Roadtrip the Princes Highway, South Coast

Roadtrip the Princes Highway, South Coast – Coastal Wonder

Roadtrip the Princes Highway, South Coast and you’ll discover a stack of unique attractions just waiting for you to rock up and check ’em out. So, grab your sunnies, crank up the tunes, and get ready for an absolute ripper of a road trip! Accommodation is half way through this route in Travellarks handpicked accommodation in the Tilba region. Now here’s where the real fun begins…

From Wollongong to Eden

Wollongong

• Distance to Shellharbour: Approx. 20 km
• Drive Time: Approx. 25 mins.
• Welcome to Wollongong – t won’t take you long to feel thst it’s very laid-back here, and there’s a lot of attractions to check out. First up, have you ever visited a Buddhist Temple? Well, now’s your opportunity with a visit to the Nan Tien Temple. Seriously huge, it’s the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere and once you’ve had your fill of zen, head to some top-notch eateries like Babyface Kitchen, for  modern Aussie dishes with a twist, or Lee and Me – great sandwiches and specialty coffee.
• You can explore Wollongong Botanic Gardens or soak up the sun at North Wollongong Beach and don’t miss the chance to experience history at the iconic Wollongong Head Lighthouse. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not tackle the zipline at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures? Or opt for a cruisy rainforest walk instead.
• For a bit of fun, head over to the WIN Entertainment Centre. And before you head off, don’t forget to take a drive along the iconic  Sea Cliff Bridge for spectacular views.

Shellharbour, South Coast NSW

• Distance to Kiama: Approx. 15 km
• Drive Time: Approx. 16 min
• Welcome to Shellharbour. Discover local history at the City Museum. Then, grab a bite at awesome spots like Relish on Addison or the Oak Flats Bowling & Recreation Club. You’ll see skydivers from Bass Point Reserve or take a swim at Killalea, Shellharbour South or Warilla Beach. The walk along the Shellharbour foreshore is really nice to end your time here.

Kiama, South Coast, NSW

• Distance to Berry: Approx. 22 km
• Drive Time: Approx. 18 min
• Welcome to Kiama – a fantastic spot on your Roadtrip the Princes Highway, South Coast, with the iconic Blowhole and Lighthouse and don’t miss the Kiama Coastal Walk. If you have time, Minnamurra Rainforest is beautiful.
• Take in panoramic views from Saddleback Mountain Lookout, or sample local goodies at the Kiama Farmers’ Market (their handmade crafts are gret gifts) and then there’s the Seaside Markets.
• The Hungry Monkey for brekkie or brunch, or Olive & Vine or a meal with a ripper view, Penny Whistler’s the go to.

Berry, South Coast NSW

• Distance to Nowra: Approx. 17 km
• Drive Time: Approx. 20 min

Welcome to Berry – Before reaching Nowra, take a detour to Berry, a fabulous town known for its heritage charm, boutique shopping, and you’ll find Queen St especially interesting. A must stop is Milkwood Bakery and you may see the Berry Donut Van, or enjoy a long lunch at The Garden Berry.

Nowra, South Coast NSW

• Distance to Ulladulla: Approx. 64 km
• Drive Time: Approx. 1 hour
• Welcome to Nowra – Shoalhaven River is a good spot to stretch the legs, or fish or even cruise. The Fleet Air Arm Museum has some fascinating aviation history and the Bomaderry Creek Walking Track and Morton National Park are top spots for a hike. Or take a swim at Seven Mile Beach.
• You can take a scenic drive to Cambewarra Lookout for panoramic views or Shoalhaven Zoo to see some native Australian wildlife.
• Wharf Rd has delicious fresh seafood and cocktails, or try The Deli on Kinghorne for gourmet sandwiches and great coffee. A visit to the Nowra Farmers’ Market for local goodies is a must too. And don’t forget to treat yourself to some gelato from Hyper Hyper Café, it’s the perfect way to end your day in Nowra.

Ulladulla, South Coast NSW

• Distance to Batemans Bay: Approx. 55 km
• Drive Time: Approx. 47 min
• Welcome to Ulladulla – another chill spot on the South Coast with its pretty harbour. Don’t miss the dolphin watching cruise. When it comes to cafes, you’re spoilt for choice here. Try Rick Stein at Bannisters or Native Cafe & General Store. The Treehouse Cafe serves good coffee and homemade treats too.
• Give stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking along the tranquil waters of Ulladulla Harbour a go or Milton Theatre for live performances. Ulladulla has some unique shops and boutiques to explore too so everyone’s happy. Before you call it a day, make a bee -line to the Ulladulla Harbour Markets for some local goodies. And don’t forget to treat yourself to icecream from King’s Point Ice Creamery.

Batemans Bay, South Coast NSW

• Distance to Moruya: Approx. 26 km
• Drive Time: Approx. 21 min
• Welcome to Batemans Bay – a laid-back gem again. Watch fisherman on the Clyde River or hop on a river cruise.
• Swing by JJ’s at The Marina for mouth watering seafood and waterfront views, or Sam’s Pizzeria. Bay Cafe has great coffee and homemade treats.
• Visit Birdland Animal Park or Batemans Bay Sunday Market.

