Visiting the NSW South Coast: 10 Activities With Kids

Our passports might be starting to see the light of day but that can't quash our innate need to explore the hidden gems in our own palatial backyard. The NSW South Coast is a treasure trove of natural wonders, incredible outdoor adventures and awesome activities to uncover.

Whether it's a day, a weekend or a week, take a family trip to this little stretch of paradise and, while you're there tick some of these highlights off your list! Hit the road for a wondrous journey with our go-to guide to 10 of the best things to do with kids on the NSW South Coast.

Visiting the NSW South Coast: 10 Activities With Kids

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1. The Mossy Cafe

One of the most pristine and unspoilt spots along the beautiful coastline of the far South Coast is the little-known haven of Mossy Point, and among its many delights you'll discover The Mossy Cafe, a South Coast institution that serves up an eclectic menu of quality food (mostly made in-house with ingredients straight from the source) and feels like you’ve 'walked into a friend’s home'. A stone's throw from crystal clear waters of the region's lauded Tomago River and Tomakin Beach, The Mossy Cafe is more than just an uber-popular, pet-friendly cafe, it's a must-visit destination for a taste of warm hospitality and the best coffee in town thanks to the local legends at Guerrilla Roasters. 

Where: 31 Pacific St, Mossy Point

If you need a place to lay your head for the night, Barlings Beach Holiday Park is just up the road. A 4-minute drive from Mossy Point in Rosedale, the seaside property is another hotspot that will welcome the whole family including your fur babies! It boasts an unbeatable location with direct access to the beach, plus is superbly equipped for a fun getaway with cabins, camping, a BBQ area, a pool, a playground, a recreation room and a games room.

Where: 1939 George Bass Drive, Rosedale

2. Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures

Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures is right on the edge of the majestic Southern Highlands and there is no better place to get a bird's eye view of this picturesque region than up among the trees. Kids as young as four can do the Treetop Walk and Zipline Tour so the whole family can join the fun at this natural wonderland.

The Treetop Walk follows a 1.5km rainforest trail through an enchanting leafy canopy more than 20 metres above the ground. A feature of the walk, the “Knights Tower” offers a breathtaking vantage point 45 metres above the forest floor with unrivalled views over the Illawarra Escarpment and out to the Pacific Ocean. Thrillseekers will love the excitement of swaying on the two springboard cantilevers that will take you to the edge of the escarpment. You can also take the experience to new heights with the Illawarra Fly Zipline Tour - one of the highest in Australia.

Where: 182 Knights Hill Rd, Knights Hill NSW

3. Jamerboo Action Park

For an epic day of thrills and spills, put on your cossies and head to Jamerboo Action Park, just an hour south of Sydney. Nestled within beautiful rolling hills and lush farmlands, the huge aqua utopia has a maze of pathways that lead you to a rip-roaring collection of rides and attractions from the leisurely flow of the Rapid River to the white-knuckle darkness of the Perfect Storm it's frolicking fun for everyone!

Kids can spend hours exploring the play area at Banjo’s Billabong Beach and riding the waves at Outback Bay beach, while adrenaline lovers can get their fix on The Taipan and Funnel Web (and snap a selfie with the Guinness World Record-breaking Largest Spider Sculpture). There are also special, themed play areas for toddlers, plus giant water slides, mini-golf, a sky-high gondola and bobsled, and The Jamberoo Express, the mini train ride around the park - a lifesaver at the end of a long action-packed day.

Where: 1215 Jamberoo Road Jamberoo NSW

4.. Broulee Surf School

The sweeping Broulee beach is a favourite spot for tourists and locals with some of the best surfing on the South Coast - and it boasts the region’s original surf school.

For over 20 years, Broulee Surf School has delivered their learn to surf experience on the safe waves of North Broulee are the perfect starting point for beginners. Avid surfers can tackle more challenging beach breaks on the south end! With a focus on ocean awareness and safety, budding surfies will learn fundamental skills to get kids standing up and riding waves with independence and confidence. There are beginner lessons packages for complete novices to techniques for more advanced wave riders. There are group surfing lessons, private surfing lessons and also SUP Flatwater and SUP Surf lessons. Plus warm, full-length wetsuits and Soft Surfboards are included.

