Day trips you can take from the NSW South Coast to the state's 'top tourism' towns

The state's top tourism spots are almost all within a stone's throw of the NSW South Coast.

The southern Illawarra town of Kiama took out the title of NSW's Top Tourism Town for the second consecutive year at the NSW Local Government Destination and Visitor Economy Conference in 2025.

Neighbouring Shellharbour was awarded silver in this category, and just a bit further down the Princes Highway and turn left, Huskisson was awarded the gold in the Tiny Tourism Town category.

Just up Macquarie Pass to the west of the Illawarra, the picturesque Robertson got the Silver Small Tourism Town and People's Choice awards.

Also on the South Coast, Merimbula won the Small Tourism Town category.

Other regions were recognised, with Ballina, Gloucester, Broke and Millthorpe getting silver and bronze awards in the various categories.

But with most of the best spots all within day-trip distance for those in the South Coast - and many doable by day from Sydney - here are some ideas for days out and about in this beautiful region.

Slow Dough Bakery

A business which emerged out of a sourdough garage experiment during COVID, Slow Dough has attracted attention far and wide.

It now has a premise on Bong Bong Street which opened in 2024 and gets packed on the weekends.

The Lodge Jamberoo

If you need somewhere to rest your head, the Lodge Jamberoo is an interior design lovers' dream.

An Insta-worthy pool, a luxe day spa, gorgeous grounds that have open fires and marshmallow toasting on cool evenings and a bar and restaurant that mean everything you need for a cosy stay is at your fingertips.

This is a great spot for families (the outdoor spa is popular with kids, and the tennis court and games room remind me of school camps) but also a lovely spot for couples and popular for weddings too.

Kiama to Gerringong walk

Offering a mix of sealed paths, grassed tracks and beach walking, the hills along this 20km stretch (or shorter depending on where you start from) are gentle enough for most fitness levels.

And reporter Ben Langford from Explore's sister publication, the Illawarra Mercury, has this tip: "The Kiama to Gerringong walk is really spectacular, you can get a lift back if you spend $20 at the Gerringong Bowling Club."

The Blowhole

Of course, you can't mention Kiama without its biggest claim to fame - the Kiama Blowhole, which is the largest in the world. When the swell is running from the southeast, the 2.5-metre opening in the rock face has recorded plumes of water reaching 30 metres high.

And if you get sick of watching the blowhole itself, Mercury reporter Nadine Morton says the tourist-spotting is gold too.

The Farm at Killalea

As you drive past the housing estates of Shell Cove and Flinders on your way to Killalea, it's hard to believe the unspoilt wilderness that awaits.

But once you've walked down many wooden stairs and stepped onto the sand, the perfectly curved beach could be in paradise anywhere.

With its two tall headlands, it's got Hawaii vibes, and is a great spot for a picnic or paddle in the ocean. Serious surfers love the waves, but, with gentle long ones rolling in, its also a great place for kids bodyboarding or learning to surf.

Bushrangers Bay

The Mercury's court reporter Grace Crivellaro loves to escape to this snorkelling hotspot - not just for the crystal clear waters full of sea life but "also for reading purposes because there is no phone signal to distract me".

No less than three Mercury staffers had this spot as their top Shellharbour recommendation, for the chance to swim with sharks or just swim.

Whale watching

Captain Henry Cieslak gives two guarantees when you board the Cat Balou.

One is that he'll get you back safely.

The other is that he'll do his best to show his passengers some wildlife.

Obviously, the focus on these cruises, run by Shellharbour Wild, is the whales on their migration to the warmer waters off Queensland. But those creatures run to their own timetable - sometimes you spot them (more likely as the seasons ramps up) and sometimes you don't - but that doesn't mean you'll miss out seeing some amazing things.

And if you're not keen to get on a boat, Mercury reporter Nat Croxon advises heading to Bass Point to catch the whale migration.

White Sands walk

Beginning just south of Huskisson and ending at the famed Hyam's Beach, Mercury editor and Shoalhaven native Kathy Sharpe reckons this is one of the most beautiful walks in Australia.

The short 2.5km loop will take about an hour and a half in total, but you can stop for a swim or to spot birds and dolphins along the way.

Jervis Bay Brewery

This brewery and taproom is on the outskirts Huskisson, which like many breweries, provides atmosphere in the middle of an industrial estate. There's a great beer garden, where you can try their local beers, and different food trucks each day.

Truffles

Trained to detect unauthorised explosives and mobile phones, Twiggy could be hard at work in a prison.

But the nine-year-old Springer Spaniel lives a more refined life, sniffing out culinary delicacies in the rich, dark red soil of Robertson Truffles.

Watching her and her companions - which include expert truffle hunter Seal the black Labrador and four-year-old novice Echo - is one of the many delights of a truffle hunt at the Southern Highlands farm.

It opens to the public on select days throughout the week during each eight-week truffle season, from June to August.

Even in a cost-of-living crisis the allure of the aromatic Black Perigord truffles remains strong: by early June, Tanya and Patrick Moroney's calendar is already packed with hunt bookings and commercial orders for top restaurants.

The Illawarra Fly

Set 20 metres above the forest floor at Knights Hill, near Robertson, the Illawarra Fly is a chance to both immerse yourself in the trees and see high above them.

The suspended walkways culminate in a spiral tower which, on a clear day, lets you see far out over the Illawarra.

Up for sale since 2024, the eco-tourist attraction was the first of its kind in NSW and used existing farm tracks for construction so no trees needed to be cut down.

A picturesque drive and award-winning food

This year, Robertson has finally been given the rights to spruik its claim to fame that Babe was filed here in the 1990s.

The rolling hills make for gorgeous scenery as you traverse the area, and Ben Langford reckons the drive through Kangaloon is one of the most picturesque in the highlands.

He also notes that the waratah garden at the train station is spectacular when in bloom, and says Moon Acres Farm Cafe is great.

As for other foodie options, the Robertson Pie Shop might be a famous pit stop, but the cheese in Robertson is pretty good too.

Try Pecora Dairy, which in 2024 had one of their cheeses win the President's Medal at the Royal Easter Show.

Kiama mayor Cameron McDonald said the town's second consecutive tourism award was the result of hard work from the council.

"Our community and Council staff have worked tirelessly to create a vibrant visitor economy that continues to be recognised," he said.

"Not only did Kiama take out the top prize, but our region more broadly continues to be recognised."