I haven’t been all over Australia, yet. But I’m pretty confident South Coast NSW has some of the best beaches in the country.
We recently spent three weeks in the South Coast NSW region, and I came to the conclusion that the beaches there are better than the North Coast NSW beaches.
They are not only stunningly beautiful, but there is much less development than in the north, and WAY LESS people. Win-win!
On some of the beaches featured below, particularly the ones in Booderee National Park, we practically had the whole beach to ourselves. Give me uncrowded, natural, pristine looking beaches any day!
And I have never seen so many wild kangaroos jumping around on the beaches than in the South Coast. Plus, the white powdery sand and striking rock formations are up there with the best I have seen anywhere in the world.
Check out this photo essay and see if you agree?
11 Best Beaches in South Coast NSW
Hyams Beach
Hyams Beach, famous for having the whitest sand in the world, is located in Jervis Bay.
Merimbula Beach
Merimbula Beach has these stunning coloured rock formations and is a popular surf beach.
Depot Beach
Depot Beach in Murramarang National Park is frequently inhabited by wild kangaroos.
Chinamans Beach
Chinamans Beach is part of the sensational White Sands Walk in Jervis Bay.
Pretty Beach
Want to wake up to kangaroos outside your cabin? Then head to picturesque Pretty Beach in Murramarang National Park.
Green Patch Beach
Green Patch in Booderee National Park is one of the best camping sites in the state.
Scottish Rocks, Booderee National Park
One of our best discoveries. The amazing Scottish Rocks will blow you away.
Pebbly Beach
Possibly the best place to see wild Kangaroos on the beach in NSW.
Greenfields Beach
Greenfields is another one of the pristine beaches set in Jervis Bay National Park.
Bar Beach
A family friendly beach, Bar Beach is located in the pretty coastal town of Narooma.
North Wollongong Beach
North Wollongong has a cafe scene, walking track, rock pools and sunrise views over the historic lighthouse.
Where is the South Coast NSW region?
The South Coast NSW region begins just outside of Sydney and stretches from the Royal National Park to Eden.
Get more information on visiting the South Coast Beaches on the Visit NSW website.
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It’s still unbelievable for me how beautiful Australia really is. It’s just one of the most unique places in the world, the myriad of places that they have there is just amazing.
I can only imagine a few more places as good Australia.
Yeah, we’re pretty lucky Jay. And the more of my home state I see, NSW, the better it gets too!
Thank you for yor posts Craig.
A small piece of Australia has more beautiful beaches than other contries.
Agreed. We are certainly not lacking in awesome beaches!
Lovely! All the beaches are so beautiful, and as you say that as they are less crowded, it’s a win win! My sister has been to Jarvis Bay, so I did see some of the similar pictures in her album. I don’t have anything to add to the list, because I explored mostly the city part in Sydney. Your photos are tickling me to head to Australia again (but I don’t know when that will happen)…
I can’t stop talking about Jervis Bay 🙂
I also love the beaches on NSW south coast, especially the Jervis Bay beaches. If I were writing this list I also would have added my 2 favourite beaches close to Sydney, Wattamolla and Burning Palms (both in the Royal National Park), although I’m not sure if they count as South Coast.
If you like kangaroos on the beach and pure white sand I have a feeling you’re going to love the beaches near Esperance once you get over to WA 🙂
Yes, we have been to Wattamolla. Another beautiful beach. And the Royal National Park too. Great place!
Amazing places! I would like to visit them all.
Come on down Ruth! 🙂
Lucky me….I live in Jervis Bay and totally agree with you regarding the listed beaches….but don’t advertise it too much. We are very possessive about our beaches and love the fact that we have the seclusion, space and beauty surrounding us day in and day out. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t thank my lucky stars that I live in what probably is the best and most beautiful place in Australia. Jervis Bay has it all.
Ok Corinne, promise not to shout about it too much 🙂 But it’s hard, sorry, such a gem of a destination!
Well said, Corinne 😉
Thanks Andy…we don’t need more photographers here….we have enough.
Thank you Craig and as you can see from Andy Hutchinson’s comment….another local who would like to see it kept a bit of a ‘secret’. Thank you Andy.
Craig, how could you not have Culburra Beach & Warrain Beach, or ‘Abraham’s Bosom’ Beach at Currarong or ‘The Farm’ (Killalea State Park), or Werri Beach (Gerringong) or Seven Mile Beach National Park, or Target Beach / Honeymoon Bay (Point Perpendicular) or Callala Beach or Caves Beach / Bherwerre Beach (Booderee National Park) or Bombo Beach at Kiama amongst many others?
You’ll have to make another visit south I’d say! 🙂
But it’s a great list to start with. And yes, we’re pretty damn lucky here on the South Coast.
Hey Matt, I only listed beaches that I have personally been to. Now it’s a bigger and better list. Cheers!
I note that you left off Durras Beach. I know why. Whilst I was jogging along this beach late this afternoon, not a soul to be seen. The same happens nearly every day. Obviously a very unpopular place. I did however see 3 Wallabies, a Sea Eagle, a small flock of Yellow Tailed Black Cockatoos, Oyster Catchers and a couple of Dolphins. I also saw around 20 kangaroos lining the street leading to the beach. Durras Beach can get boring. It is like this most days…..
Sounds great Peter. I only listed beaches I have actually visited. Thanks for sharing!
I had always wanted to go to Australia for the wildlife, but now I want to go for the beaches as well. Especially in Jervis Bay!
It has it all Beth 🙂
What beautiful places! Get your swimsuits ready cause there’s no doubt these are great destinations for a winter getaway or a summer vacation!
How. Lucky. Are. We?
#Sigh