South Coast (New South Wales)

The Blue Pool at Bermagui Batemans Bay The South Coast [1] region of New South Wales has an interesting and engaging mix of tourists and a rural environment. The area is rich in rural charm, having a strong dairy industry (for example cheese-making in Bega). Most of the coastal areas are popular tourist destinations, and are especially popular with weekend visitors from Sydney. Towns Batehaven Batemans Bay Bega Bermagui Berry Bodalla Braidwood Central Tilba Cobargo Currarong Eden Gerroa Jervis Bay Kangaroo Valley Merimbula Milton (New South Wales) Moruya Narooma Nowra Quaama 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 (The Australian Capital Territory instead of being a part of the State of NSW) and is administered separately with a Federal Police Force and housing a naval base/military airport. An small access toll is usually charged to enter the area. 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 are even mix between politically liberal and conservative. Get in You can get to the South Coast by car. Many areas are also accessible by train and bus. 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 Cityrail [2] train from Sydney Central platforms 4-15, or at Hurstville or Sutherland. You can catch a train as far south as Bomaderry, on the northern bank of the Shoalhaven River. Nowra is is on the southern bank of the same river, but the railway bridge that was constructed for the continuation of the railway line was converted into a road bridge before rail services could begin over the river. Along the way Kiama, Gerringong and Berry are easily accessible by train, and are interesting destinations for visitors. By bus The Premier bus does the Princes Highway route a few times a day, stopping in most major towns en route. 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 (The largest theme park in the state) Bega Cheese Factory Mogo Zoo Feed the birds at Green Patch Minamurra Rainforest Visit the Beecroft Peninsula (extensive bushwalking and many pristine beaches) Bullaburra Business Retreat, Gerroa, [3]. Primarily catering to business or corporate types, Bullaburra Business Retreat is a leadership and team development retreat located on the Gerroa headland. Price on request.  edit Drives Kangaroo Valley Eat Drink Sleep 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 months, however, there has been a history of major violence on the New Years and Australia Day celebrations in many tourist-popular areas. There is now a total alcohol ban in all public places during these holidays. Also, in the locale of Nowra, visitors should be advised to stay away from the areas of Junction Court and Nowra East due to higher-than-average cases of pickpocketing, muggings, and other crime. Beaches are usually patrolled by lifesavers, but ask locals about dangerous surf and bluebottles. Sunburn is also a risk for visitors not accustomed 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 This is a usable article. It gives a good overview of the region, its sights, and how to get in, as well as links to the main destinations, whose articles are similarly well developed. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!