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Illawarra tourism route

South Coast, Country NSW

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Overview

See the best of the Illawarra and Southern Highlands touring this scenic driving route. Pack up the car and set off on a road trip from Bowral to Fitzroy Falls and beyond.

Where
Budderoo National Park, Barren Grounds Nature Reserve, Morton National Park in South Coast, Country NSW
Distance
120km one-way
Please note
  • If you’re stopping for a swim along the way, please take care in the water and please supervise children at all times.
  • Be sure to bring drinking water with you, along with supplies for your vehicle.
  • A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters

Take in the beauty of the Southern Highlands, Illawarra and Morton National Park from the comfort of your car on the Illawarra tourism route.

After fuelling up with petrol and a cuppa in Bowral take Nowra Road to Fitzroy Falls, travelling through the rolling hills and pretty pastures of farming country. Stop to walk to the falls and collect maps from the Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre, then continue on to Belmore Falls, absorbing striking views over the sandstone escarpment and deep valleys as you drive.

From Belmore Falls in Morton National Park, drive through lush rainforest to Robertson; be sure to stop and enjoy a range of cafés, restaurants and bakeries in Robertson.

Stopping for a family photo in front of the Big Potato is a must, and then continue down Jamberoo Mountain Road via Carrington Falls in Budderoo National Park. Enjoy a picnic and the fantastic lookouts at Barren Grounds Nature Reserve before making your way to lovely Kiama. Check out the blowhole, go fishing or relax in one of the seaside cafes.

Then, whenever you’re ready, return to Sydney via Wollongong or head up Macquarie Pass to Bowral and on to Canberra or Sydney.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

 

Google Street View Trekker

Using Google Street View Trekker, we've captured imagery across a range of NSW national parks and attractions. Get a bird's eye view of these incredible landscapes before setting off on your own adventure.

Google Trekker at Cape Byron State Conservation Area. Photo: J Spencer/OEH.

General enquiries

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Park info

  • in Morton National Park in the South Coast and Country NSW regions

  • Morton National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

    Parts of the south-eastern area of this park were once used for military training and may contain unexploded artillery shells. These areas have restrictions in place for your safety.

  • Park entry fees: 

    Fitzroy Falls: $4 per vehicle per day. Bundanoon area: $8 per vehicle per day. The park has pay and display machines - cash and cards accepted.

    Buy annual pass
  • in Budderoo National Park in the South Coast and Country NSW regions

  • Budderoo National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger. The park gates at Minnamurra Rainforest Centre open at 9am and close at 5pm every day.

  • Park entry fees:

    $12 per vehicle per day only in the Minnamurra Rainforest area. Bus or taxi: $4.40 per adult and $2.20 per child.

    Buy annual pass
See more visitor info

What's nearby:

Things to do (90)

Events (2)

Tours (10)

Immersive stories (1)

Camping and accommodation (7)

Volunteering (4)

School excursions (16)