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This road trip begins at Sydney and takes you along the NSW South Coast, offering spectacular views and hotspots to stop at along the way. From a cultural stop at the majestic Sri Venkateswara Temple, to a walk at Murramarang National Park, there is plenty to do.

Sydney to Melbourne in 3 Days

Take the coast road from Sydney near Wollongong and explore the beautiful NSW South Coast on a leisurely four-hour drive.

Wollongong

Murramarang Aboriginal Area Walking Track

Mollymook Beach Surf School

Heathcote was briefly known as Bottle Forest until 1835 when the Surveyor General Sir Thomas Mitchell named it after a soldier who fought with him against Napoleon. Good place to get a full tank before heading south.

Heathcote

Berry Chocolatier

Visit or stay at Nan Tien Temple, the largest Buddhist Temple in the Southern Hemisphere.

Nan Tien is very different from most tourist attractions because there is so much on offer. The visual delights of grandeur architecture, art and culture including unique exhibitions and festivals, Buddhist festivals, vegetarian culinary delights, educational and healthy lifestyle classes and retreats, accommodation, top-class conference and auditorium facilities. There is also the spiritual and religious experience that is unforgettable and even life-changing for some.

Pilgrim Lodge, Wollongong's most unique accommodation setting is a 100-room facility, which is open all year round and located on the grounds of the Temple. The lodge overlooks the lotus pond, the peaceful Temple, splendid gardens, the beautiful rolling hills, and the famous escarpment of the Illawarra.

Situated in Berkeley, which is only 10 minutes south of Wollongong City and its famous beaches. Come and be inspired.

Nan Tien Temple

Depart Sydney

Berry Donut Van

Sri Venkateswara Temple in Helensburgh NSW is Australia's first Hindu Temple built in the traditional style of Hindu Temple architecture. It stands as an outstanding example of Hindu Temple Architectural Excellence. Located in a bushland setting, it serves as an impressive local landmark.

The Temple has been listed as a heritage item by the NSW Office of Environment; Heritage for historical, aesthetic, social and reasons of rarity and representation in the Wollongong Region. Helensburgh is located on the route of Grand Pacific Drive Sydney to Wollongong and beyond, a 140 kilometre scenic coastal drive.

The Temple has been functioning since 1985. Whilst it serves as a major religious and sacred place for Hindus living in and visiting Australia, many non-Hindu visitors and tourists are also attracted due to the unique Hindu Temple architectural significance of the buildings and their iconic cultural status.

Sri Venkateswara Temple, Helensburgh

Rick Stein at Bannisters Mollymook

15 minutes before Bateman’s Bay is the very family-friendly NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort with breathtaking water views from many of its villas and camping sites. It offers lots of fun activities for kids and adults alike including water park, swimming pool, bikes and go-karts for hire and the Umbarra (little black duck) Kids’ Club. Eat on site at the beach bistro, get takeaway from Skippy’s or swim up to the Wasphead Pool Bar for a snack.

South Durras

Royal National Park

The Mossy Cafe

Try to get to Berry as early as possible for lunch because its roadside cafes are often busy. You’ll find an incredible range of locally made sourdough and European pastries from Flour Water Salt (the only three ingredients you really need for sourdough) and Berry Sourdough Cafe, delicious European cuisine at South on Albany. For something sweet, line up for doughnuts at the Berry Donut Van on Queen Street (you can’t miss them), indulge with handmade chocolates at The Berry Chocolatier or reconnect with your childhood at The Berry Bon Bon Sweet Shop.

Berry

If you’re craving a romantic sojourn only a few hours from Sydney, the locally-sourced seafood by Rick Stein at Bannisters is worth booking ahead for. Meanwhile, families with kids older than five can build up an appetite for local fish and chips learning to surf together. Book at Mollymook Beach Surf School or get special coaching from former world champion Pam Burridge when she’s in town.