Luxury holidays in South Coast

Stretching from south of Sydney near the Royal National Park to the Victorian border town of Eden, it’s certainly a vast area, but the main destination for those travelling from Sydney is the region encompassing Jervis Bay down to Ulladulla and the country town of Berry. Not only is this a popular weekend escape for Sydneysiders, but it’s also become something of a sea-change destination. What this means for the visitor is gourmet, retail and holiday experiences that are stylish and engaging in townships unspoiled by overdevelopment. The pleasures are many in these parts. Go surfing, learn to scuba dive or spot the resident bottlenose dolphins or migrating whales by the ocean. Inland towns like Berry and Milton, on the other hand, are havens for those who love antiques, art and design and a little bit of retail therapy. In between, there is the Shoalhaven Coast wine trail, with vineyards and cellar doors serving the liquid offerings of the region.
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When to 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.

Getting there

  • Planes

    The South Coast is a scenic two-hour drive from Sydney Airport (www.sydneyairport.com.au) | the busiest hub in Australia. Hire cars are available at the domestic and international terminals.

  • Trains

    Though not a short journey, travelling by train on CityRail’s South Coast line (www.cityrail.info) is certainly picturesque. Berry is the second last stop on the line and travellers need to change trains at either Dapto or Kiama. There are about a dozen services each weekday during normal hours, and the trip takes about three hours.

  • Automobiles

    A car is essential if you are intending to explore everything that the South Coast has to offer. It’s a two-hour drive south from Sydney along the Princes Highway.

  • 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).