Wollongong to Merimbula road trip: Distance, drive time & stops
A Wollongong to Merimbula road trip takes in national parks, glorious beaches and gorgeous South Coast towns. The Wollongong to Merimbula drive is 372km in distance, with a driving time of around 4h34m.
The drive from Wollongong to Merimbula takes you from the Illawarra to the most popular holiday town on the Sapphire Coast of New South Wales. If going along the coastal route from Wollongong to Melbourne, this is the splendid first half of the journey.
Wollongong offers several amazing beaches, tandem hang-gliding flights and skydives with a beach landing. To find the best Wollongong accommodation, look here.
For Merimbula accommodation deals, look here.
This guide should help you plan out the best stops on a Wollongong to Merimbula road trip itinerary. Click through on the individual places and attractions for more detailed, specific information.
If you need to hire a car, find the best rental deals. And don’t forget to do all your pre-road trip shopping.
Wollongong to Merimbula distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Wollongong to Merimbula is 372km. That makes for a driving time of around four hours and 34 minutes, depending on traffic.
Things to do in Wollongong include admiring the twin lighthouses on the harbour and swimming at the Continental Pool.
6 fantastic Wollongong experiences to book before you arrive
- Tandem hang-gliding flight from Bald Hill – float down towards the beach.
- One hour private surf lesson in Woonona – learn the basics, and get standing on your board.
- Illawarra Fly ziplining course and treetop walk – test your nerves high up in the canopy.
- Tandem skydive with beach landing – feel the rush of freefall.
- Explore the city on a scavenger hunt – a fun way to get to know Wollongong better.
- Half day deep sea fishing adventure – haul in some big boys.
Wollongong beaches in the Australian Beaches Guide include Thirroul Beach, Austinmer Beach, Corrimal Beach, Stanwell Park Beach, North Wollongong Beach and Windang Beach.
Wollongong accommodation options include the Adina apartments, the sizable Novotel Northbeach and the golf-centric Best Western City Sands.
Wollongong to Merimbula drive: Kiama and Gerringong
South of Wollongong, the Princes Highway runs through Albion Park, goes past surfer hotspot Killalea Beach and heads into gorgeous Kiama.
Here, the ocean blasts through the rocks at the Kiama Blowhole, while Kendalls Beach and the Blowhole Point Ocean Pool are fabulous spots for a swim. There’s also the, Bombo Headland, where a series of strange basalt columns meet the sea.
For Kiama accommodation, try the conveniently central Nova Kiama, the plusher Sebel Harbourside Kiama and the affordable Surf Beach Holiday Park.
Just south of Kiama, Gerringong is another potential overnight stop. Catching the surf at Werri Beach is the main draw, but you can also go wine-tasting at Crooked River Wines.
Where to stay in Gerringong, NSW?
The best Gerringong accommodation options are:
- For two pools and a restaurant: Mercure Gerringong Resort.
- For a holiday park that the kids will love: Werri Beach Holiday Park.
- For overall quality: Park Ridge Retreat.
Wollongong to Merimbula road trip: Berry and Nowra
The next two worthwhile stops on the Wollongong to Merimbula road trip are Berry and Nowra. Berry is chintzy, touristy town where the shops major on arts, crafts and fudge.
You can stay at the charming Berry Village Boutique Motel and the garden-surrounded Mt Hay Retreat.
Nowra, meanwhile, is the administrative centre of the Shoalhaven region. Things to do in Nowra include seeing the animals at the Shoalhaven Zoo and Adventure World, kayaking along the Shoalhaven River and tasting spirits at the Tara Distillery.
Best Nowra accommodation options
The best places to stay in Nowra are:
- For solid quality, cheap rates and an outdoor pool: Parkhaven.
- For business-friendly apartments: Quest Nowra.
- For something plusher, with a big pool and 18 hole golf course: Springs Shoalhaven Nowra.
Click through for the next section: Jervis Bay, Mollymook and Ulladulla.