Shoalhaven

Stretching from the white sands of Jervis Bay to the cool eucalypt forests of the Southern Highlands, Shoalhaven is a sprawling region on the New South Wales south coast that feels like a series of hidden worlds joined by winding roads. This is where you come for impossibly turquoise water, Aboriginal rock art, and some of the best oysters you'll ever shuck. The pace is slow, the air is clean, and the locals are happy to share a tip about a secret beach if you ask nicely.

Highlights & What to See

• Jervis Bay – Hyams Beach claims the whitest sand in the world, but the entire bay is a stunner. Kayak with dolphins, walk the Booderee National Park coastal track past ancient shell middens, and snorkel at Greenpatch.
• Huskisson – The region's laid-back hub, with a buzzing main street of cafés, galleries, and the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum. In winter, watch for migrating whales from the headland.
• Booderee National Park – Co-managed with the Wreck Bay Aboriginal community, this park protects rainforest, cliffs, and the striking Botanical Gardens. Don't miss the Cave Beach walk.
• Shoalhaven River – Paddle or cruise this broad waterway from Nowra to the sea. The river is lined with mangroves and is a prime spot for birdwatching and fishing.
• Berry – A historic dairy town turned foodie destination. Browse the cheese shop, antique stores, and settle in for a long lunch at one of the heritage pubs.
• Aboriginal rock art at Bundanon – The Bundanon Trust property features significant sandstone rock shelters with stencils and engravings. Book a guided tour to understand the stories behind the art.

Suggested Time to Spend

Three days is the sweet spot for Shoalhaven: one day to explore Jervis Bay and Booderee, another to paddle the river and visit Berry, and a third to hike in the hinterland or simply do nothing on a quiet beach. If you're self-driving, consider basing yourself in Huskisson for easy access to both coast and countryside. The region rewards those who linger — rushing here misses the point.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Kangaroo Valley – A lush, green valley with a historic village, suspension bridge, and excellent bushwalking — just a 30-minute drive inland.
• Nowra – The commercial centre of Shoalhaven, with the Shoalhaven Zoo and the cool, forested Cambewarra Lookout.
• Ulladulla – A classic south-coast fishing town with a working harbour, rock pools, and the nearby Budawang National Park for serious hikers.
• Batemans Bay – About an hour south, this is the gateway to the Eurobodalla region and the spectacular Clyde River oyster trails.
• Southern Highlands – Head west to Bowral, Mittagong, and Robertson for cool-climate gardens, antique shopping, and cosy pubs — a perfect contrast to the coastal vibe.

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