Picture perfect: Sydney and South Coast NSW in 20 photos

CulturiouslyAustralia, Oceania
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Keeping a travel blog puts me in a tricky predicament. You see, I might travel too much. I never seem to find time to write!

Boo-hoo, right? I know… My luxury problem, not yours. So while I am working on an awe-inspiring post about Tasmania, you just sit back and stare at pretty pictures from my recent road trip to New South Wales. Deal?

Panorama of the unspoilt South Coast of New South Wales
Picture perfect: the unspoilt South Coast of New South Wales

My New Year’s resolution for 2016?
Dedicate MORE TIME to Culturiously. “Oh, and Marly? You might want to start writing shorter posts too.” 😉

Done and done.
Ever pictured yourself in Sydney, the Blue Mountains, or one of the many historic towns on the South Coast? Let me take you there!

Road Trip from Melbourne to Sydney and the NSW South Coast
Road trip from Melbourne to Sydney and the NSW South Coast in 20 photos…

Enjoy the first ever photo report on Culturiously!

Sydney and South Coast NSW in 20 photos

Too much to see and do in New South Wales. Countless beaches for starters!
As much as that is true, the following 20 photos will give you an impression of how much fun can be stowed in a week-long road trip around Sydney and the South Coast.

Striving for a diversified selection, I have included suggestions and recommendations on what to do and where to go for different types of activities and personalities.

Downtown Sydney

Although most famous for its harbour, showcasing the iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House, there is more to the coastal metropolis of Sydney than just the Circular Quay area.

Are you into architecture, a picnic in the park, historic shopping experiences? Or simply after some tasty food and refreshing drinks in the right atmosphere? No worries. Sydney has got something for everyone.

1. Opera House & Bar, Sydney Harbour

Opera Bar and Sydney Harbour by night
Opera Bar is the place to be for young and old! Great views of Sydney Harbour at night.

2. St Mary’s Cathedral, Hyde Park

Archibald Fountain and St Mary's Cathedral in Hyde Park, Sydney
Archibald Fountain “pointing at” St Mary’s Cathedral in Hyde Park

3. Cafés & Restaurants, Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour in Sydney is great place to go for drinks, lunch, or dinner!
Darling Harbour boasts a vibrant atmosphere for wining & dining

4. Shopping at Queen Victoria Building, Sydney CBD

Queen Victoria, who reigned from 1837 to 1901, a prominent figure throughout Australia.
Queen Victoria, who reigned from 1837 to 1901, remains a prominent figure throughout urban and rural Australia. Here on her “throne” in front of the QVB.

Manly, New South Wales

Ready to take a break from the hustle and bustle of downtown Sydney?
Hop onto the ferry to Manly at Circular Quay!

Not only will you be rewarded with stunning views of Sydney Harbour (see featured image), but a world of peace and relaxation is waiting for you on ‘the other side’.

5. Relaxing afternoon on Manly Beach

Manly Beach, one of the Northern Beaches of Sydney, and just a short ferry ride from Circular Quay
A short ferry ride takes you to Manly Beach, one of the Northern Beaches of Sydney

Blue Mountains National Park

6. Three Sisters at Echo Point, Blue Mountains

Three Sisters Lookout at Echo Point, Blue Mountains National Park
Three Sisters Lookout at Echo Point, Blue Mountains National Park

7. Wentworth Falls, New South Wales

Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains, New South Wales
Taking a little break from hiking and driving at Wentworth Falls

8. Govetts Leap Lookout, Blackheath, New South Wales

Govetts Leap Lookout, Blackheath, New South Wales
Govetts Leap Lookout provides visitors with spectacular panoramas of the Blue Mountains

9. Antiques & Collectables at The Victory Theatre

Antiques and Collectables at The Victory Theatre, Blackheath, New South Wales
Of all places, I found real American cowboy boots at this 100-year-old theatre turned into a huge antiques store in Blackheath, New South Wales!

Bondi Beach, Sydney

Got a taste for bronzing? Eager to catch some waves?
Extremely popular among backpackers and other beach-loving tourists, this southeastern suburb is a world apart from Sydney, yet only a 30-minute drive from the city.

