Berry

Berry is a postcard-perfect historic town on the New South Wales South Coast, where tree-lined main streets, century-old buildings, and a thriving local food scene converge. Just two hours south of Sydney, this former dairy-farming centre has reinvented itself as a gourmet getaway, with artisan bakeries, farm gates, and cellar doors that showcase the region's bounty. The surrounding landscape of rolling green hills, dairy pastures, and pristine beaches makes Berry an ideal base for a relaxed coastal escape.

Highlights & What to See

• Berry Main Street: Stroll Queen Street, lined with heritage verandahs housing boutiques, antique shops, and the famous Berry Donut Van – a must for its hot jam donuts.
• Coolangatta Estate: On the banks of the Shoalhaven River, this historic vineyard and winery offers tastings of its award-winning semillon and shiraz, plus a round on its golf course.
• Berry Museum: Housed in the old Bank of NSW building, this small museum tells the story of the town's indigenous, pioneering, and dairy-farming past.
• Seven Mile Beach National Park: A stunning stretch of sand backed by coastal heath and rainforest – perfect for swimming, surfing, or a long walk to the mouth of the Shoalhaven River.
• Shoalhaven River: Kayak, paddleboard, or cruise the river's calm waters; keep an eye out for pelicans and black swans.

Suggested Time to Spend

Berry rewards a leisurely pace. A weekend (two nights) is ideal: spend the first day exploring the town and its foodie offerings, then head to the coast or river for the second day. If you're on a road trip between Sydney and Melbourne, an overnight stop allows you to experience Berry's evening charm – dinner at one of its acclaimed restaurants is a highlight. With a full day, you can visit a winery, walk the main street, and dip your toes in the ocean.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Kiama: 15 minutes north, famous for the Kiama Blowhole, scenic coastal walks, and the Kiama Farmers Market.
• Gerringong: A laid-back seaside village with a beautiful surf beach and the historic Gerringong Heritage Walk.
• Jervis Bay: 30 minutes south, home to Hyams Beach (claimed to have the whitest sand in the world) and abundant marine life.
• Nowra: The commercial hub of the Shoalhaven, with the Shoalhaven Zoo, the Meroogal historic house, and access to the Kangaroo Valley.
• Shoalhaven Heads: A quiet beachside hamlet at the mouth of the Shoalhaven River, popular for fishing and birdwatching.

Please check official sources for current details.