The Quirkiest Places To Stay On The NSW South Coast

From tiny houses to luxury villas and safari-style tents, accommodation on the white-sand fringed south coast of New South Wales is totally unique. Here’s our pick.

Though the hype around Hyams Beach and it having the whitest sand in the world may have first put the New South Wales South Coast on the map, it doesn’t take long for visitors to realise there’s a lot more to the region.

For those in search of rest and relaxation, the area, which stretches from south of Sydney to the Victoria state border, offers scenic nature trails, award-winning wineries and farm-fresh restaurants. And for the adrenaline junkies, it’s got plenty to do too – you can snorkel with seals, picnic on a cliff-face and zip line through rainforest.

With so much to do and see on the NSW South Coast, there’s no doubt you’ll want to make a trip of it. But when starting to plan, something you’ll notice quickly is the distinct lack of hotels in the area. Luckily though, it more than makes up for that with quirky stays instead. Here, we’ve picked some of our favourites.

1. Paperbark

Open since 1999, Paperbark Camp in Jervis Bay is a pioneer of Australian glamping and easily one of the most well-known accommodation offerings in the area. Set in bushland, the camp features 12 safari-style tents and a main building housing the reception, a cosy, common area with lounges and a fireplace, and fine dining restaurant The Gunyah.

Don’t be put off by the word ‘camp’ – here, no luxury is spared. Hot water thermoses for tea and coffee are dropped outside of tents every morning, picnic hampers stocked with gourmet supplies can be ordered in advance, and in-tent massages can be indulged in. Be sure to take one of the provided push bikes to nearby Huskisson for an ocean-side cycle.

2. The Woods

A sign pointing towards ‘Unicorns’, a gorgeous open-air chapel set amongst tumbling weeds and hopping kangaroos, and a train car converted into a day spa assert The Woods Farm’s crazy farm wonderland status. Set on 16 hectares of land in Jervis Bay and offering both cottages and glamping tents, it’s an appealing stay to all types of visitors.

Inside the beautiful tents at The Woods.

Couples and groups of friends can spend their days here playing bocce, biking or strolling the grounds, or taking advantage of the once-a-week yoga class held in the chapel. Families can get to know farm animals including chickens, alpacas, and cows, splash around in the pool, and make pizzas together using the wood-fire oven on-site.

3. The Cove

The newest accommodation on this list, The Cove was recently bought by the same owners as The Woods Farm and has since received a massive refurbishment. One-, two- and three-room cabins were given fresh licks of black and white paint, interiors were styled with chic décor, and bedrooms were kitted out with comfy linens. The Fun House, designed to sleep 36, features a commercial kitchen and a cute coastal vibe.

Located in Booderee National Park, the accommodation is steps from Sussex Inlet where you can stand-up paddle board and kayak, and a short drive away from spots where you can whale watch, scuba dive and surf.

4. In2thewild

The tiny house stays trend has well and truly arrived in Australia, and In2thewild is a company offering it in New South Wales. Among their listings, their India and Isabella homes can be found on the South Coast. India sits on a Shoalhaven vineyard, while Isabella is nestled in the Wollongong rainforest with views of the sea. Adding to the experience is the fact that exact locations are only emailed through to you just before your stay.

A field of daisies outside one of the properties listed within In2thewild.

You can stock up on food on your drive in, or pre-order a local produce-laden hamper. Inside both homes, you’ll find a kitchen and stove, bathroom with hot shower, and, upstairs, a queen bed and skylight so you can fall asleep to the sight of a starry sky.

5. Tilba Lake Camp

In 2015, Rebecca and Tim Jones gave up their corporate city jobs to move to the country and start up a bed and breakfast. The resulting Tilba Lake House, five hours from Sydney in Central Tilba, has since grown to include three bell-shaped glamping tents – one equipped with an en suite – and two tiny homes called Bonnie and Clyde.

Though not far from each other on the grounds, the two types of lodging differ greatly. The tents are tucked into gardens with uninterrupted views of both Tilba Lake and the Pacific Ocean, while the tiny homes, referred to here as ‘eco-pods’, face rolling green paddocks dotted with sheep and cows, and a mountain range beyond.

6. Bangalay Luxury Villas

Dine by the pool at Bangalay Luxury Villas.

Giving accommodation a lived-in feel while still making it seem neat and tidy can be a tricky task. But it’s one owner and stylist of Bangalay Luxury Villas Michelle Bishop makes look easy. Walking into its villas is like stepping straight into the pages of a homewares catalogue. The décor is neutral and earthy with black and white accents such as matte black chairs and a black mesh lampshade.

The exterior of Bangalay Luxury Villas.

Choose from one- or two-bed villas, and relax on its wooden deck with views of a golf course or gardens. Also on the grounds is a swimming pool and a restaurant called Bangalay Dining. A favourite among locals, you’ll find it packed on weekends.

