On this day, I had set myself the task of driving as far south as possible from Sydney and exploring the area from Wollongong onwards. My experience only stretched a little further south than Wollongong and I wanted to see what it was like there. So I set off early in October 2024 and drove to Wollongong and beyond and then continued south from attraction to attraction.
A road trip from Sydney to Batemans Bay is one of the most scenic coastal journeys in New South Wales, combining golden beaches, national parks, and charming seaside towns. Covering roughly 280 kilometers, the drive takes about four hours without stops, but to experience it fully, travelers often stretch it into a whole day—or even a weekend. This route, following the Princes Highway (A1), showcases the natural beauty of the South Coast and provides endless opportunities for detours, hikes, and coastal discoveries.
Leaving Sydney, the journey begins with the familiar bustle of the city gradually giving way to suburban stretches and then rolling countryside. The first major highlight comes as you approach the Royal National Park, one of the oldest national parks in the world. Just south of Sydney, the park offers a wealth of natural treasures: rainforest walks, cliffside lookouts, and quiet beaches. The Grand Pacific Drive, which detours from the main highway, takes you through the park and over the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge, a sweeping road that curves dramatically above the ocean. The bridge is a favorite for photographers and a symbol of the journey’s coastal character.
Continuing south, the drive passes through laid-back coastal towns like Thirroul, Austinmer, and Wollongong. Wollongong, the third-largest city in New South Wales, makes for a good stop to stretch your legs. Visitors can explore its beaches, enjoy a coffee at one of its vibrant cafés, or walk up to the Nan Tien Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. For those with time, the lookout at Sublime Point provides panoramic views of the Illawarra coastline.
Further along the Princes Highway, the scenery alternates between lush farmland, forested hills, and glimpses of the ocean. The region is dotted with small towns worth exploring. Kiama is especially famous for its blowhole, where waves crash through a natural rock formation, sending plumes of seawater high into the air. The coastal walk around Kiama also reveals stunning ocean views and quieter coves perfect for a picnic. Nearby, Gerringong and Gerroa are known for their surf beaches, which attract both beginners and seasoned surfers.
As the road winds south, the Shoalhaven region introduces a slower, more relaxed pace. Berry, a historic town surrounded by rolling countryside, is beloved for its heritage buildings, boutique shops, and bakeries. Many road trippers stop here for coffee or a famous Berry donut before continuing. A short drive away lies Nowra, set along the Shoalhaven River, offering river cruises, wineries, and cultural attractions like the Shoalhaven Regional Gallery.
From Nowra, the highway leads toward the coastline again. Just east lies Jervis Bay, one of the most beautiful detours along the route. Known for its crystal-clear waters and dazzling white sands—Hyams Beach is often cited as having the whitest sand in the world—Jervis Bay is a paradise for swimming, snorkeling, and dolphin watching. Though it adds extra time to the trip, many travelers consider it a must-see stop before continuing south.
The final stretch toward Batemans Bay carries you through quieter landscapes of forests and small settlements. The road crosses rivers and estuaries, with birdlife and wetlands adding to the scenery. As you approach Batemans Bay, the landscape opens to reveal a mix of beaches, waterways, and forested hills.
Arriving in Batemans Bay, travelers are greeted by a lively seaside town that serves as the gateway to the Eurobodalla region. The town sits at the mouth of the Clyde River, where pelicans gather along the waterfront and fishing boats unload their catch. Batemans Bay is famous for its fresh Clyde River oysters, and sampling them at a local restaurant is the perfect way to end the journey. The area also offers easy access to Murramarang National Park, with its kangaroo-filled beaches and coastal trails, as well as quiet coves ideal for swimming and kayaking.
A road trip from Sydney to Batemans Bay is more than just a drive; it is an immersion into the beauty of the South Coast. From dramatic ocean roads and surf beaches to historic towns and national parks, every stop along the way adds something special. Whether you complete it in a single day or take your time to explore, the journey south reveals the diversity and charm of New South Wales—and makes the arrival in Batemans Bay feel like the perfect reward at the end of the road.