The South Coast of NSW has some amazing day trips for you to explore.
KANGAROO VALLEY
Kangaroo Valley is one of NSW's hideaway gems. Tucked between rainforests, gently sloping hills and a dramatic mountainscape this area is a breathtaking part of the world. Dating back to the 1870, the main street retains a country charm that extends to its tea rooms and the old local pub, The Friendly Inn. This pub also has a great kid-friendly beer garden with fantastic views of the Valley. Kayaking down the Kangaroo River is a popular way to explore the surrounding natural beauty. There are also overnight kayaking tours, or you can take a leisurely paddle down the river in just a few hours, and you'll be picked up at the other end and returned to the historic Hampden Bridge.
SADDLEBACK MOUNTAIN
Kiama's glorious Saddleback Mountain offers a photographers dream, with the elevated Saddleback Mountain Lookout. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the New South Wales South Coast. Located just 10 minutes from Kiama's Blowhole, Saddleback Mountain Lookout is one of the area's greatest natural attractions.
MINNAMURRA RAINFOREST
This stunning national park features walking tracks and spectacular waterfalls including Carrington Falls, a 15-minute walk from the picnic area that leads you to several spectacular lookouts. Minnamurra Rainforst is in the shadow of the Great Dividing Range, just 15 minutes' drive from Kiama and very close to nearby town Jamberoo is a popular natural attraction located in Budderoo National Park. This pocket of subtropical and warm temperate rainforest show what the once-extensive rainforests of the Illawarra region were like with giant roots creeping across the forest floor, thick strangler figs wrapping around trees and raucous bird calls in the canopy above. You're likely to see elusive lyrebirds, eastern water dragons, swamp wallabies and a host of bird species which make Minnamurra their home.
Address: Budderoo National Park, Minnamurra Falls Rd, Minnamurra NSW 2533 Phone: (02) 4236 0469
CATHEDRAL ROCKS
This distinctive rock formation is part of our geologically fascinating coastline. Years of erosion have shaped these cocanic rocks into delightful sculptured forms. Be sure to take your camera as the views and spectacular rocky outcrop is a great spot for a picture.
BERRY
Berry is a rustic yet sophisticated village surrounded by rich dairy country and is home to some great food and markets. Enjoy the fresh produce and award-winning restaurants that have built a reputation for outstanding cuisine. With its historic buildings and leafy surrounds, Berry is a delightful village to visit all year round and a favourite for visitors seeking a quick escape to the countryside. Don't forget to pay a visit to The Treat Factory with its home made jams, sauces and lollies.
HARS MUSEUM
Let your sense of discovery take flight at the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) Museum. It's a great day out for big kids and little kids - a "working museum" where there's alsways something new to see. Open the second Friday, Saturday and Sunday of each month from 10am to 3pm.
For more information: http://hars.org.au/
NAN TIEN TEMPLE
"Nan Tien" in Chinese, literally means "Paradise of the South". This is the biggest Buddhist temple in the southern hemisphere. Since the opening of the temple in October 1995, it has become a new venue for local and international tourists and also acts as an important cultural centre bridging different cultures. Located in a quiet, peaceful environment, overlooking Mount Keira and Mount Kembla, Nan Tien Temple has now been recognised as a wonderful place to visit.
Address: 180 Berkeley Road, Berkeley, NSW 2506
Opening Hours: 9am-5pm Tuesday - Sunday and all Public Holidays
For more information: www.nantien.org.au/en
GRAND PACIFIC DRIVE
Nothing beats a great road trip and the Grand Pacific Drive is one of Australia's spectacular driving routes. Highlights along the way include Stanwell Tops and Bald Hill Lookout, Sea Cliff Bridge and a string of quiet golden beaches. This route from Kiama to the Royal National Park, is a roller-coaster ride through rainforests and past seaside villages that follows a strip of pretty coastline. A highlight is Sea Cliff Bridge, an engineering marvel that swerves out from the cliffs over the ocean. Don't forget to stop for lunch at Scarbourough Hotel.
