South Coast NSW School Holiday Accommodation Guide
A South Coast NSW school holiday can look very different depending on where you stay. Some families want beaches, cafés and attractions within a short drive. Others prefer a quieter coastal town where most days revolve around swimming, fishing, walking and spending time at the holiday house.
This guide covers the NSW school holiday dates, where to stay, how selected South Coast Holidays homes compare, family activities near each destination, and practical considerations for planning your stay.
When Are the NSW School Holidays?
If you are travelling with school-age children, confirm your holiday dates before choosing a property. This is particularly important for summer and Easter-period travel, when families are often competing for the same larger houses, pet-friendly properties and homes close to the beach.
For NSW public schools, the official 2026 holiday dates are:
| School holiday | 2026 dates |
| Autumn holidays | 7 April – 17 April 2026 |
| Winter holidays | 6 July – 17 July 2026 |
| Spring holidays | 28 September – 9 October 2026 |
| Summer holidays – Eastern Division | 18 December 2026 – 27 January 2027 |
| Summer holidays – Western Division | 18 December 2026 – 3 February 2027 |
Which School Holiday Period Suits Your Trip?
The season can change what makes a useful holiday home. A swimming pool may be important in summer, while a larger living area, heating and indoor entertainment become more useful during a winter stay.
| Holiday period | What the trip may look like | Accommodation features worth considering |
| Summer | Swimming, beaches, water activities and longer days outdoors | Beach access, pool, air-conditioning, outdoor shower, BBQ |
| Autumn | Beach visits mixed with walks and sightseeing | Outdoor dining, backyard, convenient location |
| Winter | Coastal walks, shorter outings and more time at the house | Heating, fireplace, games, separate living areas |
| Spring | Beaches, outdoor activities and day trips | Backyard, BBQ, beach proximity, flexible indoor/outdoor areas |
Where to Stay on the South Coast NSW During the School Holidays
The right base depends on more than the number of bedrooms you need. Consider how much driving you want to do, whether the beach needs to be within easy reach, the ages of your children, whether you are bringing a pet and how much time you expect to spend at the property itself. South Coast Holidays offers a selection of holiday properties across the South Coast
For families comparing the four destinations covered here, the main differences are:
| Location | Particularly suitable for | Holiday style |
| Kiama | First-time visitors and families wanting plenty of amenities nearby | Beaches, attractions, cafés and coastal walks |
| Sussex Inlet | Families interested in fishing, kayaking and boating | Water-focused, relaxed |
| Manyana | Families wanting space and a quieter beach base | Beach days and time at the holiday house |
| Bendalong | Families wanting a simple coastal holiday | Swimming, beach time, fishing and walking |
Kiama
Kiama is one of the easier South Coast bases for families who want plenty to do without planning a long drive every day. Beaches, ocean pools, the Kiama Blowhole, coastal walking routes, cafés and shops are concentrated around the town and surrounding Kiama Heights area.
Its appeal as a holiday destination has also received national recognition, with Kiama named Australia’s second-best tourism town. This makes it particularly well suited to first-time South Coast visitors and families looking for a destination with plenty of variety beyond a single beach.
South Coast Holidays Homes in Kiama
| Property | Sleeps | Bedrooms | Bathrooms | Useful family features | Particularly suitable for |
| Headland Hideaway | 4 | 2 | 1 | Close to Easts Beach, kitchen, bathtub, backyard, BBQ | Smaller families wanting straightforward beach access |
| Easts Haven | 6 | 4 | 2.5 | Close to Easts Beach and the Kiama Coast Walk, multiple bedrooms | Families wanting the beach and coastal walking nearby |
| Kiama Cliff Retreat | 10 | 5 | 3.5 | Multiple bathrooms, fenced backyard, pool table, ocean views | Two families or multigenerational groups |
| The Glenlorne | 10 | 4 | 4 | Private pool, four bathrooms, generous indoor and outdoor space | Larger groups wanting more space and a private pool |
For a smaller family, Headland Hideaway offers a compact stay close to Easts Beach, while Easts Haven suits families wanting more bedrooms and easy access to the coast. For larger groups, Kiama Cliff Retreat provides five bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, while The Glenlorne is a good fit for families prioritising a private pool and more bathroom space.
