South Coast Islands of New South Wales

This book explores 61 islands of the South Coast of NSW. These islands don’t have palm-fringed beaches where you sip cocktails at sunset, and a few people could name more than a handful. But each adds scenic splendour to our rugged coastline and picturesque lakes, rivers and estuaries.

Some of the 20 coastal islands are wild and inaccessible to all but migrating birds. Others offer day trippers sandy beaches, spectacular coastal views and delightful rock platforms to explore. Many of the 41 estuarine islands are tranquil and beckoning; some are simply mud and mangroves; a handful are privately owned. All have significant biodiversity values.

Apart from a few scientific studies, little has been written about all but two of the islands, and nothing collectively. For three years the authors led walks and kayak trips to, past or around all of the islands, then decided to fill the information gap and write this book.

It is not just a book for bushwalkers and kayakers. In it you will find out about Aboriginal connections to the islands, early European coastal exploration and settlement, geology, flora, birds, lighthouses, shipwrecks and more. This is the first-ever book about the islands of the NSW South Coast.