Holiday haven on the NSW South Coast

THE NSW South Coast is blessed with beautiful beaches, national parks and rolling hills and rainforest. Brian Johnston explores the diverse region.

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THE NSW South Coast is blessed with beautiful beaches, national parks and rolling hills and rainforest. Brian Johnston explores the diverse region.

KANGAROO VALLEY
Best for a country getaway

Stray a few kilometres inland from Berry, two hours from Sydney, and you'll find a lush, tranquil valley ideal for a country getaway, demonstrating the South Coast isn't all about beaches.

"Kangaroo Valley is very friendly and welcoming," says Christopher Warren of the local tourist association.

"It's a place to rejuvenate, de-stress and get in touch with a sense of place," Warren says.

There are plenty of activities to keep the family occupied, including cycling, horse riding, bushwalking, fishing for bass and perch in the Kangaroo River or at Tallowa Dam, cooking and art classes, and highly scenic golf at Kangaroo Valley Golf & Country Resort.

Kangaroo Valley Adventure Company takes you mountain biking and kayaking on the river or through Shoalhaven Gorge. Pioneer Museum Park, an 1850s working farm with saddlery, dairy, forge and schoolhouse, is also great for kids.

To enjoy the best of the valley's produce, take a lively tour with Tastes of Kangaroo Valley for pie and wine tastings, visits to olive groves and permaculture gardens, and the chance to sample fudge, tapenades, jams and yoghurts.

More: visitkangaroovalley.com.au

Where to stay: The Heavens Mountain Escape offers two secluded couples retreats and a two-bedroom cottage, set on a 65ha property where alpacas and kangaroos wander.

MILTON
Best for shopping

Milton is a pretty village of colonial buildings and good eateries just north of Ulladulla, sitting in rolling countryside with views towards the Budawang Mountains and Pacific Ocean.

"Milton is a great place to stay, with fine surf beaches nearby at Mollymook, water sports on Lake Conjola and bushwalking in Moreton National Park," says Carol Joyce, owner of Milton Country Cottages.

For such a small village, it has a surprisingly interesting range of boutique shops.

The very innovative Merchants of Milton has amusing recycled products, pre-loved costume jewellery and quirky sculptures.

At shoe store Panache, you'll find footwear like none you get in mainstream department stores, since owner Kathryn Toth sources shoes direct from trade shows.

Just around the corner, Cornerstones (formerly Afterglow) has ethical and sustainable jewellery made by owner Charm Baltis. Ph 4455 1010

Next door,  has designer fashions by local talent, and the owner Charm Baltis makes her own jewellery.

In retro Nikki B's, you'll find kitchenware so out of fashion it's now in fashion again, as well as vintage clothing and furniture. Browse Chieftan Trading Company for Turkish bowls and plates.

"It's all part of what makes Milton so surprising," Joyce says. "Stay a while, and enjoy what we have to offer," she adds.

More: miltonvillage.com.au

Where to stay: Milton Country Cottages offers spacious self-catering accommodation. Try your hand at pottery lessons at the attached Yatte Yattah Pottery workshop.

BATEMANS BAY
Best for activities

When the iconic iron bridge over the Clyde River at Batemans Bay comes into view, you've arrived in arguably the best family holiday destination on the NSW South Coast.

There are ample opportunities here for relaxation and the creation of happy memories.

As well as beaches and ocean, the Clyde River is a delightful recreational river popular for fishing, kayaking, jet-skiing and boating.

Rent a houseboat from Clyde River Houseboats and have a Huckleberry Finn adventure by heading upriver for a few days.

There are plenty of other ways to enjoy the water. Surf the Bay is a mobile surf school that will give the kids group or private lessons.

Kayaking is another popular activity. Bay & Beyond Sea Kayak Tours offers tuition and excursions, a highlight being the sunset paddle on Durras Lake, one of the most pristine coastal lakes in NSW.

For a change from water, head to Mogo Zoo, a small private zoo that breeds endangered species such as tigers, tapirs, lemurs, snow leopards and red pandas. Behind-the-scenes "zookeeper for a day" experience are terrific, and will be a lasting holiday memory for young and old.

More: eurobodalla.com.au/batemans-bay

Where to eat: Wray Street Oyster Shed near the highway's landmark iron bridge has some of the freshest and fattest oysters you're likely to ever taste.

