Our travel recommendations are places we genuinely enjoyed. They range from quiet stops and small towns to destinations worth slowing down for. These are not must-see lists or heavily advertised attractions. They are real places that added something special to our journey, whether we stayed for an hour or a few days.
Minnamurra
Minnamurra is an ideal first stop when heading south from Sydney, especially if you want to ease into the South East Coast at a slower pace. Where the river meets the sea, a tidal inlet creates a calm spot for swimming and floating with the current. You can jump in at one entrance, drift down to the other, climb out and repeat. Just make sure to check the tides so you know which way you’ll be floating. It has a real locals-only feel and is the kind of place that you’ll wish you had more time to spend there.
Berry
Berry is one of those small country towns that is easy to love. It is just a minute off the motorway, which makes it incredibly convenient to duck in and out without committing to a long detour, yet it still manages to feel charming and distinctly country. The food alone makes it worth stopping for. Without exaggeration Berry had the best sausage roll I’ve ever had! The bakeries and the iconic donut van are a must, even if there’s a line. The only downside is that it can get busy, so head in early to beat the crowds.
Huskisson
Huskisson felt like a quieter alternative to the busier parts of Jervis Bay, especially when compared to Hyams Beach. It has the same bright white sand that Hyams is notorious for, but without the crowds, which made it far more enjoyable to actually spend time there. The beach itself was just as beautiful, and the town had more going for it than we expected. If you’re chasing the look of Hyams Beach without the chaos, Huskisson is an easy choice.
Milton
Milton stood out for its old-school charm, with colourful historic buildings that give the town a real sense of character. It’s filled with cosy cafés and bookshops, making it an easy place to slow down and spend a relaxed morning wandering without any set plans. While it sits on the way to bigger towns like Ulladulla, Milton feels worth stopping for in its own right rather than just passing through. It’s the kind of place that invites you to take your time, even if only for a few hours.
Mollymook
Mollymook is one of those beaches that instantly makes you want to stay longer than planned. The water was crystal clear and incredibly calm, making it an easy place to swim, relax, or just float around without feeling rushed. Even though it was popular, there was still plenty of space to find your own spot, and the overall vibe felt friendly and relaxed rather than crowded. There’s loads of room for a picnic, multiple BBQs along the foreshore, and it’s picturesque, especially in the early morning watching the sunrise.
Dolphin point
Dolphin Point felt like a hidden wonder, somewhere no one had really mentioned, yet it was perfect for a slow morning visit. The river is the main attraction, letting you jump in and float downstream with the current, then climb out and do it again. Even though it can get a little busy later in the day, being there in the morning made it feel peaceful and completely worth lingering. It’s the kind of understated spot that leaves you surprised it isn’t more talked about.
Bodalla
Bodalla is a surprisingly fun stop full of attractions. At the Bodalla Dairy, you can pet the cows and see other animals including chickens running around the paddocks. I had the butterscotch thick shake, and it was amazing. Next door is the Bodalla chocolate factory. Here you can taste test their chocolate and even design your own full of different flavours and add ins. It’s a stop that leaves you pleasantly surprised and makes for a memorable break on the drive.
Tilba Tilba
Tilba Tilba is a charming little village with a historic, old-style feel that makes it feel like stepping back in time. We loved wandering through the unique, hippy-style shops, popping into the vinyl shop next to the pub, and discovering the secret cookie cove. The cheese factory is a highlight too, offering a variety of local produce that’s hard to resist. Tilba Tilba is the kind of place that invites you to slow down, explore, and enjoy the quirky character of the town at your own pace.
Conclusion
These South East NSW stops each have their own charm. Spending even an hour or two at any of them is enough to make the drive feel memorable. If you want more detail on our journey along the coast, check out our full South East Coast trip blog or watch our vlog for all the highlights.