Top 5 Family Destinations on The NSW South Coast

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The NSW South Coast has long been a go-to for families craving an easy break from routine, with gorgeous beaches, laid-back towns and days that revolve around salty hair and sandy feet.

On this road trip, one ellaslist family hit the road in the BYD SEALION 8, a seven-seat plug-in hybrid SUV built for real life. With space for the chaos, electric driving for everyday savings and the range to handle long stretches, it quietly proved itself as the kind of car that makes travelling with kids feel just that little bit easier.

Top 5 Family Destinations on The NSW South Coast

From the white sands of Hyams Beach to the relaxed pace of Lake Conjola, the charm of Berry, the energy of Wollongong, and the natural beauty of Jervis Bay, the South Coast offers something for every kind of family.

1. Hyams Beach

A proper South Coast trip has to include Hyams Beach - renowned for its famously white sand and that kind of crystal clear blue water that doesn’t even look real. In fact, the Guinness Book of Records claims Hyams Beach has the whitest sand in the world.

Arriving mid-morning on a Sunday might sound risky, but the surprise was how relaxed it felt. Plenty of space, no overwhelming crowds, and room for kids to run straight from the car to the shoreline. Shoes off, toes in the sand!

This is the kind of beach that ticks every box for families. Calm, shallow water makes it ideal for swimming and paddling, while older kids can try snorkelling or stand-up paddleboarding. Sandcastle building is mandatory, and there's a nearby playground for even more fun.

When everyone’s ready for a little break, take a quick wander to a local café for coffee, then back again for “just five more minutes” that turn into hours. You will stay longer than you planned and leave with sand everywhere, but it’s totally worth it.

2. Lake Conjola

For families wanting more than a day trip, Lake Conjola is where things slow down in the best possible way. Packing for a proper family getaway is usually where the stress kicks in, but everything from suitcases to beach gear to fishing rods fits in th SEALION 8 without drama. Luckily, there’s plenty of boot space and flexible seating, which makes packing for a longer stay a whole lot easier.

Once there, it is straight into holiday mode and all about the outdoors. Days start early and stretch long, filled with beach swims, fishing sessions, bike rides and scooter adventures. The kind of days where the kids are outside from morning to sunset. Wildlife sightings add to the magic, with kangaroos popping up along the way!

The lake itself is a playground, perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding and relaxed swims, while nearby surf beaches add a bit of variety for older kids.

3. Berry

Every good road trip needs a stop in a charming little town, and Berry always delivers. The drive itself becomes part of the experience, with scenic lookouts like nearby Gerringong offering those must- stop views. Berry is one of those places that feels instantly welcoming. Tree-lined streets, boutique shops and treats at every turn make it a hit with both kids and parents for a classic Sunday drive. It is easily one of the cutest towns in New South Wales!

For families, the standout is Boongaree Rotary Nature Play Park. Flying foxes, climbing nets, slides and sensory play areas mean kids can burn off energy while parents grab a breather. Then there is the famous Berry Donut Van. Warm cinnamon donuts have been drawing crowds for decades, and once you try them, you will want to stock up on extras to take home.

The Treat Factory and The Dairy Bar are another local favourite, packed with handmade goodies, from confectionery and chocolate to small-batch condiments, all made on-site, plus gelato crafted fresh using local South Coast milk. It is the kind of sweet stop the kids will beg you to come back to! 

With markets, local shops and relaxed cafés to discover, it is the kind of stop that breaks up the drive perfectly and gives everyone a reason to hop out and explore.

4. Wollongong

Wollongong brings a different pace to the South Coast itinerary, with a mix of education, adventure and hands-on fun.

Animal lovers will want to start at Symbio Wildlife Park, where close encounters with wallabies, meerkats and koalas keep kids completely engaged. It is smaller and more interactive than many zoos, which works well for younger visitors.

For something more immersive, Early Start Discovery Space is a standout. With a mini supermarket, water play areas and construction zones, kids can easily spend the entire day here. Science Space is a planetarium experience worth checking out, with more than 90 interactive exhibits. It is a chance to mix fun with learning without anyone noticing.

If your crew is feeling a bit more adventurous, Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures offers a walk through the rainforest canopy, with optional zipline experiences for older kids. And for a full day of high-energy fun, Jamberoo Action Park delivers water slides, wave pools and rides.

5. Jervis Bay

While Hyams Beach might be the jewel in the Jervis Bay crown, the region offers endless places to soak up the beauty of the south. Calm, clear waters make it ideal for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding, while bike-friendly paths connect parks and playgrounds along the coast.

Moona Moona Creek is a go-to spot for families visiting Jervis Bay. This calm tidal lagoon is known for its shallow, white sandy banks and gentle water, making it ideal for younger kids. Murrays Beach is another one of those hidden gems, with crystal blue water, rock pools and sea caves to explore.

Booderee National Park offers walking tracks for all ages, from gentle strolls to more scenic bush walks, and you will likely spot native wildlife and hidden beaches along the way. Whale watching from May to November is a highlight, and incredible Australian fur seals can also be spotted year-round a the Jervis Bay Marine Park, with a colony of around 120 of these playful sea creatures residing at Drum & Drumsticks Island near Beecroft Peninsula.

And when it is time to head home, the Grand Pacific Drive turns the journey into one last adventure. Crossing the Sea Cliff Bridge with the ocean stretching out beside you is a fitting end to a South Coast road trip.

Hitting the Road in the BYD SEALION 8

Packing for a beach day or a full week away usually feels like a game of Tetris. This time, it didn't! Towels, scooters, fishing rods, spare clothes, and the inevitable “just in case” extras all found a home without the usual squeezing and reshuffling. Little details made a big difference.

The huge sunroof turned into in-car entertainment, with cloud spotting and plane watching proving to be the ultimate boredom-busting activities. The 21-speaker sound system quickly became the soundtrack to the trip, with family karaoke sessions popping up between stops. And the massage seats? A quiet moment of calm in between snack requests!

The BYD SEALION 8 handled everything from short coastal drives to longer stretches without fuss. Electric driving helped keep everyday running costs down, while the petrol backup removed any range anxiety on longer routes. Space, however, is where it really shines. Whether it was packing for a beach day or a week-long stay, or fitting in extra passengers, it adapted easily. 

The BYD SEALION 8 is made for family road trips with the practicality and comfort that make travel with kids smoother. Book a test drive.

Main Image: Murrays Beach at Jervis Bay via Destination NSW.

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