Hidden Gems South Coast NSW: Bombo Quarry, Hill 60 & More

The NSW South Coast is famous for its pristine beaches, but the region's true hidden gems lie in its dramatic geology, WWII fortifications, historic ruins and abandoned industrial sites. From hexagonal basalt columns that look like another planet to wartime bunkers above the steelworks, these places show off the coast's incredible diversity, with a couple of bonus detours inland and up north. They're all part of our guide Hidden Gems NSW.

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Geological Wonders & Coastal Formations

Bombo Quarry, Kiama

This heritage-listed site is a surreal landscape of jagged basalt columns, towering sea stacks and deep stone channels where the Pacific crashes with incredible force. The hexagonal columns were formed around 270 million years ago, then shaped by quarry workers from the 1880s to the 1940s. Today it's a favourite dark-sky spot for Milky Way photography and was a filming location for Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Stay on the paths and behind the fences, don't climb the columns, and skip it in rough seas: the quarry floor is unfenced.

Highlights: Hexagonal basalt columns, astrophotography, the Bombo Headland staircase (opened 2025), sunrise photography

Cathedral Rocks, Kiama

These dramatic sea stacks rise from the ocean like Gothic spires, creating one of the most photographed coastal scenes in NSW. The rocks are best seen at low tide, and golden hour light turns them into glowing sculptures. It's an exposed rock platform, so check the tide and swell, keep well back from the water's edge and never turn your back on the ocean.

Highlights: Sea stack formations, rock pools, golden hour photography, Kiama Blowhole nearby

Military History & WWII Fortifications

Hill 60, Port Kembla

High above the Port Kembla Steelworks, this WWII fortress was built to protect the strategically important steel industry. Its bunkers, engine rooms and observation posts were carved into the hill, and the 360-degree views span from the Five Islands to the BlueScope Steelworks. It's also a popular spot for hang gliders and paragliders. Hill 60 is a state heritage-listed Aboriginal site too, so treat it with respect. The military tunnels are closed to the public: enjoy the gun emplacements and views from outside.

Highlights: Gun emplacements, 360-degree views, Aboriginal heritage site, Fishermans Beach below

Historic Ruins & Heritage Sites

Trial Bay Gaol, South West Rocks (Mid North Coast)

A long drive north of the South Coast but too good to leave out. Perched on the cliffs of Arakoon National Park, these granite ruins look more like a Scottish castle than an Australian prison. Built in 1886 to house prisoners constructing a breakwater (which failed and washed away), the gaol was reopened during WWI to hold German internees. Today it's a staggering ruin with roofless cell blocks, a museum and the German Monument on the hill behind. It's a heritage site with set opening times, so check before you go, and don't climb the walls or enter fenced areas.

Highlights: Granite ruins, WWI German internee history, museum, sunset views, Trial Bay camping, Front Beach swimming

Mittagong Maltings, Southern Highlands

Inland in the Southern Highlands, three massive red-brick towers with distinctive conical roofs loom over Mittagong's railway line. Once owned by Tooth & Co., this 1899 malthouse produced the malt for famous beers like KB Lager. After devastating fires in 1981, it sat in beautiful decay for 40 years. It's private property being redeveloped, so don't go onto the site: view the exterior from Winifred West Park.

Highlights: Three conical towers, Victorian architecture, winter mist photography, Winifred West Park viewpoint

Planning Your South Coast Hidden Gems Trip

Best Base Towns

• Kiama: Perfect for Bombo Quarry, Cathedral Rocks and coastal walks
• Wollongong: Gateway to Hill 60 and the Illawarra beaches
• South West Rocks: Base for Trial Bay Gaol and North Coast exploring
• Mittagong: Southern Highlands hub for the Maltings and wine country

Essential Tips

• Bombo Quarry: Watch for rogue waves and never turn your back on the ocean
• Cathedral Rocks: Check tide times and swell before you go
• Hill 60: Incredibly windy, so bring a windbreaker
• Trial Bay: Book camping months in advance (it's a legendary spot)
• Mittagong Maltings: View from Winifred West Park (the site is private)
• Best photography: Sunrise at Bombo, sunset at Trial Bay

Combine Your Trip

• Kiama: Bombo Quarry + Cathedral Rocks + Kiama Blowhole
• Port Kembla: Hill 60 + Fishermans Beach + Five Islands lookout
• South West Rocks: Trial Bay Gaol + Smoky Cape Lighthouse + Bridle Track walk

South Coast Hidden Gems FAQs

Can you go inside the Hill 60 tunnels?

No. Wollongong City Council keeps the Hill 60 military tunnels closed to the public. You can visit the lookout, gun emplacements and views from outside.

Is Bombo Quarry safe to visit?

Yes, if you stay on the signposted paths and behind the fenced lookouts. The quarry floor is unfenced, the stairs are steep and the coastline at their base can be dangerous, so avoid it in rough seas.

Can you go inside Mittagong Maltings?

No. The Maltings is private property; view the towers from Winifred West Park.

Explore our complete Ultimate Guide to NSW Hidden Gems, head further south to Horse Head Rock and the Pinnacles near Tathra, or browse the NSW collection for more secret locations.