The South Coast is Yuin country. Yuin is a term that First Nations peoples' use as a collective term when referring to the various traditional groups between Nowra and the Victorian border. Famous for incredible scenery and the relaxed Coastal Lifestyle, The WEST Journal team took a similar approach and are exploring some the South Coast over several weeks. A perfect little tribute to what is a beautiful, idyllic, immersive place to work and play any time of the year. Let WEST take you on a little adventure and wander the sunny South Coast of NSW.
Huskisson & Hyams beach area two much loved and well-known destinations on the South Coast, in Jervis Bay, and a perfect starting point. Hyams Beach, world famous for some of the whitest sand, is a day trip in and of itself and very much worth taking for a perfect way to see the very best natural scenery of Jervis Bay. It’s popular with tourists and the local café, the Cooked Goose serves up some great coffee and food. With walking trails and beach galore, you can enjoy the turquoise blue water of this part of the world over and over again.
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The Husky pub has also long been held as a place for Sydneysiders and Canberran’s to visit on a weekend. The beautiful harbour, the way nature seems to come right into the heart of the town and the collection of eateries, a cool playground and idyllic beaches makes this a must visit destination. A visit to Husky isn’t complete for many without stepping into the Huskisson Hotel. After undergoing some extensive renovations this old school pub delights with the very cool waterfront bar option, great interiors and somehow every single seat has a great view. The new addition is a sperate pavilion and a statement piece of architecture that sits perfectly overlooking the harbour, adding to the beautiful view. Step in for a cheeky drink or try out some smoked meats and casual dining options.
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The main street is full of great eateries, and you will see other renovated establishments like Buds Tavern that spill out onto the street with casual open arms. This too has a cool interior and exterior and defines a contemporary version of the local watering hole.
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Just up the street is a great little hole in the wall bar, Pasta Buoy Bar. Fresh pasta made daily is a quick and tasty option from the shop front on the main street, but tucked elegantly alongside the kitchen is a hole-in-the-wall style bar with great Mediterranean vibes. This simple, sheik bar also serves their fresh pastas but adds a list of incredible cocktails with cool summer beats any time of the year. Highly recommend stepping in for a happy hour that will delight.
WEST can spot a theme running, and a cool refreshing drink, with great food and a killer view is the flavour our South Coast Wandering. There is a tonne of accommodation options from Air BnBÂ to Hotels and Guests Houses so plan a trip and perhaps explore a few of the options WEST has fallen in love with.
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Next, we are onto Sussex Inlet. And our destination of choice is Swordfish Brewing. Craft Beers, fresh produce and an unforgettable experience. This is tucked away off the main street, with a dog leg weave of a driveway to find the entrance. Once inside the brewery opens out to an incredible view right over the water and parkland that hugs the waters edge. Perfect day or night this is a great place to people watch. Grab a burger and a beer from an extensive list.
Lake Conjola is once again another stunning, waterfront township of the South Coast. Catering to families that visit the area regularly for an annual holiday, it is blessed with two excellent holiday parks. Conjola Beach has two amazing frontages, the surf beach on one side and the protected inlet of Lake Conjola on the other. With natural beauty like this you can see why people come time and time again. Accommodation Cabins at either Ingenia Holiday Park or Holiday Haven are both great options and the amenities each of these provide give you a base to go out and explore. Look out for the resident kangaroos that lounge about among the locals and visitors alike. How good is the South Coast!
The historic village of Milton is another dynamic, charming and idyllic destination for a South Coast Wanderings. Framed by stunning period architecture this is worth visiting day and night and again a spot for foodies to explore and discover. Start your day at Pilgrims, a vegetarian café that is much loved by locals from great coffee and dining for over forty years. Grab a table and chair outside and bask in the morning sun.
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Another popular café is Brown Sugar, together they cater for your daily caffeine hit and are surrounded by artisan and homeware stores. A visit to Milton demands a leisurely wander up and down the main street. Some of the highlights include the Woodstock Chocolate Company, Milton Theatre and The Milton Hotel. Hand made fine chocolates, live music and performance art and the cool interiors and exteriors of a local hotel that exudes contemporary charm.
Milton Hotel is the home of Dangerous Ales, a local brewery with some excellent origins. Damien Martin is the founder with an impressive background in the culinary and wine making world. Known for some wild flavours each beer takes you on an experience. WEST loves the colourful graphics and way in which new flavour takes you somewhere new like the Rice Lager or Rum & Raisin Stout.
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After some great breakfast or a late lunch and coffee, head towards Mollymook and Ulladulla. Names synonymous with the South Coast. A quick stop into the Heritage Bakery, Milton is another institution in the area. Serving up cakes and pies of every shape and size. You can’t miss it and shouldn’t either. Treat yourself!
Mollymook and Ulladulla are in close proximity to Milton, so an easy daytime trip with a stunning coastline that contains beaches and inlets surrounded by boujee holidays homes and seaside homes. Somehow the South Coast exudes a continual relaxed atmosphere wherever you go.  Whale watching is a popular experience here in the spring and can be done from the clifftops of Wardens Head Lighthouse. This charming, petite lighthouse is best described as pretty. Such beautiful period details from the latter half of the 1800’s, it is a perfect spot for photos and some short coastal walks here allow you to get up close and personal to the rugged coastal landscape.
All this exploring deserves some great food and wine or a cold beer and nothing can answer this desire better than Cupitt’s Estate. A short 3km west of Ulladulla and Milton, this is a destination that cannot be missed. Boutique wine and beer, stella accommodation villas, lunches, dinners and a host of ongoing events. There is always something to see and do. Book ahead, this is popular with locals and tourists alike. Soak up the sunshine, overlooking the valley and vineyards, do a tour, take a wine flight and savour some chilled beats. Absolutely stunning.
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Wrap your adventures up with one last destination. On the side street opposite The Milton Hotel is another cool, unexpected and genuinely brilliant little spot to visit for a late afternoon or evening beverage. Bar Yuki is inspired by the Japanese Hospitality and has created a place where people feel welcomed, at ease and embraced. Cool tunes, with the colour and vibrancy of contemporary Japanese kitsch interiors and truly friendly service. This is a must visit destination and something very different for Milton and for the South Coast.
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To wander the South Coast is a true delight. From day trip to weekend away or more. There is so much to see and do and all so close together. The natural landscape and rolling agriculture hills surrounding each town and village is charming. The wealth of history, culture and great food is endless. Local producers are found at every corner and all of it is done with such effortless style, taste and ease. Unwind, relax and visit the South Coast for your own little adventure.
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