NSW south coast: Best places to see and things to do

As summer draws near and the sound of Mariah Carey's carols album is in the air, there's only one place to be this summer. 

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When it comes to taking a holiday at home, no other country has it better than what Australia has to offer. And while parts of the country are facing Covid travel restrictions, there’s no better time to start planning your next Aussie getaway. Or, if you're in NSW already - jump in your car right now.

Solo female travel is so 2019. There. Now that I’ve said it, there’s no taking it back.

Gone are the days of cheeky airport bevvies, whipping out Instagram-friendly hats to take the perfect selfie in a foreign city or carrying brightly coloured dresses to the top of the mountain.

I never actually did any of those things. I was the type of traveller who sensibly hydrated and stretched my hamstrings before every long-haul flight. But I did spend the majority of my twenties embracing solo female travel in all its glory, eating everything, going everywhere, making friends, and spending all my money. It was glorious – alas, we’ve all since learnt the dreaded term Covid-19.

Kirrily Schwarz in her travel uniform during her solo travel days in her twenties. Picture: Kirrily Schwarz

Now that 2021 has rolled around, bringing my thirties with it, it’s time for a new type of adventure. With international travel in the early stages of restarting for vaccinated Australian citizens and permanent residents, the lure of an Aussie road trip is stay for the foreseeable future. And I’m not just talking about any old road trips here. I’m talking about all the epic Australian drives that have been filed in the back of your mind for “one day”.

Like many others, I’ve dedicated this year to exploring my own backyard (even though dreaded Covid threw a spanner in the plan for several months this year).

When restrictions ease in NSW, this road trip should be at the top of your list.

Between coastal drives, country escapes and desert adventures, I’ve made one important observation. My mates know all the best spots. Instead of wandering around foreign countries, hoping to stumble upon the best local places to walk, swim, eat or drink, I can take a leaf out of Eddie McGuire’s book and simply phone a friend.

Australians are sitting on a goldmine, with friends and family living in some of the most idyllic locations around the country. Any of us can access ultimate local guides to spots we’d never find through a website, blog or dusty old book.

That’s right, we have been missing an amazing opportunity of local knowledge by slipping into hotels and Airbnb’s while the couch of a mate can provide the most local experience imaginable.

Best towns on the NSW south coast

For me, the first place on my list was the south coast of NSW. And while borders for some states are closed to this incredible spot, keep this in your back pocket for when restrictions ease once again.

Why? Because it’s home to the Sapphire Coast, where the name alone inspired me to visit. Because it’s so pretty that it literally has a town called Eden. Because beaches. And because now my solo travels are over, my biggest priority was connecting the dots between a bunch of old friends.

Let’s call this travel style dates with mates. It goes like this: I drove a bit, explored a bit, saw a mate. I drove a bit, explored a bit, saw another mate. And so on, all the way down the coast.

RELATED: Sapphire Coast: Jewel in the crown for NSW parks

The beautiful Sea Cliff Bridge has a walkway so you can enjoy the view at a slower pace. Picture: iStock

Best places to eat and drink on the NSW south coast

From Sydney, I headed straight for the Grand Pacific Drive – and in particular, the 665m Sea Cliff Bridge. It’s an iconic road that skirts around rocky cliffs in spectacular fashion. I saw the blowhole at Kiama and found the most delicious almond croissant I’ve ever eaten at Milkwood Bakery in Berry.

Tastes as good as it looks. A croissant from the Milkwood Bakery. Picture: Kirrily Schwarz

I stayed a couple of nights in Nowra and a couple of nights in Jervis Bay, hitting the soft white sand of Hyams Beach and calling into the Huskisson Hotel to have dinner with mate #1.

Having lived in Sydney for five years, I confess until now Jervis Bay was the furthest I’d explored. As my friend explained over wine and seafood, I’d missed out, because the coast continues to be – well, perfect.

The beautiful south coast of NSW.

Just a little further south, The Milton Hotel is top notch. I took myself out to dinner at Rick Stein at Bannisters in Mollymook, which was a thoroughly excellent experience (although even after a decade of solo female travel, I admit that eating alone in nice restaurants surrounded by happy couples is a little weird).

Hayden’s Pies in Ulladulla is a must for lunch. About 50 people have recommended the gourmet pastries over the years. It absolutely lived up to the hype – hello, goat with cucumber and mint raita.

My catch-up with mate #2 happened over what could only be described as the best fish and chips in Australia. If you’ve never heard of Innes Boatshed in Batemans Bay, do yourself a favour and plan a trip ASAP. We’re talking crispy and surprisingly grease-free batter, flaky flesh and a fresh lime twist. It’s the stuff dreams are made of, honestly, especially if you sit out the back in the sunshine.

The road south winds its way through Bodalla, where it’s absolutely essential to stop at the Bodalla Dairy and try either the Australian themed cheeses (I’m looking at you, smoked gum leaf cheddar) or the rich, homemade ice cream.

From here, it’s just 20 minutes to Narooma, which is famous for oysters and wildlife. If you’re after the former, head straight to The Oyster Farmer’s Daughter. For the latter, head straight to the Mill Bay Boardwalk and keep an eye out for crabs, seals, dolphins and stingrays.

RELATED: Best things to do in Batemans Bay and Mogo, NSW

Put the Tathra pub in the GPS now. Picture: Claudine Thornton/Destination NSW

My final stop was Tathra, where mate #3 was holidaying with her husband and daughter. In case you can’t tell, the best thing about this dates with mates travel is eating, chatting, and eating some more. Have brunch at the Wild Orchid Cafe and dinner on the deck (weather permitting) at the heritage-listed Tathra Hotel.

Solo female travel is over, at least for now – but given the success of my dates with mates mission, I’m not sad about it at all. The only thing missing was that perfect selfie in an Instagram-friendly hat.