About
Destination Sydney Surrounds South
DSSS is one of seven Destination Networks (DNs) in regional NSW. Its principle role is to represent and coordinate the growth and development of the Sydney Surrounds South visitor economy. The Sydney Surrounds South region comprises the five local government areas: Kiama, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Wollongong and Wingecarribee (the Southern Highlands). Each has their respective vision for the future, and projects and priorities, which are relevant to the sustainable growth of the region.
The Sydney Surrounds South visitor economy delivered 6.6% of the region’s jobs, supports 6,295 businesses and directly delivers 4.0% ($1.3 billion) of the region’s Gross Value Add (GVA) which has grown every year since 2010-11 at an average 4.9% pa. The region attracted just over 13 million visitors and 14 million visitor nights.
Destination Sydney Surrounds South Map
Strategic Projects
Agritourism Planning Reforms
The NSW Government has made it easier for farmers to use their land for agritourism to complement their existing businesses.
The simplified planning rules help landowners to add value to their existing agricultural operations and encourages the next generation to farm the land.
Great South Coast Walks
The ‘Great South Coast Walks’ (GSCW) is a concept that connects over 660km of existing and proposed coastal walking tracks on the NSW South Coast, stretching from Bundeena on the southern fringe of Sydney to Mallacoota in Victoria. This project seeks to create a brand identity and establish market position for the GSCW. This umbrella brand will bring together and leverage a series of established walks allowing greater cohesion and marketability of the existing assets.
Business Events Industry Development
Designed to support skills development and the sharing of resources with operators that could leverage the benefits of hosting business events in this region, either directly or indirectly.
Access the useful Business Events Checklist to help you grow this market for your business.
Go GRAND
DSSS is proudly part of a campaign to support the iconic Grand Pacific Drive that stretches from Wollongong through to Shellharbour, Kiama, the Shoalhaven and into the lush Southern Highlands.
This campaign is jointly funded by Destination Sydney Surrounds South and our five Local Government Areas (Kiama, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Wingecarribee, and Wollongong), with the goal of stimulating winter visitation across the region. The campaign showcases inspirational content and highlights experiences under the themes of Grand Experiences, Grand Nature, Grand Flavours, and Grand Stays. You can view the campaign landing page here.
Local businesses are encouraged to get involved in the campaign and can access the shareable content for your own socials.
Our Board
DSSS is led by a board of skills based directors:
Lyndel Gray
Mark Bourne
Dave Campbell
Libby Cupitt
Roger Stephan
The Team
Shannan Perry-Hall
Kylie Bushby
Tash McQueen
Lauren Bingham
Acknowledgement of Country
Destination Sydney Surrounds South acknowledges the Aboriginal Nations and Aboriginal People of the Sydney Surrounds South region as the traditional carers and custodians of the land that we all now live and work on.We pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging. Destination Sydney Surrounds South values the diversity of this region and works in partnership with local Aboriginal communities to respectfully celebrate and share Aboriginal culture with visitors to the region and also with locals who live here.
Image credit: Destination NSW