Surrounding Regions

Spend some extra time exploring the surrounding region

Discover what to do in the surrounding regions of Illawarra

From the lush green mist covered hills of the Southern Highlands, to the long stretches of gorgeous beaches along the New South Wales South Coast, there’s plenty to do and see from fast-paced adventure to quiet relaxation.

The South Coast of New South Wales stretches from Sydney’s Royal National Park through to Eden near the Victorian border. Complete with over thirty national parks and marine reserves, the Grand Pacific Drive, kilometres of stunning beaches and a rich aboriginal history, the region is packed with adventure and fun for locals and visitors of all ages and stages.

A coastal landscape with a winding bridge along a green hillside and rocky shoreline, overlooking blue ocean waters.

Grand Pacific Drive

The southern coastline of New South Wales is a natural collection of picturesque bays and coves complete with dolphins playing in pods and migratory whales cruising past secluded beaches. The Grand Pacific Drive cruises over the 665 metre long Sea Cliff Bridge and through little townships, past wineries and boutique gourmet produce businesses.

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Aerial view of a coastal city at sunset, featuring a small lighthouse on a rocky promontory, a curved road, a green park, a marina with boats, and a city skyline with buildings and a setting sun in the background.

City of Wollongong

Just one hours’ drive from Sydney, Wollongong is New South Wales’ third largest city and has had a rebirth in recent years as a weekend escape.

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Ocean waves crashing against rocky shore with a white lighthouse and people nearby under a partly cloudy sky.

Kiama and Shellharbour

The Kiama and Shellharbour region is only 90 minutes drive from Sydney and is famous for its surfing beaches including the renowned ‘The Farm’ revered amongst surfers, and the Kiama Blowhole from which water can spout up to 60 metres into the air.

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An autumn scene showing a dirt pathway lined with trees that have orange and yellow leaves, creating a canopy overhead. Fallen leaves cover the ground, and a small building can be seen in the background.

Southern Highlands

Located just 90 minutes from Sydney and Canberra, the Southern Highlands is well known for its colourful gardens, diverse landscape, history and heritage, and welcoming accommodation. But there is another side to the area that offers a range of activities to pursue and enjoy.

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Aerial view of a tropical island with dense forest, sandy beaches, and coral reefs in surrounding clear waters.

Nowra, Jervis Bay and Shoalhaven

There is so much to see and do in Nowra and Shoalhaven, from the Shoalhaven Zoo to the Fleet Air Arm Museum and all of natures natural beauty in between, these destinations truly are something special.

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