The Illawarra stretches from Seven Mile Beach in the south to Stanwell Tops in the north and includes some spectacular coastline. Inland, nestled along the mountain escarpment, lie valleys, rainforest and waterfalls along with rural paddocks and farmland.

Kiama is home of 'The Blowhole', the beaches, river and rainforest. Just a short drive away, at Jamberoo is the Minnamurra Rainforest with many species of ferns, trees and wildlife. Nearby is the Jamberoo Recreation Park.

Further north is the thriving city of Wollongong. There is an abundance of patrolled beaches and scenic tourist drives along the coast.

The South Coast is the region between the Illawarra and the Victorian border with the Great Dividing Range as it's western border. The region includes Nowra, Batemans Bay, Cooma and Bega. A coastline of sensational, unspoilt beaches and coastline are the regions main drawcard, however there are also the hills, hinterland, wilderness and dairy farming areas.

The area has an focus on "cultural tourism" with an abundance of artistic, creative and historical features as well as the natural environmental attractions.

Fact Summary

The south coast can be reached from Sydney by the Princes Highway, which continues down to the Victorian border.

The city of Wollongong is the major centre for steel in Australia. Wollongong is the third largest city in New South Wales and is situated 80 kilometres south of Sydney

Weather