Local Knowledge

Taxis

Several companies service the South Coast region: Nowra Radio Taxis (+61 (0)2 4421 0333), Berry Taxi Service (+61 (0)2 4464 2227), Berry Shoalhaven Heads Taxi Service (+61(0)2 4464 1181) and Milton Ulladulla Taxi Service (+61 (0)2 4455 1862).

Tipping culture

Although not mandatory, a 10 per cent tip for good service is always appreciated.

Siesta and fiesta

Many shops and cafes are open seven days a week, especially during the summer peak season (those that close are more likely to do so on a Monday and/or Tuesday). Don’t forget that this is a regional area, though, and the majority of shops and cafes are likely to shut their doors by 5pm. Pubs and restaurants will often stay open until 10pm, but may finish up a little earlier on Sundays.

Packing tips

An underwater casing for your camera, so you can capture life below the surface. In case any of the local wine you buy in the area has a pesky cork, a corkscrew might come in handy.

Recommended reads

Immerse yourself in a classic: DH Lawrence wrote Kangaroo in 1922 while staying in Thirroul, north of Wollongong. For those with a love of fishing, Zane Grey’s An American Angler in Australia tells of his experiences, including catching a 460kg tiger shark using a rod and reel, when he stayed in Bermagui (on the far South Coast) in 1936. He also was the first person to land a yellowfin tuna on the South Coast, which essentially began the town’s game fishing industry.

Cuisine

Thisis one of those areas that has become a local food bowl. Fish (snapper, trevally and kingfish are just some of the varieties), prawns and oysters come straight from the ocean around here. Pick up the cook-yourself variety at local co-ops and fish shops, or find them on the menu of almost any of the restaurants in the area. In the lush surrounding countryside, there are producers of meat, vegetables and fruits. Particularly further south, around Tilba and Bega, there are lots of dairy farms and the area is famous for its cheeses. There are also a number of local wineries on the Shoalhaven wine trail, producing a range of varieties including chardonnay and shiraz.

Currency

Australian dollars (AU$).

Time zone

GMT +10 hours.

Dialling codes

Country code for Australia: 61; South Coast (0)2.

Do go/don't go

Much like Sydney, the South Coast is beautiful at any time of the year. In summer, temperatures can reach the mid-30s but there’s often a cooling sea breeze. Winter is chilly, but you can still comfortably stroll along the beaches (the water might be too cold, unless you’re particularly hardy). During local school holidays – early July and late September – things can get particularly busy, and a visit during the Easter and Christmas breaks isn't even worth thinking about.