Lifestyle

top winter day trips

We’ve rounded up four winter adventures that are right on our doorstep

 

  

Getting away for a holiday not possible this season? No problem! We’ve rounded up four awesome adventures that are right on our doorstep. The best part? You’ll explore somewhere new without breaking the bank, and be back in your own bed by nightfall… 

Truffle hunt in Tarago
Black winter truffles are hot property among foodies for their rich, earthy flavour. But who knew hunting to harvest these little beauties could be so thrilling? Truffle hunting at Tarago Truffle farm – about a two-hour drive from Wollongong – is a fun, educational experience foodies, friends and families will love. Led by hosts Denzil and Anne Sturgiss and their talented truffle dogs, who are trained to sniff out the mature truffles underground (clever pups!), the hunt will lead you on a wild wander through beautiful farmland. There is no better way to spend a wintery day than getting down and dirty to dig for these highly prized delicacies. Head to www.taragotruffles.com.au for truffle hunt dates.

Chase waterfalls in the Southern Highlands
If you’ve never made the trip to Fitzroy Falls, put it on your to-do list, stat! Just an hour’s drive from the Coal Coast, this spectacular waterfall plunges over 80 metres to the valley below, eventually making its way to the Kangaroo River. Starting from the Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre, the East Rim and Wildflower Walk is a 6.7km return track that weaves through Moreton National Park and takes in breathtaking views of the falls. During the two-hour walk, you’ll be enveloped by our gorgeously diverse range of vibrant native flora, and may even be lucky enough to be serenaded with the soulful song of a lyrebird! After you’re done exploring, make the short drive to Burrawang Village Hotel, famous for its views of the Southern Highlands’ lush rolling hills and its topnotch pub grub! Pull up a stool and tuck into the slow-cooked roast of the day, duck Maryland or Moroccan lamb pizza with the dull crackle of the fireplace as background noise. Winter day trippin’ at its best!

Groove in Jamberoo
Just a half-hour drive inland sits the quaint and picturesque town of Jamberoo – and no, we’re not sending you to the Action Park (although, that’s a sweet drawcard too!). On Saturday July 21, Jamberoo is hosting its first music festival in 17 years! With over 100 Aussie blues, roots, indie and folk musicians performing across three intimate venues, this is the perfect day out for the whole fam. The community-driven, boutique event will also include market stalls, street performers and a busking competition. A great local celebration to support – and you’ll feel like you’ve just spent the weekend away at Bluesfest in Byron! See www.jamberoomusicfestival.com for more.

Wave watch in Kiama
Jump on the train and head 40 minutes south to the beautiful coastal town of Kiama. There’s plenty to explore in the area – not just the blowhole… though if you haven’t seen that in operation, you really should! As an added bonus this winter, from July 30 to August 9, Kiama will see over 100 international and national bodyboarding stars hit the water for BodyBoard Slam – currently the only World Tour event slated for Australia. Surf Beach will be abuzz as the comp takes over the beachfront – a fun day out, and it’s completely free. If seeing a surf contest isn’t your thing, the Kiama Seaside Markets is held the third Sunday of every month from 9am-3pm right on the water. Locally designed clothing, art, vintage wares, produce and handicrafts are all on offer, as live music is played throughout the day. Pro tip: Grab a coffee from Penny Whistlers on the harbour before you browse the 100 stalls.

Pictures: www.chilby.com.au

 

 

More Lifestyle related articles:

Tread Right Podiatry & Biomechanics combines traditional and progressive treatments to support Illawarra locals of all ages with personalised foot care and injury prevention.
Look no further... Your one-stop shop for local experiences & support services.
get back to nature with a scenic bushwalk the whole family will enjoy
A woman with dark dreadlocks and tattoos crouches beside a young boy wearing a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt, and boots. They are exploring a rocky creek bed, using a pan and a small container to examine pebbles and water. Sunlight filters through the trees, creating a natural, serene setting with blurred figures in the background near the water.
In a busy world, we all need ways to stop and reset our bodies. So how can we practice mindfulness with our kids?
Sand dunes at Port Kembla
The rolling sand dunes were once an iconic part of the Illawarra coastline. So where have they gone?
the port Kembla billy cart derby was a fan favourite for decades, with many homemade carts racing down the Wentworth Street hill and straight into the record books
Meet multidisciplinary artist and Bulli local, Samantha Arnull will present a workshop in tiny sculpture at Woodfest 2024
Direct from its world premiere season at Sydney’s Ensemble Theatre, The Queen’s Nanny is set to enthrall audiences in Wollongong. We spoke to playwright Melanie Tait to find out about her connection to the Illawarra and what makes this play so captivating.
Red Room Poetry and Wollongong City Council have partnered this year to plant a ‘POEM FOREST’ in Wollongong.
A historic black-and-white photo of the Commercial Hotel in Jamberoo, featuring a two-story building with ornate ironwork on the balcony and several men standing outside.
Over 160 years young, Jamberoo Pub continues to be an iconic part of the historic village and its community
A man and a woman performing Pilates exercises using reformer machines in a bright, airy studio with wooden floors and large mirrors.
Discover the best local experiences and unique buys in the Illawarra with Coal Coast. Dive into invigorating yoga sessions at Kai Yoga & Pilates, enhance your digital presence with We Think Digital, pamper your pets at VIP Dog Club, and manage your finances with GRJ Accounting.
Two men, one older and one younger, smiling and giving thumbs up in front of large stainless steel beer vats at Stoic Brewing.
Co-owner of Gerringong’s Stoic Brewing, Andrew Prosser, talks with us about how his father and him combined their passion, hometown and an ancient philosophy to create one of the most successful breweries on the south coast.
Kangaroo Valley Hampden Bridge
No matter which way you travel, the journey to Kangaroo Valley requires a drive over a windy mountain pass through lush forests and tunnels of trees, before descending into what’s commonly called ‘Australia’s most beautiful valley’.
The amazing beaches, the picturesque escarpment and the coastal lifestyle are amongst the reasons why we love calling the Illawarra region home. Add in a thriving cafe culture, emerging food scene and that we’re only a stone’s throw from Sydney it makes sense why the Illawarra is highly sought after as a place to buy a home.

Jessica Clark of Earth Worthy Bags has founded a visionary enterprise and is on a mission to redefine the way we approach consumption, championing ethical practices and sustainability.

Meet Sarah from Retro Roast, your local coffee hub in Mount Kembla, where quirky meets community, and every brew is crafted to perfection with the Gusto blend from Seven Miles Coffee Roasters.

Explore the heart and soul of Illawarra through our local business spotlight, where we dive into the stories, passions, and community spirit of the region's most inspiring enterprises.

The first all-women's surf comp on the south coast is riding the huge wave of young women now joining the sport, marking the Sunday 5 May event at Woonona Beach as a milestone, decades in the making.

Let’s Be Friends

We’d love to send you occassional news and updates of happenings along the Coal Coast to your inbox!

Let’s be friends

We’d love to send updates of happenings along our Coal Coast to your inbox!

Name(Required)
Email(Required)
Privacy(Required)