To discover everything you need to know about a picturesque stay on the NSW South Coast, check out our handy travel guide…

Find a homely base right by the ocean with the most exceptional Kiama Airbnbs.

The enigmatic natural beauty of laidback Kiama attracts all kinds of travellers, desperate to refill their cups via laidback coastal ease, nature-based activities and one heck of a thriving arts scene. Offering comfortable base camps to launch your escapades are the best Kiama Airbnbs, filled with creature comforts and luxuries not even the best local accommodation can offer. Presenting your most serene Airbnb options for family getaways, romantic weekends and all-too-sacred alone time.

1. Oceanview Kiama

A modern coastal room at Oceanview Kiama.

Best for: beach proximity and stylish photo backdrops

Oceanview Kiama looks as though it’s stepped straight off your Pinterest scroll with the bonus of landing right by soothing Bombo Beach. The self-contained Kiama Airbnb overlooks the waves, and while it’s small, a queen bedroom is joined by two single sofa beds to sleep up to four guests with ease.

Instantly calm via a white-on-timber colour palette as glimpses of that shimmering blue brighten every peer beyond the balcony, the spot attracts budding photographers for its exterior, too, sitting close to Bombo Quarry, Cathedral Rocks and a myriad of natural attractions. Plus, you’re only a stroll to Kiama’s best eateries and bars.

The train goes right by, making it a smart choice if you’re keen to tackle the Kiama Coastal Walk, particularly if you’d prefer to train it back to the start, rather than looping it. A full kitchen and separate dining space ensure there’s ample room for everybody to unwind.

2. Kiama Haven

Kiama Haven overlooks the stunning Easts Beach.

Best for: families with teens or two-family escapes

An awesome Kiama Airbnb treated to ocean views, private gardens, three spacious bedrooms, and covered upper and lower decks (alfresco dining is a non-negotiable here), Kiama Haven is only 100 metres by foot to Easts Beach.

Bring your groceries because a fully loaded kitchen with a dishwasher and Nespresso coffee machine means languid brunching with your loved ones is a cinch. Keeping you inside longer are the multiple televisions, free-flowing Wi-Fi, reverse-cycle air conditioning, two luxurious bathrooms with heat lamps, laundry and crucial baby gear including a travel cot and booster seat for meals.

That fabulous Kiama Coast Walk is right at your doorstep, so venturing out is also appealing. Plus, the owners throw in a trail bike, making two-wheeling it around town also very tempting.

3. Santa Barbara on Bombo Beach

views of Bombo Beach on the balcony of Santa Barbara villa, Kiama

The Santa Barbara villa comes with jaw-dropping views of Bombo Beach.

Best for: groups and fur parents

Prefer holidaying with your four-legged pal? Santa Barbara on Bombo Beach has your name on it. An awesome villa with jaw-dropping views of Bombo Beach, the Kiama Airbnb’s outdoor hot tub sets the scene for serious holiday fun. Pets are welcome upon request, and the southern end of Bombo Beach is an off-leash dog-friendly zone, so conditions are perfect for them.

Additionally, it’s right around the corner from the Historic Terrace Houses – an area with a bunch of quaint cafes and boutique shops. The stay’s three-bedroom, two-bathroom layout hosts up to eight guests and is only a five-minute walk to central Kiama.

4. Minnamurra Beach House

two sun loungers by the river with a wine bottle on the table at Minnamurra Beach House

Relax on the Minnamurra River with a glass of wine.

Best for: nature lovers and ocean frolicking

Located at the mouth of the Minnamurra River, Minnamurra Beach House is a sublime pick on the river banks with its own private boat ramp. If it’s high tide, grab a kayak (they’re provided) and paddle up to mangroves or around Rangoon Island. If it’s low tide, shallow wading waters are naturally created, making for pure idyllic splashy play.

The house itself (originally built in the 1950s and renovated a few years back) features three bedrooms (sleeping up to four guests comfortably), two bathrooms, a laundry and a fully equipped kitchen. There are also two dining spaces to take advantage of: one atop a boat shed and another away from the water’s edge.

A large, covered deck is accessed through the living area, creating a dreamlike environment that practically sways you with the tide. Yoga equipment is also available during your stay if you’re ready to dial up the Zen even further.

5. The Werri Shack

a living room with a fireplace at The Werri Shack, Kiama

Keep cosy by the fireplace at The Werri Shack.

Best for: families with pets

Don’t let the word “shack” deter you – The Werri Shack leans more stylish than claustrophobic. The standout Kiama Airbnb is located further back from the coastline, but its elevated vantage point offers water views so you know you’re still in gorgeous Kiama country.

Pets are welcome and the yard is fully fenced, plus there’s an off-leash zone at Werri Beach so your fur baby is sorted. Inside, generous living areas and hipster furnishings across this double-storey, three-bedroom, two-bathroom abode will sort humans out, too.

