South Coast Road Trip: Kiama, Mollymook, Narooma & Huskisson

Day 1: Sydney to Kiama

1.5 to 2 hours (122 km) | Stay in Kiama

For activities, restaurants, cafes and accommodation, check out the Next Escape Guide to Kiama. As a starting point, we’ve included below our curated suggestions to fill your afternoon, evening and morning in Kiama.

Leaving Sydney

From Sydney, your South Coast journey begins with a 122 km drive south along the M1 Princes Motorway. The drive takes between 1.5 and 2 hours depending on traffic.

For a scenic route: Instead of the direct M1 motorway run, exit onto Lady Wakehurst Drive at Waterfall and drive through the Royal National Park to join the Grand Pacific Drive. You can then stop at Otford Lookout or Bald Hill Lookout at Stanwell Tops for sweeping views down to Sea Cliff Bridge. Both lookouts are fantastic, and Bald Hill is also a popular paragliding launch site, so you’ll often see paragliders drifting off the cliff edge. The detour adds around 30–45 minutes to the drive, more if you stop for photos, but it’s a good way to break up the trip south.

Exit at Kiama and follow signs into the town centre. Check into your accommodation, then head straight to the famous Kiama Blowhole while the afternoon light is still good. This natural feature shoots ocean spray high into the air when strong swells combine with high tide; most spectacular on rough days, but worth visiting in any conditions for the coastal scenery.

The blowhole sits just a short 5-10 minute walk from the town centre. There’s a lighthouse and a cafe nearby if you need an afternoon coffee, and the area is free to access. You could spend 30-60 minutes here depending on how active the blowhole is and whether you explore the surrounding headland paths.

Evening

Kiama has the largest selection of cafes and restaurants on this trip and there’s plenty to choose from. For waterfront views and excellent seafood, Silica delivers gorgeous ocean views, a solid wine list and fabulous cocktails. Book ahead on a weekend. Alternatively, Miss Arda offers share plates and cocktails in a more intimate setting. For a range of our favourite dining options in Kiama, see the “Where to eat and drink in Kiama” section of our detailed Kiama guide.

After dinner, take an evening stroll down to the beach. Kiama’s beachfront promenade is particularly good at night.

Accommodation

Kiama has the widest range of accommodation options on this trip.

• For couples: Kove Apartments are well positioned, self-contained, close to the waterfront and restaurants. If you’d prefer more facilities (like a gym, restaurant and bar), the Sebel is a good option.
• For families: Kiama Harbour Cabins are spacious and relaxed with easy access to the beach and blowhole. Check Stayz for holiday houses and apartments.
• For budget travellers: Check Booking.com for motel options or consider Kendalls Beach Holiday Park (this is one beach over from the main Surf Beach but still walking distance). Stayz also has reasonably priced holiday homes and apartments.

We’ve selected these and others to consider in our detailed Kiama guide.

Day 2: Kiama to Mollymook

1 hour 30 minutes (103 km) | Stay in Mollymook

Morning in Kiama

Start with breakfast at Penny Whistlers or Flower Water Salt, then head out for a section of the Kiama Coastal Walk before you leave. You have two main options:

• North route (towards Minnamurra): Quieter coastal scenery, whale-watching platform, Cathedral Rocks and Bombo Headland.
• South route (towards Gerringong): Cliff-top section with panoramic ocean views heading in the direction of your next stop.

Both directions deliver beautiful coastal scenery and photo opportunities and you can walk as far as you feel comfortable before heading back. The walk is well-maintained and mostly in full-sun: a hat, water bottle and sunscreen are recommended.

Pack your bags and head south. The drive to Mollymook follows the Princes Highway and you’ll pass through Gerringong, Berry and Milton before arriving. If you are staying in self-catering accommodation and need to stock up before your arrival, then Milton is a good option – there are several bakeries, cafes, a supermarket and a good butcher.

For beaches, walks, nearby towns, restaurants, cafes and accommodation, check out the Next Escape Guide to Mollymook. Our itinerary for your time in Mollymook below is a suggested starting point for you to adapt.

Afternoon

Detour at Milton for lunch at nearby Cupitt’s Estate. This gorgeous, countryside property is around 10 minutes drive inland from Mollymook. It’s a beautiful property, with a cellar door, restaurant and a more casual wine garden. Both the restaurant and wine garden have views across the rolling farmland and vineyards.

If you’d prefer to have lunch in Mollymook, a couple of easy options are:

• Beach Cafe near the Surf Life Saving Club: casual, outdoor seating with views across the grass to the beach, good for a first look at Mollymook.
• Salt & Spencer at the Golf Club: fish tacos, poke bowls and burgers, most items also available from the kiosk if you want to eat on the grass.

After lunch, head for a swim or walk the beach. Mollymook Beach runs 2 km from Bannisters Point in the north to the golf club at the southern end: wide, sandy and with a grassy reserve behind it that’s good for a picnic. The walking track alongside the beach is always busy with dog walkers, joggers and cyclists.

