- Greenfields Beach, Jervis Bay
Articles
Best Beaches From Sydney to the Sapphire Coast
From hidden coves, surf beaches to long stretches of white sand, the South Coast is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in NSW.
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Wollongong & Northern Illawarra
The northern end of the Grand Pacific Drive is packed with dramatic coastal scenery and relaxed beach towns beneath the escarpment. Wattamolla Beach & Lagoon in the Royal National Park is one of the region’s most iconic swimming spots, known for its crystal-clear lagoon, waterfall and secluded beach setting.
Further south, beaches like Austinmer, Thirroul and Bulli combine laid-back village charm with beautiful stretches of sand perfect for swimming, surfing and coastal walks.
Stanwell Park Beach offers stunning views beside the Sea Cliff Bridge, while North Wollongong, Belmore Basin and Port Kembla Beach are local favourites for long beach walks and ocean swims.
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Shellharbour
Shellharbour’s coastline blends family-friendly beaches with some of the South Coast’s best snorkelling and diving spots. Bushrangers Bay at Bass Point Reserve is famous for its clear water and marine life, making it one of NSW’s top snorkelling locations.
Nearby, The Farm at Killalea Regional Park and Mystics Beach are loved for their surf culture, rolling green headlands and scenic coastal views. Minnamurra River offers calm waters perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding, while Shellharbour North Beach and Jones Beach are ideal for relaxed beach days close to cafés and coastal walks.
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Kiama & Gerringong
Kiama and Gerringong are home to some of the most picturesque beaches along the Grand Pacific Drive. Werri Beach in Gerringong is a favourite for surfers and sunrise walks, while Seven Mile Beach stretches along the coastline between Gerroa and Shoalhaven Heads with endless sand and ocean views.
Kiama’s beaches, including Kendalls Beach, Surf Beach and Easts Beach, are perfect for families, swimming and relaxed coastal afternoons. Bombo Beach sits beside the dramatic volcanic landscape of Bombo Headland Quarry, creating one of the most unique beach settings on the South Coast.
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Shoalhaven & Jervis Bay
The Shoalhaven region is famous for its turquoise water and powdery white sand beaches. Hyams Beach is the area’s best-known destination, while nearby Greenfield Beach, Blenheim Beach and Chinamans Beach offer equally stunning scenery with fewer crowds. Around Huskisson and Vincentia, calm beaches and crystal-clear water make the region perfect for swimming, paddleboarding and dolphin spotting.
Inside Booderee National Park, Cave Beach and Murrays Beach showcase untouched coastal beauty surrounded by bushland and walking trails. Further south, Mollymook and Narrawallee Beaches are popular for surfing, ocean pools and relaxed coastal escapes.
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Eurobodalla
The Eurobodalla region is filled with hidden beaches, rugged coastline and peaceful seaside villages. Pebbly Beach is one of the South Coast’s most iconic spots thanks to the kangaroos that regularly gather beside the sand. Broulee Beach and Malua Bay are known for great surf conditions and family-friendly swimming, while Congo Beach and Tuross Main Beach offer quieter coastal escapes surrounded by nature. Around Narooma, Bar Beach, Dalmeny Beach and Potato Point provide stunning ocean views, rocky headlands including Glass House Rocks and beautiful swimming spots along the coast.
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Sapphire Coast
The Sapphire Coast delivers some of NSW’s most untouched and spectacular beaches. Horseshoe Bay in Bermagui is famous for its turquoise water and rocky headlands, while Camel Rock Beach offers dramatic coastal scenery and great photography spots.
Around Merimbula and Pambula, long sandy beaches and calm inlets are perfect for swimming, fishing and kayaking. Tathra Beach and Aslings Beach in Eden are ideal for long coastal walks and whale watching during migration season, while hidden gems like Bittangabee Bay and the beaches within Mimosa Rocks National Park showcase the wild beauty of the Far South Coast.