Sussex Inlet
Sussex Inlet is a good choice for families who want their school holiday to revolve around the water. The town is positioned around tidal waterways connected to St Georges Basin, so fishing, boating, kayaking and paddleboarding are a natural part of the stay.
Compared with Kiama, the experience is generally less about moving between attractions and more about spending time around the inlet, nearby beaches and the holiday home itself.
South Coast Holidays Homes in Sussex Inlet
| Property | Sleeps | Bedrooms | Bathrooms | Useful family features / positioning | Particularly suitable for |
| Chloes Waterfront Oasis | 4 | 2 | 1 | Waterfront positioning, smaller two-bedroom setup | Smaller families wanting to stay close to the water |
| Waterfront Property With A Jetty | 8 | 3 | 2 | Waterfront setting and private jetty positioning | Families planning fishing, boating or regular time on the inlet |
| The Blue Lagoon | 9 | 4 | 2 | Four bedrooms and capacity for a larger family group | Larger families wanting more sleeping space |
| Riverfront Retreat | 13 | 4 | 3 | Largest guest capacity of the selected homes, riverfront positioning, three bathrooms | Two families, extended families or multigenerational groups |
For a smaller family, Chloes Waterfront Oasis offers a compact waterfront stay, while Waterfront Property With A Jetty is better suited to families planning fishing or boating. For larger groups, The Blue Lagoon provides more bedroom space, while Riverfront Retreat is the strongest fit for extended families or two families travelling together.
Manyana
Manyana is a good choice for families looking for a quieter school holiday focused on the beach, outdoor time and spending more time at the holiday house. The area has fewer town-based attractions than Kiama, so the experience is generally slower and more relaxed.
For families staying several nights, that makes the property itself more important — especially the number of bedrooms, living space and how well the home works for larger groups.
South Coast Holidays Homes in Manyana
| Property | Sleeps | Bedrooms | Bathrooms | Useful family features / positioning | Particularly suitable for |
| Lookin Good | 4 | 2 | 1 | Compact two-bedroom setup for a smaller group | Smaller families wanting a simple Manyana base |
| Ebb And Flow | 8 | 4 | 2 | Four bedrooms and capacity for a larger family group | Two families or families wanting more sleeping space |
| Manyana Views | 10 | 5 | 2.5 | Five bedrooms and one of the larger bedroom configurations in the Manyana range | Extended families or larger groups wanting more separation |
For a smaller family, Lookin Good provides a straightforward two-bedroom option. Ebb And Flow is better suited to two families or a larger household, while Manyana Views offers the most bedroom space of these three for extended families or groups travelling together.
Bendalong
Bendalong is a strong choice for families who want a simple beach-focused school holiday. The area is less about sightseeing and more about swimming, fishing, walking and spending time close to the coast.
Because days often revolve around nearby beaches, the most useful differences between properties are usually group size, number of bedrooms and how much space the family wants at the house.
South Coast Holidays Homes in Bendalong
| Property | Sleeps | Bedrooms | Bathrooms | Useful family features / positioning | Particularly suitable for |
| Kia-Ora | 4 | 2 | 1 | Compact two-bedroom setup in Bendalong | Smaller families wanting a simple beach base |
| Sting Ray Bay | 8 | 4 | 2.5 | Four bedrooms and more space for a larger family group | Larger families or two families travelling together |
| Belong At Bendalong | 10 | 6 | 3 | Six bedrooms and the largest bedroom configuration among these selected homes | Extended families or larger multigenerational groups |
For a smaller family, Kia-Ora is the most straightforward option. Sting Ray Bay gives larger families more bedroom space, while Belong At Bendalong is better suited to extended families or groups that need greater sleeping separation.
Things to Do During the NSW School Holidays
Rather than trying to cover the whole South Coast in one trip, plan activities around the town where you are staying. The distances below are approximate and are intended for itinerary planning. Travel time can change with traffic, road conditions and the individual property you choose.
Kiama: Visit the Kiama Blowhole and Blowhole Point
| Planning detail | Information |
| Address | Blowhole Point Road, Kiama NSW 2533 |
| From Headland Hideaway / Easts Haven | Approximately 8-10 minutes by car |
| From Kiama Cliff Retreat / The Glenlorne | Approximately 10 minutes by car |
| Cost | Free |
| Allow | Around 30–60 minutes, or longer if combined with Kiama Harbour and the ocean pool |
| Why visit | One of Kiama’s best-known natural landmarks, with viewing platforms, picnic facilities and nearby coastal scenery |
The Kiama Blowhole sits at Blowhole Point beside the lighthouse and harbour. Its display depends on the direction and strength of the ocean swell, so conditions can vary from one visit to another. The site is free to visit and has accessible viewing platforms.
