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.

The Woods, NSW South Coast. — 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.

In2thewild listings. — 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

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.

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…

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape. — Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens. — Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface. — Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile — See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure. — Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. — Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens — Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters. — Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .

Six quirky NSW South Coast stays you need to book