and south of Batemans Bay.
By train
You can catch a [http://cityrail.info/ Cityrail] train from Sydney Central platforms 4-15, or at Hurstville or Sutherland. You can catch a train as far as Nowra (Bomaderry to be precise, just over the river). Two interesting places the train will take you to are Kiama and Berry.
Get around
The best way to get around is to drive. The Princes Highway travels the length of the South Coast and most places aren't far from it.
See
Before you drive down Mount Ousley pass, stop to look out over Wollongong and the ocean from the top of the Escarpment
Hanging Rock lookout in Nowra
Bega Valley Lookout
Stanwell Tops
Do
Canoeing in Kangaroo Valley
Art galleries in Berry
Dolphin cruise in Jervis Bay
Jambaroo Recreation Park
Bega Cheese Factory
Mogo Zoo
Feed the birds at Green Patch
Minamurra Rainforest
Drives
Kangaroo Valley
Eat
Drink
Stay safe
For most of the year, this is a very safe area. Locals are almost always willing to help and and welcome friendly conversation with visitors. During summer, there is a small risk of pickpocketing or minor vandalism.
Beaches are usually patrolled by lifesavers, but ask locals about dangerous surf and bluebottles. Sunburn is also a risk for visitors unused to Australian summers.
Roads are busy during summer; often people will walk to beaches along the road. Caution is advised during peak periods.
Get out