South Coast NSW family-friendly travel guide

Weather remains relatively pleasant all year round on the South Coast. On average there are over 110 clear days a year, with rainfall ranging from between 600 millimetres and 1200 millimetres annually. Water temperatures are colder than the north coast, at 24 degrees Celsius in summer and as low as 18 degrees in winter. To avoid the summer crowds, many choose to visit during the quieter winter months. Still boasting a relatively pleasant temperature, winter is perfect for those with a comfy jumper, a wetsuit or just a strong will!

Between December to February, the South Coast enjoys average highs of 26 degrees Celsius and lows of 19 degrees. Rainfall varies from region to region, with Kiama averaging about 127 mm monthly rainfall and Jervis Bay about 89 mm.

From March to May, the South Coast experiences its highest rainfall at an average 125 mm per month. Temperatures range from an average of 15 degrees Celsius in May to highs of 20 degrees in the earlier months. 

The South Coast’s quiet season, temperatures peak at 19 degrees Celsius, with an average low of 7 degrees during the winter months from June to August. Average rainfall stay at around 100 mm per month across the region, with the lowest rainfall throughout the year usually occurring in July.

From September to November, Spring brings average highs of 22 degrees Celsius and lows of 11 degrees. Across much of the coast, this season boasts the lowest rainfall of the year, with an average 61 mm per month in Kiama and 83 mm in Jervis Bay.

Most visitors to the South Coast travel via car, train or bus. Sydney Airport is the closest international airport and Moruya Airport is close to Bateman’s Bay and offers domestic routes to and from Sydney.

There are a number of local taxi services available to visitors throughout the South Coast. St. Georges Basin & Jervis Bay Taxis, Berry Taxi Service and Kiama Cabs are popular and well-reviewed taxi services available but we recommend using the Yellow Pages to identify the specific taxi service offered in the destination you choose to stay in.

For 25 to 35 dollars you can hop on a bus from Sydney’s Central Station and travel to the South Coast via a number of stopovers, including Woolongong and Kiama, before concluding at Bomaderry. The trip to Bomaderry takes just over three hours.

The South Coast Train Line travels from Sydney’s Central Station and stops at key ports of call along the coast, including Woolongong, Kiama, Berry, Gerringong and Bomaderry Station. A trip to Bomaderry will cost between $19 to $29 from Central Station and will take approximately three hours and fifty minutes. Considered one of the most scenic train trips in Australia, the South Coast Train Line has become a favourite among families looking to avoid the traffic of the Grand Pacific Drive.

The South Coast is renowned for two things: seafood and seafood. Wherever you end up on the coastline you’ll find a similar love for all things fresh, locally sourced and aquatic!

However, it can be hard to introduce squeamish littlies to the unique look and taste of oysters. But with fresh oyster farms in Ulludulla, Kiama and Batemans Bay to name a few, there are plenty of opportunities to shuck a few oysters together as a family. The Magical Oyster Tour will even take you out together to help harvest some of these tasty oddities.

For those with a sweet tooth, Berry offers sugary lolly shops and its famous Berry Donut Van to eliminate any fishy aftertaste. And for the health-conscious, the historic town of Milton boasts an outstanding array of organic delicacies that are as tasty as they are good for you! Check out St Isidore while you’re in town for a very literal farm-to-table experience where about 70% of your meal will be sourced from the on-site garden, depending on the season.

Travelling down the coast, you’ll find the Australian preference for cafe culture is as strong as ever, so make sure to stop at any of the countless beachside cafes on offer. Penny Whistlers in Kiama is a particularly perfect coastal cafe with delicious food and even tastier views of Kiama Harbour!

From boutique rarities to beachside finds, the South Coast is full of unique shopping opportunities.

While luxury brands are not common to the area, Nowra and Ulludulla boast some classic brands for those looking for a high-fashion shopping trip. Most of the shops along the South Coast will offer local brands and eclectic products. Milton and Berry are particularly renowned for their bohemian-style clothing and Nepalese-inspired knick-knacks.

Meanwhile, Kiama, Mollymook and Jervis Bay host regular markets that support local and travelling businesses. Each delicious meal and every market stall is a showcase of local products and sensibilities. Mollymook Beach Market is a favourite among visitors and definitely an important addition to any shopping-centred South Coast itinerary.

While appreciated, tipping is not expected at any destination along the South Coast.

Outfits on the South Coast bear the characteristic marks of beachside influence. Wherever you end up on the South Coast you’ll definitely spot the classic thongs, swimmers and singlets all year round. That being said, there will always be an opportunity to bring out your favourite cardigan or jacket around the fancier restaurants in Mollymook, Kiama and Berry, especially during the winter months. Whatever season it is, make sure you’re being sun safe with a hat, sunscreen and long sleeves whenever possible.

Should you remove your shoes? Does saying hello in their country go a long way? Do they shake hands?

The main voltage in Australia is 230V AC, 50Hz. Use a three-pin adaptor (different to British three-pin adaptors).

No special immunisations or vaccinations are required to visit Australia unless you have come from, or have visited, a yellow fever infected country within six days of your arrival. However, regulations and medical advice can change at short notice, so check with your doctor and the Australian Department of Health before you leave home.

Tap water is generally safe to drink in the cities and towns along the South Coast.

Make sure you get travel insurance before you travel as it can be very expensive to seek emergency medical treatment overseas.

The South Coast is generally extremely safe for families. That being said, it is important to exercise caution around the many cliff-side trails, blow holes and swim spots that populate the area.

Be sure to stay vigilant around the beaches, not only with sunscreen but also watching your kids while they’re in the water. Educate your little ones about rips and remember that lifeguards are doing their best to watch everybody, but the beaches can be extremely crowded and you should never consider them your child’s babysitter!

For years Hyams Beach has boasted the ‘whitest sand in the world’, even earning it this title in Guinness Book of World Records. Hyams Beach boasts crystal-clear waters and sweeping panoramic views that are perfect if you want to make the folks back home envious. Located in Shoalhaven, near Jervis Bay, it’s an important addition to any photo album.

For anyone with a sweet tooth, the Berry Donut Van is a must-visit. This delectable boutique shop, located at the end of Berry’s charming main street, has charmed visitors and filled bellies for over 55 years. If you can hold yourself back from the next bite of that warm cinnamon donut then you might just have time to snap a great Instagram shot!

With 180-degree views of Wollongong’s 17 beaches, Sublime Point Lookout is a picture-perfect addition to any coastal trip. Whether you drive up to the point or make your way there on the 45-minute Sublime Point Track, you’ll have sweeping views of local hang gliders and rolling hills just waiting to be captured and posted!

Snap a selfie with a meerkat or cuddle a red panda at this privately-owned zoo just 10 minutes away from Batemans Bay. From the African savannah to the rainforests of the Amazon, Mogo Zoo offers world-class exhibits surrounded by Australian bushland. Up close and personal encounters are available for those looking to take a walk – and a picture! – on the wild side.

Less than an hour’s drive from Kiama, Fitzroy Falls is a favourite among both visitors and locals. Morton National Park is home to both the majestic waterfall as well as a number of equally scenic walking tracks and picnic spots that are definitely worth exploring. The George Boyd lookout and the Kangaroo River walking trial are just some of the many picture-perfect settings waiting to be captured!