Evening

You have several excellent choices for dinner in Mollymook, including:

• GWYLO: Asian street eats and fantastic cocktails. The menu features local sashimi, betel leaf with smoked fish, Fremantle octopus skewers and red curry seafood dumplings.
• Rick Stein at Bannisters: seafood is the focus: local oysters, kingfish ceviche, Indonesian seafood curry and the signature fish pie. The Rooftop Bar and Grill at Bannisters Pavilion is also a good choice for a more casual version of the Rick Stein experience.
• For families, or something even more casual, the Golf Club restaurant has a classic Aussie bistro menu and the Thai Flavours Restaurant has good food and fast, friendly service.

Be sure to book ahead for GWYLO or either of the Bannisters restaurants, especially on weekends.

Accommodation

Mollymook’s main accommodation options are the two Bannisters properties at the northern end, several motels near the golf club at the southern end, and a wide range of holiday houses available on Stayz.

• For couples: Bannisters by the Sea and Bannisters Pavilion are the standout choice. Both are at the top end of Mollymook accommodation. Book well in advance, especially for weekends.
• For families or mid-range: Allure on Ocean (near the Surf Club, beach at the front door) or Motel Molly (recently renovated, pool and sauna) are both solid options.

Day 3: Mollymook to Narooma

1 hour 45 minutes (125 km) | Stay in Narooma (2 nights)

Morning

Grab a morning swim, coffee by the beach and then head south. The drive from Mollymook to Narooma takes around 1 hour 45 minutes, passing through Batemans Bay on the way. If you like oysters, stop in for incredibly fresh ones at Oyster Shed on Wray, just before you arrive in Batemans Bay. This little shed sells fresh oysters and prawns you can open and eat there, looking out over the Clyde River.

Narooma sits in the Eurobodalla region, about 4.5 to 5 hours south of Sydney. It’s a relaxed coastal town with a strong food scene, excellent fresh oysters and, 9 km offshore, Barunguba Montague Island, one of the most significant wildlife sites on the NSW coast.

For beaches, activities, restaurants and accommodation, check out the Next Escape Guide to Narooma. Below you’ll find a suggested starting point to make the most of your two nights in Narooma.

Afternoon

If you arrive in time for lunch, The Oyster Farmer’s Daughter is an ideal arrival stop on your way in: a casual open-air spot specialising in fresh local oysters with a more substantial menu and a fabulous cocktail list. Open Friday to Tuesday from 11:30 am to 4 pm and less than 10 minutes from Narooma around Wagonga Inlet.

After lunch, check in and explore Bar Rock Lookout, Australia Rock and Seal Rocks. Australia Rock has a distinctive arch worn through the sandstone, and Seal Rocks offers a chance to spot fur seals lounging on the rock shelves below.

Evening

Dinner at Quarterdeck, the most popular restaurant in Narooma. Quarterdeck gets very busy, even on weeknights, and the room fills quickly. Bookings are essential; try to book at least a week ahead for a weekend visit.

Personal note: The set menu is fantastic. Highlights for us were the scallops in chilli lime butter, Mexican street corn and beignets with dulce de leche to finish.

Accommodation

Accommodation in Narooma covers caravan park cabins, motels and holiday houses.

• Surf Beach Narooma Holiday Park: Cabin accommodation right next to Narooma Surf Beach, a short walk from the sand. The location is slightly out of town so you will need a car to get to most restaurants and activities.
• Amooran Oceanside Apartments: Rooms and apartments with lovely sea views close to the golf course. You will need a car to get to some restaurants (such as Quarterdeck) as you are on the edge of town.

For other accommodation options, check Booking.com or Stayz.

Day 4: Narooma (full day)

No driving (or a short drive to Tilba) | Stay in Narooma

Take a tour to Barunguba Montague Island. Located about 9 km offshore and accessible only by licensed tour boat, Barunguba Montague Island is a national nature reserve with around 10,000 breeding pairs of Little Penguins, a large fur seal colony (the largest in NSW), a heritage-listed lighthouse operating since 1881 and rich Aboriginal history.

Two main licensed operators run tours from Narooma: Narooma Charters and Montague Island Adventures. Both run morning and afternoon tours, from island walks to snorkelling with the fur seals. From September through late January, evening penguin tours are available.

Personal note: All tours run subject to weather and sea conditions and cancellations happen more often than you’d expect. Our booking on our last visit was a weather casualty. If the island is your main reason for visiting Narooma, build in extra days and schedule it early in your trip so you don’t miss out. In peak season, be sure to book ahead as the tours do get booked out.

If the tour is cancelled or you have additional time around your tour: Head to Central Tilba instead, about 15 minutes’ drive from Narooma. One of the best-preserved heritage villages in NSW, with a compact main street of 19th-century buildings housing cafes, a small pub, homewares shops and galleries. The Bungarri Yana Loop Walk behind the town is a 2.7 km hike into the hinterland with lovely views and birdlife. Tilba Valley Winery and Ale House is an ideal stop for lunch or a wine tasting on the way back.

Evening

Dinner at Lynch’s Narooma: the classic Narooma pub, busy on Saturday nights, popular with locals and a reliable spot for chicken parmigiana, steaks and fish and chips. Since Merivale took over, the menu has expanded to include Cantonese dishes from the Queen Chow pop-up.

