17 amazing south coast NSW secret spots that are worth the trek
Where can you find this natural rock pool in NSW’s south coast? Keep reading to find out.
I know for a fact that the south coast of NSW is underappreciated. It seems mid and northern NSW is where people from Sydney, Gold Coast and Brissy seem to favour when travelling, and it makes sense for them because it's closer.
By Esta Pinto.
It means that the south coast of NSW and the secret spots in them haven’t been overrun as Byron Bay has been in recent years… Chris Hemsworth hasn’t moved to NSW’s south coast either, which could be a reason why too.
For obvious reasons, there are some south coast hidden gems that I’ve chosen not to make public because we want to keep the NSW south coast pristine and wild and avoid the plague of greedy property developers. #ManyanaMatters.
But that doesn’t mean I haven’t been generous with unique information for people who love Australia, whether it's hunting for coastal truffles to the best places to see wild wombats. I always encourage people to find their own special gems, so treat this article as inspiration for your next off-the-beaten-path adventure! Without further ado, here are some of my favourite south coast NSW secret spots, and undoubtedly some of the most beautiful hidden places in NSW.
Before we begin, I wish to acknowledge Brinja-Yuin, Budawang, Jerrinja, Murramarang, Walbunja, Wandandian, Wodi Wodi, Yuin and Yuin-Monaro people as the traditional owners of the South Coast NSW/Yuin country and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging. I honour the uninterrupted care, protection and belonging to these islands, skies and waterways, before the invasion and colonisation of European settlement. I honour their stories, songs, art, and culture, and their aspirations for the future of their people and these lands.
Golden sandstone cliffs, Wasp Head Walk, South Durras.
Wasp Head Walk, South Durras. ©
You might already be familiar with or have heard of the Wasp Head walk in South Durras, an easy flat walk through Casuarina forest, ending up with charming views of Wasp Island. Delightful, of course. But here is the part that flies under the radar.
One of the coolest south coast NSW secret spots can be found if you venture a little further down onto the rock ledge at low tide, where you’ll encounter spectacular geological formations of honeycomb weathering of eroded sandstone, ironstone box work, sedimentary conglomerate rock and basalt boulder, as well as shellfish fossils, sea caves, rocky coves and lush patches of greenery embedded in said caves and coves.
You can get here via the Wasp Head carpark and an informal footpath that navigates to the rock ledge at low tide or even via the Emily Miller Point walking track to access the more southern section of the ledge.
2. Small rocky island at Guerilla Bay.
Rocky island at Guerilla Bay. ©
A lot of people know about the stunning coastline and the array of sleepy beach towns you can find south of Bateman’s Bay and north of Moruya. From Broulee to Tomakin, Malua Bay and Guerilla Bay, the turquoise hues of the Eurobodalla are certainly familiar among locals and holidaymakers alike.
However, one of my favourite recent far south coast discoveries is the small rocky chert, slate and tectonic melange island off the 500-metre stretch of east-facing Guerilla Bay. It protects the bay from harsh winds and swell, making it ideal for snorkelling. There are safe paths on which you can climb to the top of this rocky island if you have a reasonable fitness level and shoes with grip, but I definitely would not recommend this for families with younger kids or people with mobility issues.
3. Murramarang National Park.
Murramarang National Park. ©
Home to the Murramarang South Coast Walk, the Murramarang National Park stretches for 44 kilometres, running from Merry Beach near Ulladulla to Long Beach, just north of Bateman's Bay. This incredible national park is a diverse landscape of native Australian Spotted Gum and Burrawang Palm Forests, temperate rainforests, and fascinating geological formations like you’ll find on the Wasp Head Walk (see above).
No doubt, you’ll also find teeming rock pools and vast stretches of golden and even dark sand beaches (hello there, Dark Beach!). And let's not forget the abundance of classic Australian biodiversity, from furry to feathery to scaly, as well as over 400 species of flora.
To truly appreciate this majestic expanse, plan to spend at least a few nights or enjoy multiple weekend getaways. For example, a weekend in Merry Beach, another in Durras and perhaps another at Depot or Pebbly would give you enough chances to really explore different sections of the national park.
4. Bendalong stingrays.
Image credit: Pat Whelen.
If you have a penchant for majestical marine life, the south coast is your best friend because there are always dolphins, seals, seasonal whales and stingrays around.
One of the best south coast NSW secret spots to spot stingrays in the wild is Bendalong Boat Harbour Beach, a sheltered bay with friendly rays. Just remember, they are wild creatures, so don’t ever chase them. Respect and appreciate them and let them approach you.
5. Honeymoon Bay, Jervis Bay Marine Park, Beecroft Peninsula.
Honeymoon Bay, NSW. ©
Hyam’s Beach is probably the most well-known south coast beach of NSW, but don’t let this comparatively inconspicuous hidden gem on the other side of Jervis Bay in the Beecroft Peninsula, fly over your head with its equally lovely, crisp white sand and azure waters, with only a fraction of the tourists that Hyam’s has.
You can also camp here!
6. Mermaid Pool, Berrara.
Mermaid Pool, Berrara. ©
One of the deepest natural rock pools in the Shoalhaven, the aptly-named (because you wouldn’t be surprised to see a mermaid there) Mermaid Pool at Berrara, is accessible by paddling across Berrara inlet at low tide or alternatively taking the long walk via Bendalong.
7. Kayak the Kangaroo River.
Kayaking the Kangaroo River in Kangaroo Valley. ©
Whether you want to BYO kayak or canoe, hire one -- (which you can do near the Hampden Bridge) - and have a guided or unguided river experience, you’ve got a range of choice when kayaking the Kangaroo River.
If you’re lucky, you might spot tranquil eastern water dragons, lace monitors, and wombats given the right hour.
