A Local’s Guide to a 3 Day South Coast Itinerary from Sydney
Planning a 3 day South Coast itinerary from Sydney? This guide centres on Jervis Bay and Huskisson, combining beaches, wildlife, coastal walks and local dining without overpacking your schedule.
Day 1: Sydney to Jervis Bay - Arrive & Settle In
Leave Sydney mid-morning and head south along the Princes Highway. The drive to Jervis Bay takes around 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic. Base yourself in Huskisson. It is compact, easy to walk and close to most tours and beaches.
Afternoon: First Swim or Coastal Walk
After check-in, head straight to the water.
- Hyams Beach for a swim and soft white sand.
- Blenheim Beach if you prefer something quieter.
If you want to stretch your legs, drive into Booderee National Park and walk part of the White Sands Walk. Even a short section gives you coastal views and a sense of the landscape. If you’re planning beach time across the weekend, explore more of Jervis Bay’s best beaches before you arrive.
Dinner: A Strong First Night in Huskisson
For your first evening, keep it central.
- Wildginger, Refined but relaxed
Asian-inspired share plates and good local wine. This is a reliable choice if you want a slightly elevated dinner without anything formal. - Pasta Buoy, Casual Italian after the beach
Fresh pasta, wood-fired options and a relaxed dining room. It suits couples or small groups. - Huskisson Hotel, Classic pub option
Upstairs for views across the water, downstairs for something casual. Good seafood and an easy first night.
After dinner, take a short walk along the Husky foreshore before heading back to your accommodation.
Day 2: Wildlife, Coffee & Coastal Activities
This is the day that makes Jervis Bay stand out.
Morning Coffee or Breakfast
If you are heading out on the water early, keep it simple.
- Espresso Boy, Quick, consistent coffee and ideal if you want takeaway before walking down to the marina.
- 5 Little Pigs, Well-known locally for proper breakfast plates that will carry you through the morning.
Mid-Morning: Join a Jervis Bay Wild Cruise
Choose the experience that suits your weekend:
- Dolphin Watching Cruise, Operating year round, this is one of the most reliable ways to see Jervis Bay’s resident dolphin population up close.
- Jervis Bay Passage, A scenic cruise exploring the wider bay with commentary on the coastline, history and marine life.
- South Coast Passage, A longer coastal journey venturing beyond the inner bay for broader ocean views and a different perspective of the South Coast.
Experiencing the coastline from the water gives you a view you simply cannot get from the shore and is often the highlight of a long weekend in Jervis Bay.
Lunch: Keep It Coastal
After your cruise, stay around the Huskisson wharf and waterfront.
For something substantial, head to Huskisson Hotel for seafood and water views, or walk up the street to Bud’s Tavern for a relaxed pub-style lunch.
If you prefer something lighter, pick up fresh oysters or takeaway from Jervis Bay Shellfish Market and eat by the water.
Afternoon: Explore by Water or E-Bike
After lunch, stay active without rushing.
Hire a kayak or SUP and explore the calm waters of the bay at your own pace. Paddling around the shoreline gives you access to quieter sections you cannot reach by car.
If you would rather stay on land, hire an e-bike and ride along the Huskisson foreshore or further towards Vincentia. The coastal path makes it easy to cover more ground without committing to a full hike.
Leave space in the afternoon. The South Coast works best when you don’t rush it.
Evening: Make It the Highlight Night
For a Special Occasion, The Gunyah Restaurant
Located at Paperbark Camp, this is one of the most distinctive dining experiences in the region. Set among the trees and slightly removed from town, it suits a slower, more considered dinner. Ideal if you’re celebrating or want one refined evening. Book ahead on long weekends.
For Something Different
- Stonegrill, Cook your steak or seafood on a hot stone at the table. Good for groups and something a little different.
- Taj Indian Restaurant, A solid Indian option if you want a change from seafood and share plates.
Drinks After Dinner
If you are not ready to call it a night, head to Jervis Bay Brewing Co for craft beer and a relaxed atmosphere. It is a brewery first rather than a full restaurant, making it better suited to drinks after dinner.
Alternatively, Flaming Galah Brewing Co offers a more intimate bar setting with a strong tap list and regular live music. It works well if you prefer something smaller and slightly removed from the main strip.
Both are easy Saturday night stops after dinner and keep the evening social without feeling overplanned.
Day 3: A Relaxed Morning & Scenic Drive North
Morning: Foreshore Walk Before You Leave
Before packing up, take a slow walk along the Huskisson to Vincentia coastal path. The shared foreshore track follows the water and gives you open views across Jervis Bay without committing to a full bushwalk.
Walk as far as you like, or continue towards Plantation Point for wide views back across the bay. It is an easy way to spend your last hour by the water before heading home.
Grab a final coffee in town, then pack up.
Afternoon: Lunch & Scenic Drive Back to Sydney
Plan to leave early afternoon to avoid heavy traffic heading back to Sydney.
If you would like to break up the drive, stop in Gerringong for headland views overlooking Werri Beach. For lunch, try The Blue Goose for relaxed café-style plates or The Hill Bar and Kitchen for ocean views and a longer sit-down meal.
Alternatively, continue slightly further north to Kiama to see the Blowhole and walk along the coastal path. In town, Diggies Kiama overlooks Surf Beach, while Penny Whistlers sits near the harbour and works well for a relaxed lunch before the final stretch home.
Stopping for lunch on the way north makes the return journey feel like part of the weekend rather than simply the drive home.
