Category: Sapphire Coast

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Long Lunch Spots on the South Coast

  • The Boathouse Wollongong

Articles

Your Guide to the Best Long Lunch Spots on the South Coast

From vineyard restaurants tucked inland to beachside venues overlooking turquoise water, the NSW South Coast is made for lingering at the lunch table a little longer.

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Elegant Country Dining & Hidden Gems

The Shoalhaven and surrounding hinterland are home to some of the region’s best vineyard dining experiences, where long lunches are paired with local wines and seasonal menus. At Cupitt’s Estate in Ulladulla, guests can settle in for share-style dishes, house-made cheese and estate-grown wines overlooking rolling green hills and the coastline. Nearby, In Berry, restaurants and wine bars like South on Albany pair modern Australian cuisine with boutique wines in a stylish village setting, making it a favourite for long afternoons spent grazing and people-watching. 

In Milton, the dining scene blends boutique wine bars and relaxed countryside charm. Milk Haus delivers a true paddock-to-plate experience with seasonal, garden-led menus, while Altar Bar offers a moody, intimate setting focused on natural wines, small plates and long, conversational lunches in the heart of town. 

Altar Bar, Milton by Shoalhaven Tourism

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Wollongong & Shellharbour Coastal Dining

Closer to Sydney, the Illawarra coast offers its own take on the long lunch. In Wollongong, The Boathouse North Wollongong delivers one of the region’s most iconic waterfront dining experiences, with beachside views, fresh seafood and a relaxed, polished atmosphere that stretches effortlessly into the afternoon. Just south in Austinmer, Headlands Austinmer Beach sits elevated above the ocean, offering panoramic coastal views and a menu built for sharing, sunset drinks and slow weekend lunches. 

Heading south to Shellharbour, places like The Waterfront Tavern and nearby coastal eateries offer laidback dining with marina views, making it easy to settle in for a long lunch that stretches into sunset.

The Boathouse Wollongong

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Coastal Long Lunches with a View

For those drawn to the ocean, the South Coast delivers standout beachfront dining made for lingering. In Kiama, The Pavilion is a relaxed waterfront favourite, offering seafood-driven dishes and uninterrupted harbour views that roll effortlessly into long, sunny afternoons. 

Further south in Gerringong, The Hill is a must-visit for elevated coastal dining, combining modern Australian flavours with sweeping ocean views over Werri Beach. 

In Jervis Bay, venues like the Huskisson Hotel Bistro keep things classic with waterfront pub-style dining, perfect for seafood platters and easy afternoons by the water. Just over an hour away, Bannisters Pavilion brings a refined yet relaxed feel, with bright, coastal interiors and a menu designed for slow, social dining. 

Further south in Narooma, Quarterdeck is an iconic long lunch destination, known for its overwater deck, tropical-inspired cocktails and unbeatable views across Wagonga Inlet. In Tathra, The Wharf Local is a laidback waterfront gem where you can enjoy fresh seafood, coffee or a long lunch right beside the historic wharf. 

Cuppit’s Estate

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Grand Pacific Drive Bucket List Experiences 

  • Greenfields, Jervis bay

Articles

Grand Pacific Drive Bucket List Experiences

From clifftop freefalls and rainforest ziplines to whale encounters and mountain bike trails, the journey from Wollongong to the Sapphire Coast is packed with unforgettable adventure. It's time to start ticking off the best South Coast thrill-seeking activities.

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Wollongong & Shellharbour

In Wollongong, Skydive Australia offers the ultimate adrenaline rush with tandem jumps from 15,000 feet, showcasing breathtaking views across the Illawarra escarpment and Pacific Ocean. Further south in Shellharbour, South Coast Seaplanes provides a spectacular aerial perspective of the Grand Pacific Drive, with scenic flights over beaches, cliffs and winding coastline.  

Back on the water, Underwater Safaris takes visitors beneath the surface to discover the reefs and marine life of Bass Point Reserve through guided scuba diving and snorkelling adventures. Shellharbour Wild Whale Watching Cruises during the while migration is a must-do, seeing the majestic hump-back whale up-close is a truly unique experience.