Where: 7/77 Coronation Dr, Broulee NSW

5.. Montague Island

Head to the stunning coastal village of Narooma, itself one of the South Coast’s most picturesque towns, and hitch a boat road across the stunning aquamarine waters to a natural treasure just offshore.

Montague Island is an awe-inspiring attraction and home to an impressive colony of fur seals, thousands of little penguins (the largest colony in NSW), and over 90 bird species, as well as sacred indigenous sites. It is also a whale-watching hotspot during spring.

The only way to visit this wildlife wonderland is on a guided boat tour to Montague Island Nature Reserve. You can also organise experiences like snorkelling, swimming with the seals and staying overnight in the Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage.

Where: Transfers depart from Narooma Wharf, Bluewater Drive, Narooma NSW

6. Wollongong's Science Space & Early Start Discovery Place

Go beyond the stars, planets and galaxies and escape to another world at the country’s most digitally advanced Planetarium!

Science Space in Wollongong boasts over 90 interactive exhibits where children can experience science and technology like never before. Behold the DIGISTAR 6, Australia’s first 4k laser projection system designed to take you on a completely immersive tour of the Universe, a journey back through time or to the deepest and darkest depths of the ocean. There is also a schedule of fascinating live science shows and SciFri Cinema - an indoor starlight cinema experience.

Where: Innovation Campus, 60 Squires Way, North Wollongong NSW

Also in Wollongong, kids absolutely love the Early Start Discovery Place, a dedicated children’s museum and one of the best indoor attractions on the South Coast.

Inquisitive little minds can explore interactive, educational play-based experiences designed to spark imagination and creativity. Explore The Sensory Room, be an emergency services hero, take a tummy tour of the digestive system, Climb aboard an Antarctic research vessel, build a mini world and stop-motion movie with thousands of LEGO® bricks, grab a torch and deep dive into the tunnels and nooks, get your hi-vis on and help construct a tiny home so much more. Plus there’s an inspiring program of workshops and activities including Storytime and CreARTivity.

Where: University of Wollongong, Wollongong campus, NSW

8. Blue Pool

Named for its stunning beaches and spectacular wilderness, the NSW Sapphire Coast is the sparkling jewel of the far south. One Of the gems of the region is the famous Blue Pool in Bermagui. Tucked away at the bottom of a rocky cliff face, this natural ocean rock pool is awash with crystal clear water that makes it an idyllic spot for swimming and snorkelling, plus a viewing platform offers magnificent coastal views and a perfect vantage point for whale watching during migration season.

Where: Pacific Drive, Bermagui NSW

9. The Treat Factory

What’s a road trip without a yummy pit stop? The Treat Factory is an essential pitstop for food-loving families!

Located in historic Old Creamery Lane in Berry, it is the largest gourmet food purveyor on the South Coast. With an abundance of decadent goodies, The Treat Factory is stocked with hundreds of artisan, handcrafted chocolates, confectionery and preserves plus a massive range of award-winning and hard-to-find gourmet foods.

Grab a sample and see the confectionery and chocolate making in action (during production time only) and take a break at The Dairy Bar. The Treat Factory also offers school holiday chocolate-making workshops for kids.

Where: Unit 6 Old Creamery Ln, Berry NSW

10. Fleet Air Arm Museum

The Royal Australian Navy’s Fleet Air Arm Museum at HMAS Albatross in Nowra is one of the largest regional aviation museums in NSW, housing over 30 aircraft and a unique collection of artefacts and memorabilia.

The Fleet Air Arm has provided air combat power to the Navy for decades and Little aeroplane lovers and budding pilots can experience the story of naval aviation from its beginnings to the present day. See 20th Century aircraft ranging from a World War One Sopwith Pup to an A4 Skyhawk jet fighter and get into the pilot's seat with a 'virtual experience in the Museum's flight simulator. Entry to the Museum is free!

Where: 489A Albatross Rd, Nowra Hill NSW

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