12 South Coast Beaches Prettier Than Sydney Beaches

Yes, Sydney beaches are pretty spectacular, but they can also get pretty crowded during summer and school holidays. Luckily, the NSW coastline is teeming with picturesque south coast beaches and pristine waterways, some only a couple of hours from Sydney.

The beach mecca of the NSW South Coast is a magical destination with (some might argue) even prettier beaches than Sydney. Here are our picks of the best south coast beaches that might just be prettier than Sydney beaches - sorry, not sorry!

12 South Coast Beaches Prettier Than Sydney Beaches

1. Killalea Beach, Shellharbour

With 250 hectares of unspoiled coastline and plenty of surfing, swimming, fishing, and camping opportunities, Shellharbour’s Killalea Beach certainly gets our tick of approval.

Known as "The Farm" to the locals, Killalea Beach in Shellharbour is part of the National Surfing Reserve and welcomes thousands of visiting families to the south coast year after year.

Location: Killalea Drive, Shell Cove

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2. Minnamurra River

While you're in the area, stop off at another stunning waterway, the Minnamurra River.

We know, we know, Minnamurra River is not technically a beach, but this long stretch of absolute turquoise waters just has to be included in our list of the best south coast beaches - it's that beautiful!
 

Minnamurra River is also part of the Kiama Coastline and is even better than the pictures. The calm waters are perfect for kids, kayaking, SUPing, and snorkelling. If you're keen to fit in a surf, Boyds Beach and Minnamurra Beach cushion the river and provide plenty of waves. 

Location: Charles Ave, Minnamurra

3. Werri Beach, Gerringong

Just over two hours south of Sydney, Gerringong and Werri Beach, in particular, offer major family drawcards thanks to the stunning scenery, beaches, surfing, accommodation options, and family-friendly swimming at the lagoon on the northern end of the beach.  

Location: Pacific Avenue, Gerringong

4. Tomakin Cove, Tomakin

This darling cove in Tomakin is sheltered on two sides, granting families clear and serene waves just about every day of the year.

Move further south, and you’ll come to the larger Tomakin Beach with stunning views of nearby Mossy Point. Definitely a popular south coast beach to add to your list.  

Location: Sunpatch Parade, Tomakin

5. Target Beach

As the exquisite gateway to the Booderee National Park, Jervis Bay delivers plenty of spectacular family beaches and is home to the whitest sand in the world – take that world!

Target Beach in northern Jervis Bay gets our vote time and time again thanks to its secluded location and the fact that it’s tucked away within an active military weapons range – make sure you only visit on the weekends, folks!

Location: Target Beach Track off Honeymoon Bay Rd, Beecroft Peninsula

6. Murrays Beach

Another entry from Jervis Bay, this secluded family beach spot is protected by nearby Bowen Island meaning year-round calm and family-friendly waters, not to mention absolutely spectacular views.

The area around Murrays Beach is also prime bushwalking territory for adventurous families. 

Location: via Jervis Bay Road through Booderee National Park

7. Myola Sand Spit at Callala Beach

Ok, ok, so we seem to be big fans of the beaches in Jervis Bay but, I mean, can you blame us?!

The beaches around Jervis Bay have some of the clearest waters in the world, so it's no wonder Aussies flock to them year after year. Callala Beach in beautiful Callala Bay is one of the best South Coast beaches in the area, but if you venture to the very southern tip of Callala Beach you'll come across the breathtaking Myola Spit. Much like the gorgeous Minnamurra River, the Myola Spit offers both beach and tranquil river waters all in one spot. The crystal-clear waters that flow through the inlet at Currambene Creek at high tide provide a sheltered swimming spot that, trust us, you won't want to leave.

Location: Callala Beach Rd, Callala Bay

8. Mystery Bay Beach

While unpatrolled, Mystery Bay Beach on the north side of Cape Dromedary in Mystery Bay is a relatively quiet beach and perfect for visiting families.

The gorgeous turquoise waters and nearby campground make it an ideal family holiday hotspot.

Location: Mystery Bay Road

9. Mollymook Beach

Everyone's favourite south coast gem, Mollymook Beach is patrolled year-round and offers gorgeous clear waters, surfing lessons, yearly markets, and visiting dolphins to make for the perfect south coast family holiday. 

Location: 2 Mitchell Parade, Mollymook Beach

10. The Blue Pool, Bermagui

 

While not a south coast beach per se, the rugged freshwater rock pool in Bermagui is so famous, in fact, it’s rated number six out of eight of the best rock pools in the world!

Located at the base of a rocky cliff face off Pacific Drive, the Blue Pool is definitely worth a pit stop when visiting the NSW South Coast. 

Location: Pacific Drive, Bermagui

11. Pebbly Beach

If you like your beach days to be accompanied by visiting kangaroos, a visit to Pebbly Beach in Shoalhaven is a must.

Located in the Murramarang National Park, Pebbly Beach’s friendly local kangaroos aren’t the only drawcard of this family beach favourite. Swimming, bushwalking, camping, and striking hinterland views are offered up in droves in this quaint slice of paradise that is a top contender for the best south coast beaches.

Location: Murramarang National Park

12. Durras North

Also located in the Murramarang National Park and next door to Pebbly Beach, Durras North is somewhat of a hidden gem.

A visit to Durras North offers you access to the incredibly serene waters of Durras Lake as well as Durras Beach - take your pick! As you're nestled right in the thick of the Murramarang National Park, and almost guaranteed to spot some friendly local kangaroos, this is a true nature-lover's paradise. 

Location: Flinders Rd, Durras North

Is your favourite beach not on the list? Let us know!

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