For families staying in Kiama or Kiama Heights, it works well as a short outing combined with the harbour, ocean pool or lunch in town rather than a full-day activity.
Kiama: Easts Beach and the Kiama Coast Walk
For families staying around Easts Beach and Kiama Heights, this part of the coastline works well for a shorter beach-and-walk outing without needing to complete the full coastal route.
| Planning detail | Information |
| Easts Beach address | Off Ocean Street, Kiama NSW 2533 |
| Kiama Coast Walk access | The route runs from Minnamurra to Werri Beach, with convenient access around Easts Beach and Loves Bay |
| From Headland Hideaway | Easts Beach is approximately a 5-minute walk from the property |
| From Easts Haven | Approximately 650 m to Easts Beach, with convenient access to the nearby Kiama Coast Walk |
| From Kiama Cliff Retreat / The Glenlorne | Approximately 3 km to Easts Beach, with easy access to the southern section of the Kiama Coast Walk |
| Cost | Free |
| Good for | Beach time, coastal walking and ocean views |
| Why visit | Families can combine a beach stop with a shorter section of the Kiama Coast Walk rather than committing to the full route |
Easts Beach sits directly along the coastal route and provides an easy starting point for families who want to combine swimming or beach time with a walk. The full Kiama Coast Walk extends from Minnamurra to Werri Beach, but shorter sections around Easts Beach and Loves Bay are more practical for a school holiday itinerary.
For guests staying at Headland Hideaway or Easts Haven, this area is particularly convenient, while Kiama Cliff Retreat and The Glenlorne also provide easy access by car.
Sussex Inlet: Explore the Canals and Waterways
| Planning detail | Information |
| Where to start | Sussex Inlet Marine Centre, Jacobs Drive, Sussex Inlet NSW 2540 |
| From Chloes Waterfront Oasis / Waterfront Property With A Jetty | Approximately 1.5 km from the activity area |
| From The Blue Lagoon | Approximately 1 km from the activity area |
| From Riverfront Retreat | Approximately 300 m from the activity area |
| Activities | Kayaking, canoeing, boating and fishing |
| Cost | Kayak, Canoe, SUP, & Fishing Rod Hire: Affordable and budget-friendly, typically ranging from $20 to $40 AUD depending on the duration (by the hour or half-day).Motorboat Hire (Tinnies / Runabouts – no license required): Approximately $200 AUD for a half-day (4 hours) or around $350 AUD for a full day (8 hours), which includes fuel and safety gear. |
| Allow | Around 1.5–3 hours, depending on the activity |
| Best suited to | School-age children who are comfortable around the water; older children and teenagers can enjoy paddling or helping with fishing |
| Why visit | Sussex Inlet’s waterways are one of the area’s defining features, so families can experience the destination directly rather than driving to a separate attraction |
Sussex Inlet is connected to St Georges Basin by a network of tidal waterways, making boating, kayaking and fishing easy activities to include in a family stay. Local operators such as the Sussex Inlet Marine Centre offer boat, canoe and kayak hire.
For school-age children, this works well as a half-day activity because it combines time outdoors with experience on the water. Younger children will need close supervision, while older children and teenagers may enjoy paddling, fishing or exploring the inlet by boat.
Sussex Inlet: Thomson Street Sporting Complex
| Planning detail | Information |
| Address | 21 Thomson Street, Sussex Inlet NSW 2540 |
| From The Blue Lagoon | Approximately 3 km (5-minute-drive) |
| From Riverfront Retreat | Approximately 2.7 km (5-minute-drive) |
| Cost | Free |
| Allow | Around 1–2 hours |
| Facilities | Playground, skate park, learn-to-ride track, BBQ facilities, toilets, tennis and netball courts |
| Best suited to | Primary-school children, older children and teenagers |
| Why visit | Offers several activities in one place, making it useful for families with children of different ages |
Thomson Street Sporting Complex is a practical school-holiday stop because children can choose between the playground, skate park and learn-to-ride track rather than relying on a single activity. The BBQ facilities and toilets also make it easy to stay for a longer morning or afternoon.