8. South Coast wineries, breweries and distilleries.
Cupitt's winery and brewery, Milton. ©
The Hunter Valley wine region is no secret. But did you know that the south coast of NSW is too?
Yep, it’s a beer, wine and spirits connoisseur’s delight with its thirst-quenching amount of wineries, breweries and distilleries from Wollongong, Kiama and Gerringong to the Shoalhaven, then all the way down to the far south of the Eurobodalla and Sapphire Coasts.
And it’s continuing to grow. This year alone, I’ve learned of Wombat Brewery in Ulladulla, Swordfish Brewery in Sussex Inlet, Penguin Head Brewing in Culburra Beach, South Yeast Brewing and Husky Brewing in Nowra, as well as two distilleries in Nowra last year. I guess you could call them south coast NSW secret spots as they’re new to the hospitality scene, but they probably won’t be for long, so get in quick.
Anyway, in the meantime, you can check out every single winery, brewery and distillery below for each south coast region, starting from Wollongong and going all the way down to the Sapphire Coast.
9. Mermaid’s Inlet, Currarong.
Mermaid Inlet, Currarong. ©
From hidden caves to expansive rocky headland outcrops, Mermaid’s Inlet is a walk accessed from Abraham’s Bosom Reserve in Currarong and one that is notably precarious and not recommended for beginners or people who experience vertigo. At the moment, it’s closed to public access, but no doubt will open again with better safety measures in place.
In the meantime, you could check out more walks from Abraham’s Bosom Reserve, such as Coomie’s, Lobster Bay, or Wilson’s Beach - a tiny beautiful beach mentioned below (so keep reading).
10. Rock pools at 1080 Beach, Mystery Bay.
Rock pools at 1080 Beach Mystery Bay. ©
Most people know Narooma, Mystery Bay and maybe even 1080 Beach, just around the corner from Mystery Bay.
But here’s the real south coast NSW secret spot I adore, which I had to myself on a beautiful Autumn day. Once you descend the stairs at 1080 Beach, venture around the corner to the rocky formations. You might need to make sure it’s lower to mid-tide. Here is where you’ll find an absolutely glorious couple of natural crystalline blue rock pools, a dream to bathe in low and calm tides.
11. Calm Corner, North Durras.
Calm Corner North Durras Beach. ©
I don’t really know what else to say, except this is truly a really nice calm, protected beach corner and a wee hidden gem at North Durras Beach. Similarly-named to Cosy Corner, in the Bay of Fires in Tasmania, I suppose.
12. Bendeela Recreation Area, Kangaroo Valley.
Bendeela Recreation Reserve. ©
If you love wombats, and let’s be honest, you’re a psychopath if you don’t, then this is one of the best places to encounter wild wombats in NSW. You can camp here for $6 on the lush banks of the Kangaroo River or just come picnic here during the day. Bring your canoe and pool floaties if you know what’s up.
13. The Tubes, Beecroft Peninsula.
The Tubes Beecroft weapons range. ©
This could be one of the ultimate south coast hidden treasures. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped out the south coast and straight into the Amalfi Coast when you step into The Outer Tubes, affectionately known to locals as “The Tubes.”
Here you’ll find more astonishing ancient rock formations, more magical blue water and even secret gullies. You’ll need to access the Beecroft Weapons Range to get here, which is managed by the Royal Australian Navy and usually open on weekends, but check their Facebook page for confirmation.
14. Burrewarra Point, Guerilla Bay.
Burrewarra Point, Guerilla Bay. ©
You didn’t think Guerilla Bay was just simply just a fascinatingly tectonic melange bay made up of microfossils contained in chert from the gut of extinct eel-like animals, did you? (That’s all true, btw).
Don’t overlook the charming Burrewarra Point in Guerilla Bay, which you can get to via an exquisite hinterland of mature Banksia forest walk. Remember to stop by the commemorative plaque of the No. 17 Radar Station RAAF for a poignant view of history.
15. Coastal Walk, Eurobodalla National Park.
Coastal Walk, Eurobodalla National Park. ©
It is secluded, breathtaking and coastal and you’ll likely spot marine and land wildlife. But did you know as of July 2023, the Eurobodalla coastal headland walk only has 4 Google reviews?
While everyone loves holidaying in Narooma, this coastal headland might be considered one of the most beautiful hidden places in NSW, because it often gets overlooked for walks. Perhaps because it’s a hidden dirt road detour down Bogola Head Road, it takes fractionally more effort to get to, plus we’re spoilt for choice in the south coast with great hikes. Regardless, it truly is a majestically lovely walk. You can also get here via Handerkerchief Beach Narooma.
16. Wilson’s Beach, Currarong, Abraham’s Bosom Reserve.
Wilson’s Beach, Currarong, Abraham’s Bosom Reserve. ©
If you like tiny, beautiful beaches, then you’ll adore this small slice of perfection nestled in Currarong in Abraham’s Bosom Reserve. You’ll need to walk to this one from Abraham’s Bosom carpark. If you visit outside of the school holidays, there’s a good chance you’ll get this beauty all to yourself.
17. Truffle hunting.
If you love truffles, truffle oil, truffle mac ‘n’ cheese, or truffle on anything and everything (and if you don’t, I’m not sure we can be friends), then you’re going to love year-round truffle hunting at Gulaga Gold, NSW’s first coastal trufferie where “you can taste the sea, the surrounding rainforest and the volcanic soil from Gulaga.”
From June to August, you can join the truffle dogs on their hunt for truffles. Then, in Spring, from September to October, you can learn all about truffle farming over a glass of wine, followed by truffle-inspired dishes paired with local, regional wine. If that’s not an epic south coast off-the-beaten-path fun thing to do, then I don’t know what is.