Bonus inclusions span the Sonos sound system, unlimited Wi-Fi, PlayStation and table tennis.

6. Dovecote

The architectural marvel is perched on 60 hectares of farmland facing the ocean.

Best for: architecture nuts and splashing out

Two phenomenal properties set on 150 acres create Dovecote in Gerringong. A one-of-a-kind Kiama homestay that took out the Housing Industry Association’s Australian House of the Year award in 2019, the property is an architectural marvel offering guests luxury digs while immersed in nature.

Sleeping up to eight people across four generously sized bedrooms, The Headland is one of this property’s two options, offering unsurpassed ocean and rural landscape views. On the other hand, there’s The Range, a more intimate two-bedroom design that’s suited to couples and small families seeking indoor fireplace cosiness overlooking green pastures.

Features across both include private pools and decks, while the larger option throws in a gym, games room and an enclosed courtyard and the smaller provides a freestanding bath sent straight from your weekend-away dreams. Both houses are just metres from the Kiama Coast Walk and Werri Beach.

7. Dales Run

scenic hill views from the Kiama Airbnb at Dales Run

Enjoy bucolic views.

Best for: living your ultimate farm life

A staggeringly beautiful Kiama Airbnb that sweeps up mountains and rolling green hills before setting your gaze across the ocean, Dales Run is an outstanding choice for special occasion escapes. Sleeping up to four guests across two bedrooms (but just one bathroom, it’s worth noting), the stay features an outdoor shower and infrared sauna, while wellness warriors will similarly delight in the yoga mats and virtual classes provided.

Other features include a fireplace, laundry facilities, air conditioning, a Bose sound system, books, board games, Wi-Fi, a work-from-anywhere nook, a fully equipped kitchen and drip coffee making facilities. Plus, you’re located in Jamberoo so controlling the action at Jamberoo Action Park is just a quick zip up the road.

8. Kiama Home

the Kiama Home Airbnb opening up to scenic views

The floor-to-ceiling glass doors open out to 180-degree ocean views.

Best for: Several families and elevated views

Targeting fun-chasing kids and those who remain forever young-at-heart, this Kiama home is filled with 1980s arcade games (PacMan, anybody?) and a pinball machine. The two-level, three-bedroom property is spacious enough to house eight guests while 180-degree views across the ocean never fail to take your breath away (just add floor-to-ceiling glass doors to really highlight that dazzling scene).

Downstairs, it’s all about relaxed open-plan living as a full kitchen, lounge and dining area means there are separate zones for everyone. Upstairs contains all the bedding, including a well-considered kids’ room with a queen bottom bunk and king single top bunk, plus a kids’ single trundle bed.

When it’s time to explore beyond your stay, strolling into the centre of town takes 15 minutes tops.

9. Onyx Loft

a look inside the Onyx Loft, Kiama Airbnb

Wake up to scenic hillside views at Onyx Loft.

Best for: couples searching for romance

Escape to a private Gerringong hideaway with incredible views that stretch all the way to the ocean. The two-person-friendly Onyx Loft is perched on the side of a hill within a 60-acre farm, so your neighbours are yonks away. Cosy inclusions span a private courtyard, fire pit and barbecue, while a kitchenette with a microwave and convention oven will fix any home-prepared meal gestures. A Nespresso coffee machine means your morning must is on hand without stepping foot outside, and a TV at the foot of the bed will drag you right back in there without a second thought.

10. La Terrasse

a modern room interior with scenic views from the balcony at La Terrasse, Kiama

Sit back and take in the views from the living area.

Best for: families and groups of friends

La Terrasse is a modern split-level home, centrally located within a quick dash to Surf Beach and the Manning Street shopping and cafe precinct. The three-bedroom Kiama Airbnb accommodates up to seven guests with three bedrooms, two ensuite bathrooms and a separate one, and two car parks. The stars of the show are its full-width balcony with ocean-facing views and large entertaining patio. It’s not a party pad since it’s located in a residential area, making it a good choice for travellers in need of serious downtime with a view.

11. Tiny Kiama

The cutest home in Kiama boasts an Instagrammable interior.

Best for: couples and anybody who’s keen to escape crowded scenes

Closer to the stunning Kiama bush more so than frothy waves, Tiny Kiama can’t be ignored due to its overwhelming cuteness. While remaining close to the centre of town (it’s about a five-minute drive to Terralong Street), this two-level Kiama Airbnb is tucked up a hill, boasting an itty-bitty veranda and outdoor table, a loft bedroom fitted with a queen bed, a projector to stream app-based programs, a full bathroom and a kitchenette. While two adults will squeeze beautifully into this gem, a sofa bed can also accommodate a child if young families are keen to embark on cherished togetherness.

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