NSW South Coast

COASTAL SOJOURNS

The Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions provide a range of delightful surprises for visitors of all ages.

The best way to experience the wonder of the Illawarra and NSW South Coast is to begin at Stanwell Tops. Fifty- four kilometres south of Sydney, it offers views down the coastline, taking in the beachside villages of Coalcliff, Scarborough, Wombarra, Coledale, Austinmer and Thirroul, to Wollongong and the industrial powerhouse of Port Kembla beyond.

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The coastal drive to Wollongong is currently closed while undergoing a multimillion-dollar rebuilding program, which is expected to be complete in 2006. In the meantime, traffic heading south down the coast is being diverted along the southern freeway to Wollongong.

In recent times, Wollongong has undergone something of a revival. The former industrial city has been reborn as a sophisticated resort destination with up-market accommo-dation, fine restaurants and cafes, and trendy bars and nightlife.

Attractions include the Wollongong City Gallery, with the largest regional holdings in the state, and many historic buildings. The harbour houses a small fishing fleet.

Coal, steel and grain are just some of the products processed, stockpiled or shipped from Port Kembla. Australia’s Industry World organises tours of the Port Kembla Steelworks, which provide enormous interest for all the family. The visitors centre provides an invaluable glimpse at the important industrial work undertaken in the area.

For something a little more spiritual, the Nan Tien Temple stands on 55 hectares of land at Berkeley. Nan Tien translates as “Paradise of the South” and includes a Buddhist College and 3½ star hotel.

The Mount Kembla mining village is part of the Illawarra Range and was founded in 1883. Many of its late 19th century homes and public buildings are still in use. A memorial to a 1902 mining disaster in which 94 people lost their lives can be found in the village, which in recent years, has become something of an artists’ community.

Other great family-friendly activities in the area include the Science Centre and Planetarium at Fairy Meadow and the Illawarra Motoring Museum at Kembla Grange. The Jamberoo Recreation Park is on the Illawarra Highway near Albion Park. Spread across 30 hectares, it boasts two bobsled tracks, a chair lift, man-made beach, river-rapids ride and 18 hole mini golf course.

Explorer George Bass made reference to the blowhole at Kiama in 1797, and for many it’s the most enduring image of this charming coastal community. The harbour was built in 1876 and serviced the local industries. The elegant lighthouse that stands near the blowhole dates from 1887.

Gerroa, south of Kiama, is home to the Seven Mile Beach National Park, which extends to Shoalhaven Heads. Covering some 900 hectares, it was established in 1971.

Kangaroo Valley is an idyllic rural retreat on a road that links the NSW South Coast with the Southern Highlands. There is a pioneer farm museum, winery, golf course, swimming and canoeing on the river, and the gracious sandstone Hampden Bridge, built in 1898.

Berry has become something of a boutique weekend destination for Sydneysiders, who have discovered its many historic buildings, a thriving arts community, antique stores and fine cafes. There are two wineries in the area.

Nowra, located on the Shoalhaven River, is the commercial hub of the region. It was this waterway that influenced much of Arthur Boyd’s art – his former home and studio, Bundanon, set around an 1860s homestead, is open for inspection on weekends. The Australian Naval Aviation Museum is located at HMAS Albatross naval air base just south of Nowra.