- Overview
- Trip Itinerary
- Trip Includes
- Trip Excludes
- Gallery
- FAQ
There’s something special about driving the South Coast of New South Wales… the pace eases, the landscapes soften, and time seems to stretch just a little longer. This is a journey designed not to rush, but to meander, following a ribbon of coastline that reveals pristine beaches, charming regional towns, national parks and laid-back seaside villages at every turn.
From the buzz of Sydney to the cool-climate charm of the Southern Highlands, and onward through Canberra’s cultural heart before hugging the coast south and north again, this self-drive itinerary invites travellers to experience NSW at its most relaxed. Expect quiet country roads, ocean lookouts worth pulling over for, and simple pleasures like hot donuts from a roadside van in Berry, a spontaneous swim in crystal-clear waters, or barefoot walks along some of the whitest sands in the world at Hyams Beach.
Each overnight stop has been carefully selected to complement the journey, offering comfortable, well-located accommodation that allows guests to truly settle in and enjoy their surroundings. Days are balanced between gentle drives and unstructured time, perfect for long lunches, coastal walks, boutique shopping, wildlife encounters and sunset views by the sea.
Ideal for couples, friends or independent travellers, this South Coast NSW self-drive is about freedom, flexibility and flavour, travelling at your own pace, discovering hidden gems, and embracing the easy rhythm that defines this spectacular stretch of Australia’s coastline.
No details found.
Itineraries
Day 1
Sydney
Suggested Stay: Pullman Sydney Hyde Park
Overview: Arrival in Sydney for a day of exploring the vibrant city before your coastal adventure begins.
Suggestions:
Afternoon stroll through Hyde Park
Dinner at The Grounds of the City or waterfront Barangaroo precinct
Sunset views from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair
Day 2
Sydney to Bowral
Stay: Peppers Craigieburn
Overview: Drive into the serene Southern Highlands.
Highlights en route:
Drive through green rolling hills and boutique towns
Visit Berrima for heritage architecture and cafés
Stop at Fitzroy Falls for spectacular views
Local Eats: Bendooley Estate (bookshop + café) and the Bradman Museum & International Cricket Hall of Fame for sport lovers
Day 3
Bowral to Canberra
Stay: Novotel Canberra
Overview: Journey into Australia’s capital.
Must-dos:
Parliament House tour
National Gallery of Australia
Australian War Memorial
PLUS: Coffee in Kingston Foreshore or stroll Lake Burley Griffin
Day 4
Canberra to Merimbula
Stay: Discovery Parks Pambula Beach
Overview: Long scenic drive through rolling farmland and coastal forests.
Stopovers and sights to see:
Goulburn for lunch + historic Big Merino
Batemans Bay for a break by the water
Evening: Relax at Pambula Beach — perfect for a sunset stroll
Day 5
Merimbula to Ulladulla
Stay: Bannisters Pavilion Mollymook
Overview: Coastal gem day — explore hidden beaches.
Stops en route:
Eden: Whale-watching (seasonal) and Twofold Bay lookout
Bermagui: Lunch at Fishermen’s Wharf, or Cast net or walk Blue Pool
Narooma: Glasshouse Rocks and wagyu pies
Evening: Dinner with ocean views at Rick Stein’s
Day 6
Ulladulla to Kiama
Stay: The Sebel Kiama
Overview: Relaxing coastal awakening with sensational lookouts.
Stops/Activities:
Bawley Point & Pebbly Beach — famous for resident kangaroos
Shoalhaven Heads for river beaches
Kiama Blowhole experience
Foodie Tip: Ice-cream at Kiama’s sea pools
Day 7
Kiama to Wollongong
Stay: Mantra Wollongong
Overview: Easy scenic cruise north with indulgent detours.
Stopovers & Activities:
Berry Donut Van — fresh hot donuts (classic treat)
Swim at Seven Mile Beach (safe family swim)
Hyams Beach (Jervis Bay) — some of the whitest sands in the world (perfect photo stop)
Gerringong for coffee, boutique shops
Wollongong Arrival:
Long beach boardwalk stroll
Mt Keira Lookout for sunset
Day 8
Wollongong to Sydney
Overview: Final drive back to Sydney with optional stops.
Suggestions:
Symbio Wildlife Park in Helensburgh
Royal National Park — walk to Wedding Cake Rock (time permitting)
Coledale Beach surf stop
End your adventure with memories of spectacular NSW coastal panoramas, boutique towns, and unforgettable experiences!
- 8-day South Coast NSW self-drive itinerary from Sydney through coastal towns and scenic beaches
- Car hire for the duration of the trip
- Suggested sightseeing stops including Sydney, the Southern Highlands, Merimbula, Ulladulla, Kiama and Wollongong
Important Notes:
Flights are not included; self-drive package includes car hire (pick up/drop off at Sydney). Price is per person, twin share and on sale until 28 February 2026.
- Travel Insurance – your North Travel consultant can provide you with a quote. Get a quote now.
- Tourism visa or transit visa if required
- Upgrades to Premium Economy, Business Class and First Class available and to be quote at the time of booking.
- Itinerary deviations (e.g. extensions or specific airline requests). This will be quoted by a North Travel consultant at the time of booking.
- Professional service fee's (if any)
Advertised prices are not guaranteed until confirmed at booking. Prices are dynamic and may be affected by foreign exchange, airline, cruise, tour and supplier changes beyond North Travel’s control.
By making a booking or enquiry with North Travel, you agree to our General Terms and Conditions. Please visit https://northtravel.co.nz/terms-and-conditions/
While it's not strictly mandatory for all bookings, North Travel highly recommends and, in many cases, requires you to have adequate travel insurance for international travel, and strongly advises it for domestic trips. It's a non-negotiable for your peace of mind and protection.
On some itineraries and tours you may be required to have comprehensive travel insurance by the travel supplier. One of our consultants can guide you on this.
North Travel's head office is located at 196 Bank Street, Whangarei, New Zealand.
We are a 100% New Zealand Owned and Operated Travel Agency.
Yes absolutely please give us a call on 0800 803 007.
If calling from outside of New Zealand please call +64 9 699 3074
Yes, we like to think we are.
In 2025 North Travel was a top 5 finalist at the NTIA Awards (National Travel Industry Awards).
North Travel is a fully bonded member of TAANZ (Travel Agents Association of New Zealand), an IATA Accredited Agency as well as a CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) member.
North Travel operates strict financial management through client trust accounts and carries comprehensive indemnity and liability insurance at all times.
All members of the North Travel team carry out CPD (Continuing professional development) weekly through various industry training webinars, supplier updates and insurance compliance.