Inland at Knights Hill, Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures combines nature and adventure with elevated rainforest walkways, soaring zipline experiences and panoramic escarpment views high above the forest canopy. 

Skydive Australia in Wollongong

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Shoalhaven & Jervis Bay

In Jervis Bay, Dolphin Watch Cruises takes visitors through crystal-clear turquoise waters alongside resident dolphins, migrating whales and the iconic white sand beaches the region is famous for. Nearby in Huskisson, Jervis Bay Wild offers everything from high-speed ocean adventures and boom netting experiences to dolphin cruises and seasonal whale watching tours.  

For those craving more adrenaline, the Shoalhaven’s dramatic sandstone cliffs provide some of the best climbing terrain on the South Coast. Guided adventures with Outdoor Raw explore renowned climbing locations around Nowra, Point Perpendicular and Hospital Rocks. While bouldering spots around Vincentia attract climbers of all skill levels. Thrill-seekers can also take on cliffside abseiling experiences with Valley Outdoors. 

For a slower-paced but equally memorable experience, Kangaroo Valley Kayaks offers peaceful kayak and canoe adventures along the Kangaroo River, winding through lush farmland, towering cliffs and stunning valley landscapes. 

Dolphins at Jervis Bay by Ben Mack

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Eurobodalla Region

Near Batemans Bay, Mogo Trails features flowing mountain bike tracks weaving through native bushland, with trails catering to everyone from first-time riders to experienced mountain bikers.  

For those wanting to explore further into the region’s untouched landscapes, Region X delivers guided sea kayaking, e-bike tours, wilderness camping and multi-day expeditions showcasing hidden beaches, coastal forests and pristine waterways across the South Coast. 

If snorkelling or diving interests you, tours with Underwater Safari’s around Montague Island (Barunguba), offering unforgettable encounters with playful Australian fur seals and vibrant marine life in the Sapphire Coast’s crystal-clear waters.

Meanwhile, Valhalla Horse Riding offers a slower but equally immersive way to experience the Eurobodalla, with guided horseback adventures through forests, bush trails and coastal scenery that highlight the natural beauty of the region. 

Snorkelling at Montague Island

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The Sapphire Coast

Explore secluded beaches and pristine waterways with Navigate Expeditions, or join Sapphire Coastal Adventures in Merimbula for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and whale watching tours.

Offshore fishing and deep-sea experiences await with Freedom Charters in Bermagui, while Dive Eden takes visitors beneath the surface of Twofold Bay to discover marine life, underwater caves and historic shipwrecks.

Back on shore, the Tathra Mountain Bike Trails and Gravity Eden Mountain Bike Park offer thrilling bush-to-beach riding through forest landscapes with spectacular coastal views.

 
Tathra Bike Trail

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Discover the Best Places to Stay along The Grand Pacific Drive​

  • Headlands Austinmer Beach

Articles

Discover the Best Places to Stay along The Grand Pacific Drive

From luxury coastal escapes to budget-friendly stays. One of the most iconic coastal road trips in Australia, the Grand Pacific Drive is as much about where you stay as it is about the journey itself. From Wollongong through to the Shoalhaven, here’s a curated guide to the best accommodation options along the way — whether you’re chasing luxury, value, or something a little more unique.

Luxury Coastal Accommodation

  • Sage Hotel Wollongong – A modern coastal hotel perfectly positioned near the harbour, offering spacious rooms, event facilities and easy access to beaches, dining and the waterfront. Ideal for a polished weekend escape or city-meets-coast stay.
  • Adina Apartment Hotel Wollongong – Stylish, self-contained apartments designed for comfort and flexibility, featuring full kitchens, balconies and generous living spaces — perfect for longer stays or a home-away-from-home experience.
  • Novotel Wollongong Northbeach – A beachfront favourite overlooking North Wollongong Beach, combining ocean-view rooms, a lively atmosphere and resort-style amenities including a pool, bar and restaurant.
  • Headlands Austinmer Beach – Set high above the coastline, this relaxed yet refined retreat offers sweeping ocean views, modern apartments and a stunning clifftop location ideal for slow coastal escapes.
  • The Sebel Kiama Harbourside – An iconic harbourfront stay with front-row access to Kiama’s coastline, coastal walks and blowhole, offering spacious rooms and uninterrupted water views.
  • Bellevue Accommodation Kiama – A boutique-style stay known for its thoughtfully curated interiors, warm hospitality and central location just moments from Kiama’s cafes, shops and ocean outlooks.
  • The Cove Jervis Bay – A truly special beachfront escape set on pristine white sand, offering luxury houses and a private, secluded feel — perfect for group getaways, weddings or special occasions.
  • Bannisters by the Sea – A premium coastal retreat famed for its oceanfront location, infinity pool and award-winning dining, delivering a refined yet relaxed South Coast luxury experience.
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Novotel North Beach Wollongong
Novotel North Beach Wollongong