10. Spotting surfer dudes and babes at Bondi Beach

Surfing and bronzing are two popular pastimes at Bondi Beach!
Surfing and bronzing are two very popular pastimes at Bondi Beach

Narooma Town, New South Wales

11. Wagonga Head, Narooma

Wagonga Head, Narooma, New South Wales
“Narooma” is said to be the Aboriginal word for “clear blue waters”. Any doubts on that?

12. Australia Rock, Narooma

Australia Rock, Narooma, New South Wales
Sitting at Australia Rock, Narooma. A little bit of imagination might be required…

13. Sleepy seals sun tanning on the rocks

Sleepy seals on the rocks in Narooma, New South Wales
Who doesn’t like to spot seals, right? Too adorable!

Bermagui, New South Wales

14. Bermagui Harbour

Bermagui harbour, South Coast, New South Wales
Bermagui Harbour: the place to score a (seafood) meal with a pretty view!

15. Fish & Chips at Saltwater Restaurant

Fish and Chips at Saltwater Restaurant, Bermagui, New South Wales
Enjoy a great portion of tasty Fish & Chips at Saltwater Restaurant, Bermagui Harbour

16. Camel Rock Surf Beach, Bermagui

Spectacular skies at Camel Rock Surf Beach, Bermagui, New South Wales
Spectacular skies at Camel Rock Surf Beach, Bermagui

Tilba Tilba & Central Tilba, New South Wales

Tilba Tilba and Central Tilba are two picturesque period villages in Eurobodalla Shire, with a combined population of less than 400 people, set against the magnificent backdrop of Gulaga (Mt Dromedary) and Najanuga (Little Dromedary).

17. Tilba Tilba walking track up Mt Dromedary

The walking track up Mt Dromedary takes several hours, so only recommended if you have the time, but according to Tilba Online the misty forests and views from the top are well worth the effort.

Start of the walking track up Mt Dromedary, Tilba Tilba, New South Wales
Jump for Joy in Tilba Tilba, at the start of the walking track up Mt Dromedary

18. Central Tilba, New South Wales

Besides bakeries, bars, restaurants, and the famous ABC Cheese Factory, Central Tilba offers something of interest for all visitors. From antiques and traditional crafts, to unique modern jewellery, contemporary art, and woodworks.

Two Storey Bed & Breakfast, Central Tilba, New South Wales
The Two Storey Bed & Breakfast welcoming visitors to Central Tilba

Tuross Head, New South Wales

Tuross Head is a picturesque coastal village situated on a peninsula between Coila Lake and Tuross Lake.

The only way into town is via Hector Mc William Drive, a road that connects to the Princes Highway (or A1, a major coastal highway that runs from Sydney all the way to Port Augusta, South Australia).

19. Early morning stroll to One Tree Point

One Tree Point, Tuross Head, New South Wales
Tuross Beach covered in the warm glow of early morning sunlight

Leaving NSW South Coast via Batemans Bay

Batemans Bay is one of the largest towns on the South Coast. Being the closest beach town to Canberra makes it a popular holiday destination for those living in Australia’s Capital Territory. But the nation’s capital residents are not the only ones who have discovered the charm and hospitality of the relatively unspoilt Eurobodalla Coast.

Especially in the high season, Batemans Bay welcomes masses of local, national, and international tourists. If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, consider going a little further south to one of the aforementioned coastal towns.

20. Traditional lolly shop in Braidwood, New South Wales

When making your way inland from the South Coast, I recommend a quick stop in Braidwood. Ideally located on King’s Highway between Batemans Bay and Canberra, this service town has various bakeries, bars, and cafés for the hungry and thirsty, as well as cute little boutiques for the curious.

Want to feel young again? Pop into candy shop “The Boiled Lolly“! 🙂

Candy Shop "The Boiled Lolly", Braidwood, New South Wales
Candy shop “The Boiled Lolly” is guaranteed to take you back in time!

 

Did you enjoy this photo report?
Would you like to visit the South Coast of New South Wales?

* Note to readers: We spent only a week in Sydney and the South Coast of New South Wales, but we would have loved to spend more time! If you can afford to stay longer in this region, I’d very much recommend to do so. Take your time to inhale the history! 🙂