Lonely Planet1 put it best when it said the NSW South Coast is, “paradise without pretension”. Up and down the South Coast of NSW are pristine enclaves offering a refreshing change of pace and adventure. While recent bushfires impacted the region, don’t let that once in a generation event deter you from all that South Coast living offers. Rebuilding is happening across the region and the South Coast remains the perfect setting for life in the slow lane.
Whether you’re dreaming of a sea change, a tree change, or just a way to detach from the hustle and bustle and slow things down to a more favourable pace, you’re bound to find it somewhere on the NSW South Coast.
The NSW South Coast comprises four geographic regions:
Up and down the NSW South Coast awaits a refreshing way of living, where the soothing scent of nature seeps in through your kitchen window, the air is lush, and the pace is chill. From coastal communities to inland towns set back into the rolling countryside, a different pace of life awaits.
There’s plenty of reasons to visit the South Coast of NSW, but there’s even more reasons to build your new home on the South Coast. Here’s a quick look at the main areas and townships of the NSW South Coast to consider making your sea change or tree change move to.
Sydneysiders are flocking to Wollongong to enjoy a sea change that offers the best of both worlds. Only 80km south of Sydney, Wollongong offers a quaint beach town feel for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle while remaining within reach of the big smoke.
Nestled between the western shore of Lake Illawarra and the foot of the Illawarra escarpment, Dapto is lush with natural beauty and in the 1800s had a thriving dairy industry. A short drive southwest of Dapto in the Macquarie Valley lies Calderwood, where natural beauty meets convenient modern living. Calderwood is set to become one of the largest master-planned communities in the Illawarra region.
A vibrant regional centre sitting pretty between the Tasman Sea and rolling lush pastures, Shellharbour boasts some of the best beaches on the NSW South Coast and fantastic fishing and snorkeling spots. Both a cultural and retail centre, Shellharbour features a collection of boutique retailers and a major shopping centre, along with aviation and rail museums.
South of Wollongong, Kiama is a seaside town with beautiful beaches and coastal walking tracks set atop fortress-like cliffs. Fishing, surfing, and kayaking are key past times that this gorgeous town that dates back to the 1880s offers.
Blessed with heritage buildings and award-winning restaurants, Berry offers charm in spades and is a favourite for those seeking an elegant country setting. Berry’s choice local food and wine can be found at local regular produce markets.
Sitting on the banks of the gorgeous Shoalhaven River and surrounded by rich farmland and vineyards, this town of 37,000 on Australia’s Oyster Coast is the commercial centre of the Shoalhaven region and boasts museums, galleries, and a train line.
An important fishing port since 1859, Ulladulla is a vibrant town built around a picturesque harbour and close to sparkling lakes, pristine national parks and secluded beaches.
A quick two-hour drive from the essential services of Canberra, Batemans Bay offers a laid-back vibe with stunning beaches, incredible seafood and a whole range of outdoor activities.
The Beechwood Homes story dates back nearly 40 years, and for much of that time we have been building homes for local residents and families up and down the NSW South Coast.
Through our display home centres in Calderwood Valley, Shell Cove and South Nowra, we have met and developed relationships with many families looking for builders on the South Coast. Many have gone on to build homes with Beechwood Homes. Some have been born and bred South Coast locals building their very first home. Some have been former Sydneysiders opting for a sea change – or a tree change – and for the good life that the NSW South Coast offers in spades.
Beechwood Homes builds across most regions of the NSW South Coast. Visit one of our display home centres in the area to find out how we can help you make the South Coast lifestyle change you’ve always dreamed of making.
[1] https://www.lonelyplanet.com/australia/new-south-wales/south-coast
© 2025 Beechwood Homes. All Rights Reserved | ABN 50 132 370 104 | Builder's Licence Number 207765C | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website by Wolf IQ