Mid-Range Accommodation

Comfortable, stylish and perfectly located for a coastal getaway

  • Quest Wollongong – Centrally located serviced apartments offering space, convenience and reliability, ideal for both short stays and extended visits in the heart of the city.
  • Hotel TOTTO Wollongong – A design-forward hotel with a fresh, urban feel, featuring compact yet stylish rooms and a vibrant on-site dining experience.
  • Nova Kiama – A contemporary and well-appointed stay just moments from Kiama’s beaches, cafes and attractions, offering comfort with a clean, modern aesthetic.
  • Bannisters Pavilion – A modern, beach-chic escape near Mollymook Beach, featuring light-filled rooms, private balconies and a rooftop pool and bar that brings a relaxed yet elevated coastal vibe.
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Hotel Totto
Hotel TOTTO, Wollongong

Motels

Classic road trip stays with coastal charm and great value

  • Thirroul Beach Motel – Simple, no-fuss accommodation just steps from the beach, perfect for a quick coastal stop or laidback overnight stay.
  • Surfside 22 Motel – A refreshed boutique-style motel that reimagines the classic roadside stay with elevated interiors, clean design and a relaxed coastal feel
  • Berry View Motel – A comfortable and convenient base in the heart of Berry, within walking distance to popular cafes, boutiques and local favourites.
  • Motel Molly – A vibrant, retro-inspired motel brought to life with colour and personality, offering a fun and stylish stay close to the beach.
  • Hillcrest Merimbula – Perched above the coastline, this relaxed motel offers sweeping ocean views and a peaceful base on the Sapphire Coast.
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Surfside22 Motel
Surfside 22 Motel, Wollongong

Budget- Friendly Accommodation

Affordable options without compromising on location

  • Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort – A laidback coastal stay with cabins, villas and great facilities, ideal for families, groups and longer stays near the beach.
  • The Palms Motel Wollongong – A simple, centrally located motel offering great value and easy access to Wollongong’s beaches and CBD.
  • Sky Accommodation – A modern and affordable option with clean, comfortable rooms suited to short stays and quick stopovers.
  • Lakeside Inn Wollongong – Positioned between Lake Illawarra and the ocean, this scenic and budget-friendly stay offers a relaxed coastal setting.
  • Boat Harbour Motel – A well-located, no-frills stay near Wollongong Harbour, perfect for travellers wanting to stay central on a budget.
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Boat Harbour Hotel
Boat Harbour Motel, Wollongong

Unique Accommodation

Memorable escapes that go beyond the ordinary

  • Paperbark Camp – A luxury safari-style glamping experience immersed in bushland, combining nature, comfort and a truly unforgettable atmosphere near Jervis Bay.
  • Bangalay Luxury Villas – Architecturally designed villas nestled among native bushland, offering a refined, peaceful retreat just moments from the beach.
  • The Lodge Jamberoo – Located on a stunning riverfront, surrounded by acres of natural grounds. Find stylish rooms, beautiful resort pool, outdoor hot tub, indoor gym & spa.
  • Cupitt’s Estate – The perfect place to unwind and enjoy a country escape at the Villas, take in sweeping vineyard views, luxury accommodation and an award-winning restaurant, winery and cellar door right at your doorstep.
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The Lodge Jamberoo
The Lodge, Jamberoo

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Must-Visit Ocean Pools and Rock Pools

  • Bellambi Rock Pool, Dee Kramer Photography

Articles

Ocean Pools Along the Grand Pacific Drive: The Ultimate Guide from Wollongong to Eden

Discover these must-visit ocean pools along the Grand Pacific Drive on this ultimate South Coast road trip from Wollongong to Eden. From iconic ocean pools and rock pools to hidden coastal swimming spots, this guide takes you through some of NSW’s most stunning places to swim, relax, and explore.