Day 5: Narooma to Huskisson

2 hours and 20 minutes (176 km) | Stay in Huskisson

Morning

Pack up and head north. The drive from Narooma to Huskisson takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes, retracing the coast road north through Batemans Bay before cutting across to Huskisson on Jervis Bay. If you fancy a pitstop on the way, the Bodalla Dairy Shed (around 15 minutes from Narooma) is an excellent stop for ice cream, cheese and milkshakes.

Huskisson is the main town on Jervis Bay. It’s small: a main street, a wharf, a few good places to eat, and easy access to beaches and the bay. Most people use it as a base for exploring the broader Jervis Bay area, including the beaches and walking tracks inside Booderee National Park.

For beaches, tours, walks, restaurants and accommodation, check out the Next Escape Guide to Huskisson. We have included some ideas in the following suggested itinerary for you to adapt.

Afternoon

Check in, then head straight to Shark Net Beach, Huskisson’s closest swimming beach, a short walk from the main street. The water is calm and sheltered, good for swimming, snorkelling and paddleboarding. The name comes from a shark net that used to protect the bay before the sea pool was built nearby.

Alternatively, book a dolphin cruise for the afternoon. Jervis Bay has a large resident bottlenose dolphin pod and sightings on a cruise are reliable year-round. Two main operators run from the wharf: Jervis Bay Wild and Dolphin Watch Cruises. Both offer dolphin cruises daily. Book ahead in school holidays, as these fill up fast.

Evening

Dinner at The Gunyah at Paperbark Camp, about 10 minutes from town. The menu is built around fresh, seasonal Australian produce and you can order a la carte or go with the chef’s menu. The room is split between dining tables and an open area with armchairs around the fire.

For something more casual, the Huskisson Hotel has reliably good pub food, lovely views across the bay and a good selection of beers and wines by the glass. It does get busy on weekends, so book ahead if you have a group.

Accommodation

Holiday houses and self-contained apartments dominate the accommodation options, with motels and a few boutique options rounding it out. Book early, as it fills up fast in summer and school holidays. We have included a few options below, and you can also check a full range on Booking.com and Stayz.

• Paperbark Camp: About 10 minutes from Huskisson in Woollamia, Paperbark Camp sits on 80 acres of eucalyptus bushland along Currambene Creek. There are twelve luxury safari tents, bikes and kayaks on-site and wallabies wandering the property at dusk. The pick of the Huskisson accommodation, particularly for couples.

Personal note: The tents come well stocked with blankets and hot water bottles, so even a cold or rainy night is fine. We last visited in cool weather and slept perfectly. Regardless of the weather, the wine and cheese platter on arrival is a great way to start your stay.

• Jervis Bay Motel: Well-located motel within walking distance from the cafes, restaurants, pub and beach. Good for a short stay.

For a wider range: Check Booking.com and Stayz. If you don’t need to be walking distance to town, search the wider Jervis Bay area for additional options.

Day 6: Huskisson to Sydney

2 hours 30 minutes (186 km)

Morning

Before leaving Huskisson, it’s worth doing the Mangrove Walk. It starts near the Maritime Museum, follows a short boardwalk through the mangroves along the foreshore, and is flat, easy and suitable for all ages.

If you have more time, the Foreshore Walk heading south towards Vincentia is a longer option. Leaving from Huskisson, you can walk as far as Vincentia (5.8 km), Greenfields Beach (8.2 km) or turn back when it suits you.

Breakfast at Harley’s @ Husky is a great option to fuel up for your drive home: good coffee, good focaccia, good jaffles.

The drive home

The drive back to Sydney takes around 2 hours 30 minutes via the Princes Highway. Berry or Gerringong are options for a lunchtime stop if you want to break up the journey.

Extending this trip

Add Berry as an overnight stop: Berry is a lovely town with excellent cafes, boutique shopping and is a good variation to the beach towns included in this road trip. This would fit well on the way back from Huskisson.

Add Southern Highlands (+1-2 nights): Likewise, Bowral or Berrima can slot in on the drive back from Huskisson to Sydney for a 1-2 night add-on if you want to extend the trip to a week. As with Berry, these country towns bring a nice variation to a beachy trip.

Add Kangaroo Valley as an inland stop: Head inland from Berry to Kangaroo Valley (around 30 minutes) for waterfalls, river kayaking, wildlife and national park walks.

Planning for this road trip

A few things worth doing in advance:

• Book Barunguba Montague Island tours, especially in peak season. Booking early you will also get your pick of the morning or afternoon time slots.
• Book key restaurants in advance: Quarterdeck in Narooma, Rick Stein at Bannisters in Mollymook, The Gunyah at Paperbark Camp in Huskisson and GWYLO in Mollymook.
• If you’d like to do one of the dolphin cruises in Huskisson, get this scheduled in advance.
• Book accommodation early, especially in Narooma and Huskisson, where options are limited and places fill up fast on weekends and school holidays.
• Check the Beachsafe website if you’re planning on swimming at any of the beaches, as patrol times vary by season.

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