Shoalhaven, South Coast
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Positives
- Varied quality breaks
- Swell consistency
- Low NSW crowd level
- Sydney escape
Negatives
- Colder than Sydney
- Sharky waters
- Weekend crowds
- Some localism
Shoalhaven, South Coast surf travel guide
The South Coast generally refers to the coast south of Sydney down to the border with Victoria. Shoalhaven is the northernmost of three subregions, populated by retirees and visitors from Sydney and Canberra. The most popular tourist destination in New South Wales - a majestic stretch of coast with natural bays, white sand beaches, and a cloak of typical Aussie bush. Famed for its fish, dolphins and migrating whales, but also the unique reefs, points and beachbreak surf spots providing a great release valve for Sydney's weekend warriors.
Surf spots in Shoalhaven, South Coast
Research the 15 surf breaks in Shoalhaven, South Coast and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 15 breaks in Shoalhaven, South Coast.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Shoalhaven, South Coast
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Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Shoalhaven, South Coast.
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Population
- 7,544,000
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- AUD
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 1.27 AUD AUD
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +61
- Dialing out
- 0011
- Emergencies
- 112
- Language
- English
Electricity
- Plug Type
- i
Visas
Everyone except Kiwis needs a visa before arriving in OZ so get one in good time before arriving. European countries, USA, Canada and Japan can get a free tourist visa online (some nations maybe charged a A$20 “service charge”). Visas last for 12 months but you can only stay for a total of either 3 or 6 months within the 12 month period. As always check carefully for any updates before you travel.
Getting There
Ulladulla is 220km (136mi) south of Sydney on Highway 1 (3h); from Canberra airport (CBR) it’s 200km (124mi - 2.5h). CityRail’s South Coast Line also joins Sydney to Nowra.
Getting Around
A rental car is much easier to travel around, check at Hertz and Europcar airport desks for the best rates (from $280/wk). Australians enjoy among the lowest petrol prices in the world today, but police like catching those burning too much! The fluid Princes Highway is the main N-S axis and is usually close to the coast.
Accommodation
Large choice of motels, guest houses, cabins and tent sites. Book in advance for overnight camping in Booderee Nat Park (AU$35/night). South Coast Ulladulla Lodge is the best backpacker option. Huskisson Beach Tourist Resort in Jervis Bay has rooms & cabins (from AU$115/n) as does the legendary basic Don Hearns Cabins at Green Island (from AU$60/dble). Caravan Parks everywhere including Sussex and Mollymook.
Activities
South Coast is a place to experience nature, with Jervis Bay, the Kangaroo Valley, Ettrema Wilderness, Budawang Ranges and Morton National Park being the main landmarks. The wild bush area that extends from Pretty Beach to Durras is well worth a visit.
Hazards & hassles
Although crowds are usually not a major problem, some spots are very sensitive with tight take-off zones. Be very respectful with the locals. Many spots are for experts only, so do not overestimate your skills. Reef cuts, riptides and urchins are pretty common.
Handy Hints
Many surf shops in Ulladulla and Sussex Inlet. Surf schools in Ulladulla and Mollymook. Funnel-web spider bite is a life-threatening medical emergency - get to hospital with the spider (or definite id) quickly.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.