Summer School Holidays South Coast NSW 2026–27: Family Guide
The NSW South Coast is a family-friendly summer escape, with sandy beaches, coastal walks, kayaking adventures and holiday homes close to the water. For NSW public schools, the 2026–2027 summer holidays run from Friday 18 December 2026 to Wednesday 27 January 2027 in the Eastern Division, or Wednesday 3 February in the Western Division. This guide covers the best South Coast activities, where to enjoy them and practical tips for planning a relaxed family getaway.
When Are the NSW Summer School Holidays in 2026–2027?
According to the NSW Department of Education, the official 2026–2027 summer break for public schools begins on Friday 18 December 2026. The finishing date depends on the school division:
| NSW School Division | Start Date | End Date |
| Eastern Division | Friday, 18 December 2026 | Wednesday, 27 January 2027 |
| Western Division | Friday, 18 December 2026 | Wednesday, 3 February 2027 |
These dates refer to school holidays, not the first day students return to class. School development days follow the break: 28 January–2 February for Eastern Division schools and 4–9 February for Western Division schools.
Students begin Term 1 on Wednesday 3 February 2027 (Eastern) or Wednesday 10 February (Western). Dates may differ for some border-area schools, independent and Catholic schools, so confirm your child’s calendar before booking accommodation or activities.
Best Things to Do During Summer School Holidays on the South Coast
From beach mornings to rainforest walks, the South Coast offers enough variety to mix active days with quieter family time. These five options work particularly well during the long summer break.
Enjoy Family-Friendly Beaches and Ocean Pools
For a beach day with convenient facilities, head to Kendalls Beach in Kiama. It has parking off O’Keefe Place, toilets, showers, a playground, barbecue facilities and summer school-holiday patrols.
Another option is Surf Beach in Kiama, located within walking distance of the town centre. Families will find a nearby playground, picnic areas, barbecue facilities and public toilets. The beach is patrolled daily during the summer school holidays, with council lifeguards on weekdays and volunteer lifesavers on weekends and public holidays. Always swim between the red and yellow flags when patrols are operating.
Nearby Blowhole Point Rock Pool is an alternative to surf swimming, with change rooms, parking and a separate shallow wading area for younger children, although the rocky floor and changing ocean conditions still require supervision.
Further south, North and South Mollymook have seasonal beach patrols; check current dates and flagged areas before swimming.
Jervis Bay’s Hyams Beach is beautiful for sand play and shoreline walks, but it is unpatrolled and parking is limited, particularly during the summer holidays. Families can also consider parking at Greenfield Beach and following the scenic White Sands Walk towards Hyams Beach.
Try Kayaking, Paddleboarding and Other Water Activities
Sussex Inlet is a natural starting point for a family day on the water, thanks to its tidal canals and access to St Georges Basin. Families can try kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or boat hire, with local operators offering equipment and lessons.
Nearby Berrara Creek offers a quieter paddle: Visit NSW describes a canoe or kayak route of about 3km upstream from the boat ramp near the village.
For a different experience, head to Huskisson for a dolphin-watching cruise through Jervis Bay Marine Park; sightings depend on wildlife and conditions.
Before booking, check each operator’s minimum age, life-jacket provision, supervision requirements, weather policy and whether beginners need a guide.
Explore Wildlife, Rainforests and Coastal Nature
For a change from the beach, visit Minnamurra Rainforest in Budderoo National Park, near Jamberoo. The 1.6km Lyrebird Loop takes roughly 30–60 minutes and offers elevated walkways through the forest; park entry costs $12 per vehicle.
NSW National Parks also lists Junior Ranger sessions on 5, 14 and 20 January 2027 for children aged 5–15, costing $18 per child plus park entry, subject to bookings and park alerts.
In Kiama, choose a short section of the Kiama Coast Walk rather than tackling the full route with young children.
Families travelling farther south can visit Pebbly Beach in Murramarang National Park, known for eastern grey kangaroos. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed; observe animals from a distance.
Spend a Day at Water Parks and Adventure Attractions
Jamberoo Action Park is a full-day option for families who enjoy water slides and rides. The 2026–2027 season covers selected open days from 26 September to 26 April.
Online admission costs $74 for ages 4–12 and $84 for ages 13–59, while children three and under enter free. Several rides have minimum height requirements of 1.0m or 1.2m.
For a different adventure, Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures offers a 1.5km rainforest Treetop Walk (advertised from $20) and guided zipline tours (from $100).
Ziplining requires participants to be at least five years old and 105cm tall, with an adult accompanying under-18s. Allow a full day for Jamberoo or around one to two hours for Illawarra Fly’s Treetop Walk, and check availability before travelling.
