There is more to the South Coast than Kiama’s famous blowhole. South Coast’s appeal is the laidback locals, stunning coastal scenery and a foodie treats abound. Easily accessible from Sydney and Canberra, it makes the perfect weekend getaway and with towns so close together you can discover the hidden gems in Kiama, Gerringong, Berry and beyond…
Enjoy our tips for the best places to eat, drink, sleep and caffeinate!
SHOP
Start the weekend off right with a wander along the Kiama foreshore and the Kiama Produce Markets. Held on the 4th Saturday of each month at Black Beach, choose from gourmet local produce including local favourite The Pines milkshakes and gelati and purchase enough artisan cheese, Berry Sourdough and fresh produce for a picnic by the lighthouse. Just announced weekly farmers market starting 8 January from these passionate farmers.
Kiama is filled with cafes and shops to browse after the markets. We love Beachside Emporium a chic boutique filled with coastal cool homewares, gifts and oh so cute baby gifts.
The sweet smell of jammy goodness hits you as you enter the South Coast Providores in Berry, where Ian & Carole create small batches of handmade conserves, preserves using local produce. It’s strawberry jam making while we’re in store and Carole pops out to show us a photo of what’s in progress out back. They’re so delightfully warm & welcoming you’ll definitely want to pick up a few gourmet goodies for souvenirs or gifts.
You can spend hours browsing the homewares and gift stores lining main street and one of our favourites is Huckleberry. It’s a beautifully curated selection of Scandi style gifts with lots of cute Christmas decorations sneaking in this time of year. Strangely there is a sign requesting no photos and can barely find a social media footprint, so just trust us and stop by!
This stylish homewares store blends an eclectic mix of home furnishings, women’s fashion, gems both old and new in signature neutral tones and stunning arrangements by in-house florist in one gorgeous little store in Berry’s main street.
DINE
The newest café in Kiama, the Brooding Italian is a cool, little espresso bar on Manning Street. On our visit, the owner was warm, friendly & welcoming, not brooding at all, but we like it that way. The Brooding Italian is also using local milk from The Pines in their coffee.
Recently renovated with further alfresco dining, perfectly catching those sea breezes, this is a popular breakfast spot with locals, tucked away in the little village of Gerroa. It’s bright and buzzy with an enticing breakfast menu such as Mittagong mushroom, fontina and caramelised onion grilled sandwich w fried egg and blackboard menu with lunch offering.
You’ll find Berry Sourdough on many local menus, but head to the century old, rustic barn-like building in picturesque Berry to try their artisan sourdough and treats first hand. Serving breakfast and lunch it’s a little slice of heaven. Bread, cakes, pastries and takeaway coffee are also available at the Milkwood Bakery on Berry’s main street.
Welcome new addition South of Albany is set to be uber popular with hosts John Evans and Sonia Greig creating a friendly and unique venue for their guests to enjoy the best the South Coast has to offer. Open for lunch Friday-Sunday & dinner Wed-Sat, seek out this gem and just make sure you leave room for Chocolate, hazelnut and caramel tart, chocolate mousse and candied orange – swoon…
STAY
Our favourite holiday house on the South Coast is The Pines. Set on a working dairy farm with panoramic views of the coastline, you’re just minutes from the Kiama township. The Pines is a beautifully restored luxury three bedroom house blending modern comforts and heritage style.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, girls getaway or family fun, we have the perfect accommodation selection for your next holiday.