Wollongong & Shellharbour

This stretch of coastline is home to some of NSW’s most iconic and accessible ocean pools, perfect for a refreshing dip, sunrise swim, or lazy summer afternoon.

Highlights include the dramatic Coalcliff Rock Pool, tucked beneath towering cliffs, and the classic coastal favourites of the northern Illawarra like Wombarra, Coledale, and Austinmer Rock Pools, each offering crystal-clear water and sweeping ocean views. Further south, the lively stretch from Thirroul, Bulli, Woonona, and Towradgi Rock Pools showcases the region’s easy-access, community-loved swimming spots.

In Wollongong, the expansive North Wollongong Continental Pool is perfect for laps with a view, while Port Kembla Olympic Pool offers a more structured ocean swim experience. Just down the coast, Shellharbour’s gems include the sheltered Fishermans Beach Rock Pool, the scenic Barrack Point Ocean Pool, and the popular Beverley Whitfield Ocean Pool, known for its family-friendly design and ocean views.

Port Kembla Pool

Kiama & Gerringong

Continue your coastal swim trail through Kiama and Gerringong, where ocean pools are set against rolling green headlands and some of the South Coast’s most scenic shorelines. This stretch blends iconic landmarks with quieter local favourites, making it perfect for a slower, more relaxed day by the water.

In Kiama, the centrally located Blowhole Point Ocean Pool is a standout, sitting right beside the famous blowhole and offering easy access with incredible coastal views. Just around the corner, Pheasant Point Rock Pool (Continental Ocean Pool) feels a little more tucked away, while Kendalls Beach Rock Pool is a calm, family-friendly option ideal for an easy swim close to town.

Further south in Gerringong, Werri (Ourie) Beach Rock Pool is a long, scenic pool at the southern end of the beach, perfect for laps, ocean dips, and soaking up uninterrupted views of the coastline. Campbells Hole in Gerringong is a hidden, natural rock pool tucked into the headland near Werri Beach. Best at low tide, it’s perfect for a quick dip, with clear water, rugged surrounds, and a quieter, off-the-beaten-path feel.

Campbells Hole, Gerringong – Image by Mark Fitz

Eurobodalla

Explore the ocean pools of the Eurobodalla region, where laidback coastal towns meet some of the South Coast’s most scenic swim spots. This stretch offers a mix of easy-access pools and more natural rock formations, perfect for a refreshing dip between road trip stops.

Standouts include the centrally located Batemans Bay Ocean Pool, ideal for a calm, quick swim, and the picturesque Broulee Rock Pool, known for its clear water and relaxed beachside setting. Further south, Moruya Heads Rock Pool offers a more rugged, local feel, while Narooma Bar Rock Pool is a favourite for its unique position near the inlet, blending river and ocean views.

NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort, South Durras

Sapphire Coast

Discover the ocean pools of the Sapphire Coast, where striking headlands and vivid blue water create some of the most iconic swim spots in NSW. This stretch feels a little wilder and more untouched.

Standouts include the famous Bermagui Blue Pool, perched dramatically on the edge of the ocean, and nearby Bruce Steer Pool, a quieter local favourite with equally stunning views.

Further south, Tathra Rock Pool offers an easy, family-friendly swim close to town, while Pambula Beach Rock Pool and Aslings Beach Rock Pool near Eden deliver relaxed coastal dips with wide ocean outlooks.

Bermagui Blue Pool (@davey_rogers)

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Tathra Beach and Bike

We’re surrounded by some of the most beautiful areas you’ll ever see and we’re all about getting you out there to experience it! Epic mountain bike rides at Tathra’s 55km’s of trails? Cruising up the hills like never before e-bike? Maybe catching waves or cruising the river by SUP?

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