Shoalhaven Coast

The Shoalhaven Coast unfurls along the New South Wales South Coast like a secret kept by the sea: a string of sleepy villages, wild surf beaches, and lush hinterland where the bush meets the ocean. This is the kind of place where you can spend the morning watching whales migrate past headlands, the afternoon kayaking a mangrove-lined river, and the evening tucking into freshly shucked oysters at a waterfront shack. It’s a region that rewards slowing down, with a laid-back, local feel that’s a world away from the crowds of Sydney, just two hours north.

Highlights & What to See

• Jervis Bay – Home to some of the whitest sands on earth (Hyams Beach), crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling, and a thriving pod of bottlenose dolphins. Kayak the calm bay or walk the White Sands Walk between Hyams and Greenpatch.
• Booderee National Park – A stunning Aboriginal-owned park at the southern tip of Jervis Bay, with dramatic cliffs, secluded coves, and the historic Cape St George Lighthouse. The park is a haven for birdlife and offers excellent bushwalking.
• Shoalhaven River & Coolangatta Estate – Explore the historic river town of Berry, then head to Coolangatta Estate, one of the region’s oldest vineyards, for a tasting of semillon or shiraz with views over the valley.
• Kangaroo Valley – A bucolic hinterland pocket of dairy farms, sandstone cliffs, and the historic Hampden Bridge. Rent a canoe on the Kangaroo River, or hike the Fitzroy Falls trail in Morton National Park.
• Seven Mile Beach National Park – A long, unspoiled stretch of sand backed by coastal heath and wetlands. Perfect for a long walk, birdwatching, or a picnic with the sound of the Tasman Sea.

Suggested Time to Spend

Give yourself at least three to four days to really appreciate the Shoalhaven Coast. This allows a relaxed pace: a day exploring Jervis Bay’s beaches and Booderee, a day in Kangaroo Valley and the hinterland, and a day to wine-taste and wander historic Berry. If you’re self-driving from Sydney or Melbourne, it’s an ideal stopover for a night or two, but the region deserves a proper short break to soak up its easygoing coastal rhythm.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie – A lively coastal city with a beautiful foreshore, koala hospital, and a thriving food scene, about 1.5 hours north.
• Batemans Bay – The gateway to the Eurobodalla coast, famous for its oysters and the Murramarang National Park, about an hour south.
• Morton National Park – Home to the stunning Pigeon House Mountain and the Budawang Range, offering challenging day walks and incredible views.
• Berry – A charming historic town with great cafés, galleries, and the famous Berry Donut Van. It’s a perfect lunch stop.
• Kiama – Known for the Kiama Blowhole and the scenic Kiama Coastal Walk, about 45 minutes north.

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