TUROSS HEAD
Best for fishing

If you're after a spot along the South Coast where the whole family can cast a line, Tuross Head 46km south of Batemans Bay is the place.

It sits well off the Princes Highway on a beautiful peninsula between the ocean and two lakes.

"Tuross Lake hasn't been commercially fished in years and is full of bream, flathead, garfish, mullet, trevally, whiting, snapper and crabs," says John Suthern, who is the owner of the Tuross Boatshed.

Check out the photos on the boatshed's walls showing happy fishermen who have caught enormous mulloway.

You can head out on professional fishing charters for a sports fishing challenges, or simply catch yourself enough from a jetty - or in the surf - to throw on the barbecue.

"Renting a tinnie is another fine way to fish," says Suthern.

"Though you might find yourself with some competition from seals and pelicans."

If you're a really keen fishing enthusiast, join the Tuross Head Fishing Club, which is especially welcoming to junior members and has regular barbecues, raffles and other social events.

More: eurobodalla.com.au/tuross-head

Where to golf: Want a change from fishing? The local Tuross Head Country Club has a nine-hole course with a friendly clubhouse and lovely views of Coila Lake.

BERMAGUI
Best for scenery

Looking for a holiday where you can just spend your days swimming, eating oysters and waking to the sound of surf?

Then the Sapphire Coast - tranquil, relatively undeveloped and surely one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in Australia - is for you.

Sitting between scalloped bays dotted with towering Norfolk pines, Bermagui looks towards Mt Dromedary in the hinterland and the ocean.

The only blues you'll encounter are the colours of sea and sky meeting at Blue Pool, cut out of the rock on the seashore.

Hang out on Fisherman's Wharf and enjoy great fish straight from the local boats at the Sundeck Cafe, or a glass of wine at the Horse & Camel.

There are activities for serious anglers. Big game fishermen from all over the world come to Bermagui for yellow-fin tuna and blue marlin, or you can net smaller fry including whiting, snapper, bream and flathead.

Take a kayak on to Lake Wallaga with Ocean Wilderness Sea Kayaking. Rock fishing, snorkelling, surfing, walks in national parks and scenic drives are other options, as well as a visit to Montreal Goldfield, the country's only coastal goldfield.

More: sapphirecoast.com.au

Where to stay: Moorhen Cove is a beachfront, luxury three-bedroom townhouse on the edge of Bermagui, with beautiful views over wetlands and all the creature comforts.

MAKE IT HAPPEN

Getting there: Virgin Australia, visit virginaustralia.com, ph 13 67 89.

More: southcoast.net.au

THREE WAYS TO DO THE SOUTH COAST

1. Budget

Sleep: Tuross Lakeside Tourist Park has powered sites (from $24) and onsite cabins from $80 a night.

Red Box Cottage has three bedrooms and a spectacular location overlooking Lake Tuross. Ph 0412 485 001.

Shop: Head 15km to the dairy village of Bodalla for local cheese and bread shops.

Do: Rent a boat ($80 for four hours) and head out on to the calm waters of Tuross Lake to relax or fish.

2. Mid-range

Sleep: From $115 a night or $690 a week, Depot Beach Cabins near Batemans Bay are fully self-catering, set among spotted gums just steps from the ocean.

Eat and drink: Barkala Kitchen uses local produce in great Spanish tapas dishes ($8-18) such as dry-cured Spanish ham, Eden mussels and fried chorizo.

Shop: Short of a plush animal, or looking for educational toys? Head to Wild Things gift shop at Mogo Zoo for great Christmas stocking-fillers.

Do: Moruya Aero Club does scenic flights from $150 for up to three people. It is a great way to admire the scenic beauty of the region's beautiful coastline, lakes and offshore islands.

3. Luxury

Sleep: Bannisters at Mollymook near Ulladulla has a spa, and a restaurant from celebrity chef Rick Stein. Rooms from $250.

Eat and drink: Cupitt's Winery outside Milton has a cellar door and a relaxed restaurant. Mains from $32, desserts $16.

Shop: Milton's Revival Antiques features furniture from leading Australian designers. Sought-after Featherstone contour chairs start from $5000s.

Do: Head out on a high-powered boat and enjoy deep-sea game fishing off the Ulladulla coast. Charters from $1800 a day.

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