Moruya, South Coast NSW

• Distance to Narooma: Approx. 45 km
• Drive Time: Approx. 41m
• Welcome to Moruya – cruise the scenic Moruya River, hit the Moruya Golf Club for a round with stunning views or a meal. If you don’t catch your lunch, head to The River Moruya for just caught seafood dishes and stunning waterfront views, or the Moruya Waterfront Hotel for hearty pub grub with a local twist. The River Moruya Café is popular for its coffee or take a walk afterwards through the Botanic Gardens for a dose of green.
• Moruya Museum is all about the area’s history of gold mining and timber milling.
• Visi Saturday markets with a variety of local produce, crafts, and food stalls and before you call it a day, treat yourself to a scoop (or two!) of home-made gelato from Moruya Ice Creamery if you missed one earlier.
• TIP – For a bit of a detour, spend some extra time in Broulee, 15 – 20 mins away with its stunning stretch of coastline with pristine sands and crystal-clear waters, ideal for a dip or surf.

Narooma, South Coast NSW

• Distance to Bermagui: Approx. 38 km
• Drive Time: Approx. 38 min
• Welcome to Narooma – Roadtrip the Princes Highway, South Coast, and Narooma offers unique adventures like snorkelling with seals at Montague Island, a wildlife sanctuary and home to penguins, seals and birdlife. Explore the stunning Glasshouse Rocks and Australia Rock.
• Walk the Narooma boardwalk, hike or cycle along the Narooma to Dalmeny cycleway, and try Quarterdeck for seafood with waterfront views, or The Whale Restaurant afterwards.
• The Narooma Marine Discovery Centre is cool. Kids will love learning about marine life. Keep an eye out for whales too, as Narooma is a popular spot for whale watching during migration season.

Bermagui, South Coast NSW

• Distance to Bega: Approx. 62 km
• Drive Time: Approx. 50min
• Welcome to Bermagui – brimming with additional attractions to explore. Venture to Camel Rock or Horse Head Rock. both iconic rock formations in stunning coastal scenery. Visit Bermagui National Park with native birds, kangaroos, and even echidnas in their natural habitat.
• There’s deep-sea fishing or scenic boat cruises from Bermagui Harbour and you might even spot whales in migrating season.
• The Fishermen’s Wharf offers fresh seafood straight from the boats. Plus, there’s the vibrant local arts scene at Bermagui Community Centre and Four Winds Gallery, showcasing excellent, regional artists.
• Lastly, you’ve got to take a dip in the very popular Bermagui Blue Pool, (one of our favourites swimming hole) with its natural rock pool of crystal clear water and an unforgettable Bermagui experience!

  

Bega, South Coast NSW

• Distance to Tathra: Approx. 18 km
• Drive Time: Approx. 19 min
• Welcome to Bega – home to Bega Valley Regional Gallery, the historic Bega Cheese Heritage Centre with interactive exhibits and delicious cheese tastings.
• Check out Mimosa Rocks National Park or kayak with Bega River kayaking tours.

Kayaking Tours. Bega, NSW

Tathra, South Coast NSW

• Distance to Merimbula: Approx. 20 km
• Drive Time: Approx. 21 min
• Welcome to Tathra – with stunning ocean views, fanatic fisherman at the iconic Tathra Wharf and crystal-clear waters of Tathra Beach.
• Tathra has some good eats. Head over to The Tathra Hotel for seriously tasty seafood, Tathra Beach Café for brunch with panoramic coastal views. then take a walk along the Tathra Headland to spot dolphins, or soak in breathtaking sunsets. Nature lovers, don’t miss Bournda National Park nearby, with good hikes and hidden beaches. Here you can join a group or personalised surf lessons or even mountain bike on the Tathra Mountain Bike Trails.

Merimbula, South Coast NSW

• Distance to Eden: Approx. 26 km
• Drive Time: Approx. 27 min
• Welcome to Merimbula, on your Roadtrip the Princes Highway, South Coast. Take a stroll along the scenic Merimbula Boardwalk. Cranky Cafe, serves up tasty seafood and local treats. There’s the Merimbula Aquarium and Main Beach with gentle waves and golden sands, ideal for a family day out with picnic.
• Kids will love Magic Mountain Family Fun Park for thrilling water slides and arcade games. And if you’re a fan of oysters, just a quick 13-minute drive away in Broadwater, hop on a Kayak and Shuck Tour for a unique experience. And just outside of town, Potoroo Palace offers up-close encounters with Aussie wildlife.

Eden, South Coast NSW

• Welcome to Eden – with a little something for everyone.! Don’t miss the Eden Killer Whale Museum offering fascinating insights into the area’s whaling history and the present day fishing action on Eden Wharf. Swing by the Green Cape Lighthouse or Lookout Point to do precisely that – look out or whales!
• Hike through Ben Boyd National Park or the Light to Light Walk, a beautiful trail that’ll take you through rugged coastal landscapes, with plenty of stunning views along the way. Quarantine Bay Beach offers secluded swimming and picnicking.
• Just a short drive away, Edrom Lodge invites visitors into their tranquil gardens, scenic walking trails, and plenty of bird watching opportunities..

After cruising the Princes Highway down the South Coast, you’ve probably got that happy, road-trip glow and full of fresh air, good food, and memories from all those chilled little towns. Ready to hit the road again?

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Looking for some handpicked accommodation in this region? 

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