Find Rainy-Day and Indoor Activities for Kids
Rainy afternoons or very hot days are a good reason to swap the beach for indoor activities. Kiama Leisure Centre has an indoor 25m pool, a toddler pool and an indoor sports hall, with casual swimming passes available.
The centre has previously offered school-holiday pool toys, gymnastics and sports activities, so check its program for the December–January break.
Kiama and Gerringong libraries are another option for craft sessions, creative workshops and age-specific children’s events. Council holiday programs vary by season, and the summer 2026–2027 timetable should be checked before making plans.
Reserve workshop places early where required, and check Christmas and Boxing Day closures.
Best Places to Spend the Summer School Holidays on the South Coast
Where you stay shapes your family’s summer holiday, from how far you travel for activities to where everyone unwinds afterwards. These four South Coast destinations offer different experiences, so choose the one that suits your children’s interests and preferred pace.
| Destination | Best For | Summer Highlights |
| Kiama | Families who enjoy attractions and town amenities | Kiama Blowhole, ocean pools, Jamberoo Action Park |
| Sussex Inlet | Families interested in boating and paddling | Waterways, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding |
| Bendalong & Manyana | Relaxed coastal family holidays | Beaches, nature walks, surfing |
| Callala Beach & Vincentia | Beach-focused family getaways | White-sand beaches, snorkelling, dolphin cruises |
Kiama – For Families Who Love Attractions and Easy Day Trips
On the northern stretch of the NSW South Coast, Kiama combines a lively coastal town with easy family outings. Watch the Kiama Blowhole from its designated viewing area, spend a morning at Kendalls Beach, or explore the shallow wading area at Blowhole Point Rock Pool.
Jamberoo Action Park is a popular nearby option for a bigger adventure day. Cafés, shops and coastal walks make it convenient to alternate sightseeing with downtime. Kiama suits families who want plenty to do without spending every day on the road. Choose holiday homes in Kiama to keep beaches and local amenities within easy reach.
Sussex Inlet – For Water Activities and Relaxed Family Holidays
Located in Shoalhaven, Sussex Inlet is surrounded by tidal canals and waterways linking towards St Georges Basin. Families can hire a kayak or try stand-up paddleboarding, then take a beach day at nearby Cudmirrah or enjoy walking and cycling in Conjola National Park.
Different waterways have different currents and access conditions, so check local advice before taking children onto the water. Sussex Inlet suits families who prefer flexible, outdoors-focused days over busy attraction schedules. Browse holiday homes in Sussex Inlet and compare each property’s actual distance from the water, parking arrangements and outdoor space before booking.
Bendalong & Manyana – For a Classic Coastal Summer Escape
Bendalong and neighbouring Manyana are small coastal villages in the Shoalhaven region, ideal for slowing down during the school holidays. Families can picnic near Boat Harbour, enjoy beach games at Bendalong (Inyadda) Beach or watch surfers at Manyana Beach.
The area also offers bushland walks and access to Conjola National Park, although surf conditions vary between beaches. With fewer town-centre attractions than Kiama, these villages suit travellers happy to spend unhurried days outdoors. A self-contained holiday home in Manyana can provide room for shared meals and sandy beach gear; check pet policies carefully if bringing your dog.
Jervis Bay Area – For Beach Days and Marine Adventures
Callala Beach and Vincentia sit on different sides of Jervis Bay, making them distinct bases rather than neighbouring villages. Callala Beach, on the northern shore, offers a long sandy coastline and nearby picnic facilities, while Vincentia, on the southern side, provides access to beaches including Collingwood and Nelsons.
Families can snorkel when conditions permit or travel to Huskisson for a dolphin-watching cruise; wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Both areas suit beach-centred holidays, but check driving routes before planning cross-bay outings. Explore holiday homes around Callala Beach and choose the side of the bay closest to your planned activities.
Where to Stay on the South Coast During Summer School Holidays
A self-contained holiday home can make summer school holidays easier, particularly when everyone wants space between beach outings. Start with the number of bedrooms and the advertised maximum guest capacity, then check bed layouts, bathrooms and whether there is enough dining space for your group.
A smaller family might prioritise a kitchen, laundry and nearby beach access; two families travelling together may value separate living areas, extra bathrooms and off-street parking.
During December and January, air conditioning, shaded outdoor areas and a place to rinse sandy towels can be especially useful.
Check the actual distance to your preferred beach, whether the property has stairs or unfenced outdoor areas, and any pet rules. Facilities vary by listing, so confirm details rather than assuming every holiday home includes them.
Make Your South Coast Summer Holiday Feel Like Home
Explore South Coast Holidays’ holiday homes in Kiama, Sussex Inlet, Bendalong, Manyana and surrounding destinations. Find a stay that matches your group size, preferred facilities and summer plans.
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