One of our favourite destinations to visit in NSW is the South Coast / Shoalhaven region. There’s so many great places to visit from Berry to Gerroa, Shoalhaven Heads, Gerringong, Millton, Ulladulla and Mollymook to name a few.
There’s plenty of things we love about the South Coat; the proximity to the ocean, the fresh air, the flora and fauna, the fresh produce, the cafes, the retail spaces and the delightful people you meet. Only 3 hours from Sydney, we find it to be an easy place to escape for a weekend away.
This particular trip saw us head to Milton, Ulladulla and Mollymook for a brief few days away. Albeit a short trip, we packed in a lot of cafes, bars, pubs, wineries and sightseeing. We also stopped off at Kiama, Gerringong, Greenwell Point and Nowra on the way. Below are a few of our highlights:
Kiama
On the Main street of Kiama is a cafe-deli called Otis, opened by Emily Herbert, past head chef at Ottolenghi Belgravia. The small store has a few tables, a fridge with drinks and house made dips, as well as a counter full of amazing middle eastern inspired salads, wraps, and sweet treats.
Gerringong
Stoic Brewery
A family owned and operated brewery in Gerringong, where they produce handcrafted beer and cider on site. From Lager to Pale Ale, IPA, NEIPA, a nitro vanilla stout and mango oat cream sour, you’re in for a treat. Grab a beer paddle and decide on your favourite!
Clay coffee collective
This quality café uses Delano Specialty coffee, and on this occasion was the Maverick Blend, a good combination of acidity and sweet. Certainly the best coffee in Gerringong. There’s milk based, filter, black and cold options, and served in beautiful ceramic cups.
Kiama
Stacks Burger house
This is a burger house, cafe, coffee spot and hub of style. Owners Jason & Emma Young opened the store, and also own the Fish tribe project on the same street in Kiama Downs. They’ve got a good thing going in the area with great burgers, brunch dishes, coffee and beers too.
Fish tribe project
Amazing upmarket fish’n’chips. Think pan fried, battered or steamed fish, skin on hand cut fries and proper fish fingers, as well as bespoke sodas to accompany your meal. This is a must visit.
Cantik place
The Balinese inspired cafe has dishes named after Bali hotspots! The menu has basic brunch fare with bacon and egg rolls, granola and plenty of freshly baked goods to be had! Hot cross Buns, muffins, croissants and more! Their house baked friand was delicious!
Greenwell Point
Pelican Rocks café
Try Greenwell point for award winning fish and chips. Voted Judges’ Choice and People’s Choice for best fish and chips in NSW in 2017 and 2018 respectively, Pelican Rocks Cafe is legitimately Australia’s Best fish and Chips and we can attest to the quality. The fact that they use fresh caught local produce is a big reason why they have the best fish and chips. Super fresh and you can choose the type of fish, it is lightly battered and inside is the delicious flesh, white flakey and melts in your mouth. The chips are crisp and nicely seasoned. This place is great value, with huge servings and fresh produce.
Nowra
Kate Inglish Designs
Kate Inglish Designs is a baby boutique with the most beautiful products you’ll find. It’s not your run of the mill stuffed toys, but quality toys, blankets, comforters, boutique clothes, books, baby journals and milestone cards, bedding, baby accessories and plenty of gift options including gift boxes. So many beautiful stylistic pieces to be purchased.
Milton
A quaint little historic town, dating back to the 1870’s, there’s plenty of culture and unique sites. Be Wander down the main street and look at the beautiful shops, galleries, and workshops. Whilst you’re there, be sure to grab a meal at one of their amazing eateries or drink in a local pub.
The Milton Hotel
An historic hotel on the main street of Milton which underwent renovations a year ago. These new renovations are stunning! We love the pastel decor, wooden furniture, floral artistry and modern look. Serving their own beers on tap, which they brew on site called “Dangerous Ales” and serving up high quality food from Wednesday – Saturday as well as Friday, Saturday & Sunday lunch.
