Whether you’re making the Princes Highway pilgrimage from Sydney or Melbourne, the South Coast of NSW makes for an ideal getaway.
Passing through sweet, sleepy towns and exploring an infinite string of wild beaches, there is something on offer all-year-round here; from roadside fruit stalls and authentic vintage shops to some of the best oysters you can get your hands on. We spent a weekend café-hopping our way down the South Coast, exploring the seaboard landscape and visiting some of our Allpress friends along the way.
Bread, Espresso & - Thirroul
190 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul, NSW 2515
The first stop just over an hour south of Sydney City is to Bread, Espresso & in the seaside suburb of Thirroul. Nestled in front of the escarpment, it’s the perfect spot to sit outdoors and enjoy breakfast in the sunshine. With an array of pastries, breads and other baked goods to choose from, it’s likely that you’ll want to both eat here and then grab some takeaway goodies for later.
If you’re wanting to spend the night in the area then look no further then next door to the café, where the owners have just opened up an Airbnb in a two bedroom weatherboard cottage. It’s pared-back with all the makings of a classic Australian beach house, plus, you’ll wake up here with both good coffee and the ocean on your doorstep.
Around Town
When in Thirroul you can’t go past Retro Wombat Antiques (packed floor-to-ceiling with vintage goodies, be prepared to do some digging). We also love the Thirroul Olympic Pool - built in the 1930s and parallel to the ocean, the water is pumped in from the sea.
Milk & Honey - Kiama
1 Blowhole Point Road, Kiama NSW 2533
Located right on Blowhole Point in Kiama, a trip to Milk and Honey is worth it for the view. Dishes come plated beautifully here, with an offering that includes colourful salads, delicious house made muesli and old school sweets like homemade wagon wheels
Around Town
Kiama is host to a plentiful farmers market each Wednesday at Coronation Park by Surf Beach, with seasonal produce sold directly from local farmers and makers. After eating take the Kiama Coast Walk - running 22 kilometres to Gerringong’s Werri Beach, you can join in halfway at Blowhole Point and walk as far as you like.
Little Rae General Store – Berry
Shop 1, 65 Queen Street Berry, NSW 2535
On a bustling corner in Berry’s main strip, you’ll find Little Rae General Store. A contemporary take on the traditional general stores of small country towns, Little Rae is a popular eatery that also stocks a well-curated offering of homewares, fixings and gourmet picnic foods.
They do an excellent salad at Little Rae but we come here for the burgers; the eggs benny burger, beef and bacon with housemade pickles or the korean fried chicken - we recommend sharing so you can get the best bites from more than one.
Around Town
The village of Berry is home to many boutique stores in which you can easily spend a long while browsing. There is the old lolly shop (Berry Bon Bon Sweet Shop), multiple bakeries and a smattering of florists and homewares stores. Meander down the leafy streets and be sure to explore the stores tucked up in the alleyways.
Milk Haus – Milton
170 Woodstock Rd, Woodstock NSW 2538
In an old cheese factory, just up the road from Milton in the small village of Woodstock you’ll find Milk Haus. Here it’s all warm, country vibes in a genuine setting. The menu changes monthly with an array of nourishing meals and their larder is stocked with local produce; seasonal fruits and vegetables, Bliss Honey and lemon and lime cordial from Lake Conjola.
A wander through the extensive veggie garden will inspire your own green thumb and they also host a series of food workshops fermenting vegetables and making sourdough bread. They are BYO here, so visit Cupitt’s Winery in nearby Ulladulla for a tasty drop to bring along if you’re having lunch.
Around Town
Mollymook Beach is popular for a dip, but just up the road at Narrawallee Inlet you’ll have more space to stretch out and laze about in the shallows.