Nearby, families can also visit the Sussex Inlet Aquatic Centre, which is a useful alternative for swimming when the weather is cooler or beach conditions are less suitable.
Manyana: Cunjurong Point and Green Island
| Planning detail | Information |
| Address | 16 Ottawa Street, Cunjurong Point NSW 2539 |
| From Lookin Good | Approximately 3.4 km to Cunjurong Point |
| From Ebb And Flow | Approximately 3 km to Cunjurong Point |
| From Manyana Views | Approximately 3.5 km to Cunjurong Point |
| Cost | Free |
| Allow | Around 1–2 hours |
| Best suited to | School-age children, older children and teenagers who enjoy beaches, rock pools and coastal walks |
| Why visit | Cunjurong Point combines beach access, coastal views and Green Island, a well-known local surfing spot |
Cunjurong Point Beach leads towards Green Island and the entrance to Lake Conjola. At low tide, Green Island may be accessible on foot, giving families a chance to explore the shoreline and shallow areas around the island. The area is also known for surfing, particularly around Green Island.
This outing is better suited to school-age children who are comfortable walking on uneven coastal surfaces. Families should check tide and water conditions before attempting to reach Green Island, as currents around Cunjurong Point can be strong. A nearby playground, picnic area and accessible toilet at Cunjurong Point Park also make it easier to extend the visit.
Bendalong: Washerwomans Beach
| Planning detail | Information |
| Address | 88 North Bendalong Road, Bendalong NSW 2539 |
| From Kia-Ora | Approximately 550 m to Washerwomans Beach |
| From Sting Ray Bay | Approximately 650 m to Washerwomans Beach |
| From Belong At Bendalong | Approximately 600 m to Washerwomans Beach |
| Cost | Free |
| Allow | Around 1–3 hours, depending on whether you are swimming, walking or having a picnic |
| Best suited to | Primary-school children, older children and families travelling with a dog |
| Why visit | A relatively sheltered Bendalong beach that works well for swimming, beach walks and a relaxed family outing |
Washerwomans Beach stretches for around 840 metres and its curved position provides some protection from larger swell, making it a practical option for family swimming, beach walks and relaxed time by the coast. It is also a 24-hour off-leash dog beach.
All three selected Bendalong homes are within roughly 550–650 metres of Washerwomans Beach. Kia-Ora is the closest at around 550 metres, followed by Belong At Bendalong at around 600 metres and Sting Ray Bay at around 650 metres, so each works well for families who want easy beach access without relying on the car.
FAQs About South Coast NSW School Holiday Accommodation
Which South Coast NSW areas are suitable for families with children?
Kiama suits families who want beaches, cafés, walks and several attractions nearby. Sussex Inlet is better for fishing, boating and kayaking, while Manyana and Bendalong suit families looking for a quieter beach-focused stay.
Where should families stay if they do not want to drive much?
Kiama is the easiest option for families wanting several activities within a relatively compact area. In Bendalong, choosing a home close to Washerwomans Beach can also reduce the need to use the car during the day.
Which area is best for fishing, boating and kayaking?
Sussex Inlet is the strongest fit. Its tidal waterways connect with St Georges Basin, and families can plan boating, kayaking, canoeing and fishing close to their accommodation.
Is Manyana or Bendalong better for a quiet family holiday?
Both suit quieter coastal stays. Manyana works well for families wanting more time at the holiday house and nearby coastal outings such as Cunjurong Point, while Bendalong is particularly convenient for families who want easy access to the beach.
What should families check before booking a holiday home?
Check the sleeping configuration, number of bathrooms, kitchen and laundry facilities, outdoor space, beach access and how far the property is from the activities you plan to do.
How early should we book for the NSW school holidays?
There is no single booking window that applies to every stay. However, families with fixed dates or specific requirements such as a large home, pool, pet-friendly property or easy beach access will generally have more choice if they compare accommodation earlier.
How many nights should we stay on the South Coast during the school holidays?
For one destination, around four to seven nights gives families enough time for local activities, beach days and slower days at the holiday house without needing to move between several South Coast towns.
Can families bring pets on a South Coast NSW school holiday?
Yes, but pet policies vary between individual holiday homes, so check the property listing before booking. If travelling with a dog, also consider how close the property is to dog-friendly beaches and outdoor areas.