Sour Bro
Sour bro is a hole in the wall takeaway shop operating out of the Milton hotel. The store does excellent coffee, using beans from “left, right and the bird”. The specialty coffee shop also does a range of filter coffees, chai, mocha, hot chocolate and tea. There’s some carb treats on the counter and a range of beers for sale from the pub by their own line “dangerous ales”.
Peach Café
Trendy little café on the main strip of Milton serving up St Ali coffee and delicious food such as a Chicken Shawarma Burger, Avocado on Sourdough and Vegan Coconut Waffles or even a breakfast plate with two fried eggs, toasted pita, homemade hummus, spiced chickpeas, pickled onion & cabbage and coriander.
Milk Haus
Milk Haus is a farm to table style café in the old Cheese Factory at Woodstock using local growers to supply their fresh fruit and vegetables, their menu focuses on whole foods in the construction of their menu. They also sell a range of foodstuffs like jams, salts, coffee and books amongst other things.
The Guild
A wine bar and restaurant in Milton is great spot serving seasonal and authentic Italian food. Head chef Filippo Cozzani has curated a menu boasting interesting Northern Italian dishes that were rustic in their flavours and creation, yet modern and fine dining like in their presentation. The food here was phenomenal. Be sure to book ahead.
Heritage Bakery
Milton is a quaint little town with antique shops, cafes, and bakeries. The ‘heritage bakery’ is worth a visit for its pies, bread and baked goods in an old bank site.
Other
We were also recommended to try Pilgrims café serving up vegetarian delights including burgers, wraps, pies and salads. We like the fresh meals here and generous servings. They also use Single Origin Coffee. Otherwise if you’re fan of Campos, head to Brown Sugar café, they do a good brunch too.
Mollymook
Mollymook is one of our favorite South Coast places to visit. The beachside location is great for swimming, surfing, bush walks, dog walking, eat and drinking or even a game of golf.
Bannisters by the Sea
Luxury hotel in the heart of Mollymook with waterfont views, a bar and restaurant. The restaurant is iconic for its restauranteur and chef Rick Stein. It showcases local seafood prepared to produce a high quality meal.
Bannisters Pavilion
Bannisters Pavilion is a hotel (at a bit less of a price as it isn’t seaside) and has a pool bar, rooftop grill and casual dining serving up modern Australian fare.
Rick Stein at Bannisters by the sea
The restaurant’s namesake Rick Stein is a world-renowned British celebrity chef who has travelled the world trying out different foods and putting together a number of easy to follow and creative cookbooks, as well as establishing a cooking school and a number of restaurants. He’s been known to describe this as his ‘home away from home’. We love the thought and care put into the menu in Mollymook. It draws produce from the region and incorporates inspiration from flavours around the world with a focus on quality seafood, prepared remarkably well. There are some menu items, like the fish pie, which transcends the test of time, remaining a staple on the menu.
Ulladulla
A picturesque harbour down with plenty for couples and families alike. Galleries, beaches, shops and eateries, and a diverse range of tourism activities.
Sunday Life
At Sunday Life, it’s not just about the coffee. This little store in an open area, the Ulladulla Plaza, off the Main Street in Ulladulla, they are a cafe selling great coffee, food and music. It’s also a Vinyl Store where you can buy or sell your vinyl records
Treehouse Café
Treehouse Café is located in Ulladulla, on a street parallel to the main drag. We like the philosophy of the cafe; to source fresh and locally sourced products. This is a great way to show support for and help the community grow. They’re also environmentally friendly and conscious which is important that we all work to minimise our environmental footprint. Plenty of products on sale such as tea and keep cups, oils and fresh fruit and veg.
Maverick coffee
Maverick is small family run micro-roastery who roast 100% ethically sourced beans which they sell to local shops but also make coffee to consume in store.
Cupitt’s Estate
Cupitt’s Estate is well known in the South Coast, as it is a lovely place to enjoy wine or beer tasting, grab a bite to eat or dine in the restaurant whilst taking in the stunning views of the property and the Budawang Ranges.
We recommend the South Coast for a good getaway that is relaxing and you can guarantee a good meal!