The Ultimate Guide to the South Coast
Planning a getaway? It's time to head to the South Coast.
We all suffer from city fatigue from time to time, luckily there is an escape just over an hour away – the South Coast. From the 140km Grand Pacific Drive and beyond, the South Coast is an ideal weekend escape. Whether you settle on one dwindling for the entirety of your trip or decide to hop between the collection of unique towns that line that coastline, including Wollongong, Kiama and Gerroa, there is something for everyone. Year round the South Coast offers locals and tourists a collection of beaches, brunches and bars that will tickle your sea change fancy. Eat, drink or play, here are our top picks for the South Coast.
Owned by a husband and wife duo, Lee and Me reimagines the boutique space of a 1980s terrace house with the aromas of modern Aussie brunch. Located on Crown Street the menu consists of regular brunch offerings and inventive dishes like the Golden Potato Rosti ($18) with house cured salmon and the simple and stunning…
Modern Australian dining meets Japanese influence at Babyface Kitchen. Situated in the heart of Wollongong, the share-style food menu introduces diners to produce rich, seasonally selected dishes. If choosing share dishes is too hard, the tasting menu ($80pp) will give you an eclectic assortment of Babyface's offerings. However, it's hard to go past the sashimi…
Hugging the coast in Kiama, this gorgeously lit coastal cafe is great for anytime time of day. Set inside a 180 degree glass casing, Penny Whistlers lets you take in the fresh sea breeze, be it armed with a cup of coffee or classic cocktail. Both the day and dinner menu options are sure to…
CDs and vinyls line the wall at this sunny little seaside cafe. Honest Don's friendly staff complement the wholesomeness of all-day menu. Focussed on serving "honest" food, the menu is overflowing with large, affordable servings. The Daily Taco (2 for $12) is the spicy highlight of the menu. You won't regret snagging a gluten free…
A gateway to the South Coast, the Scarborough Hotel is located moments from the atmospheric Bald Hill Lookout. Although you can dine in the Horizon Balcony, we would recommend a leisurely lunch and drink in the Seacliff Gardens with a fantastic view of the coastline. Open until 4.30pm every day, this family and pet friendly…
Little Blowhole Art Bar
Hidden on a hilly backstreet in Kiama this bar and share-food eatery is the lovechild of two ex-Darlinghurst, and now happily engaged locals, Jamie and Bruce. The intimate venue plays host to a changing collection of Sydney-esque contemporary art exhibitions and live music Sunday sessions. The tapas menu includes a weekly share-style paella. The drinks…
An icon of the Wollongong scene, Humber is plotted on the corner of Crown Street and Crown Lane (the centre of the city). With over three levels, including a rooftop garden, Humber's exposed brick pops to life with vibrant retro furniture and decor. Open almost all day, from breakfast until late, Humber is pumping city…
Go for a stroll
With all that eating and drinking you may feel the need for a spot of exercise. Fortunately, you are in the right place. No stretch of the South Coast coastline is the same. Whether you are on the hunt for a coffee down the populated Wollongong headland, or venturing along the 22km Kiama Coastal Walk…
If you head inland, you will stumble upon a winery or two. Many wineries in the area either house a restaurant or cafe, or (if you're lucky) a wine tasting room. For our adventure we experienced the hospitality of Mountain Ridge Wines. Refurbishing it's cellar door in late 2017, this hillside hideaway serves breakfast, lunch…
Festival Time
Throughout the year, the South Coast hosts a diverse collection of festivals to suit every season and age. We were lucky enough to enjoy the mayhem of the MTV Beats and Eats Festival in Wollongong. MTV paired the foodie likes of Nudefish Poké and Chur Burger with music bangers from Rudimental and Tkay Maidza. The…
Return home to the city with bags of goodies from the Foragers Market, open every Sunday on the outskirts of Wollongong in Bulli. Set in the Showground shed, the market boasts a wonderful collection of farmers stalls and artisan products. Munch on fruit and nuts, sip on a fresh lemon and ginger juice or fill…
Located just steps from the infamous Kiama Blowhole, the Kiama Harbour Cabins offer a range of cosy, self-contained one, two and three bedroom cabins overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Cabins are ideal for a relaxed seaside holiday where you are keen for the occasional BBQ or inexpensive breakfast in bed.