Seven ways to enjoy the Shoalhaven

Expansive national parks, breathtaking escarpments and 100 beautiful beaches, the Shoalhaven region on the NSW South Coast is the ideal spot of an adventure-filled holiday.

 

With the Easter break creeping up and the region continuing to rejuvenate after last summer’s bushfire season, why not lock in a few nights away and see what the area has to offer.

 

 

Catch a wave

Enjoy the Shoalhaven’s most stunning beaches for longer this autumn, as the air cools and the water warms to the perfect temperature. Learn to surf from surfing pioneer and legend, Pam Burridge, at her Surf School or at the Mollymook Beach Surf School, or JB Surf School. And don’t forget to get decked out with the best gear at Busted Surf Co. Pack your own boards and seek out world class breaks with Shoalhaven’s Surf Guide endorsed by Culburra’s born and bred world champion Tyler Wright.

 

 

Go for a paddle

The beauty and diversity of Shoalhaven’s bays and inlets makes it perfect for kayaking. Witness the abundance of sea life, local dolphins, and coastal beauty of Jervis Bay with Jervis Bay Kayak and Paddlesports, perfect for beginners and experienced kayakers alike. Take your own canoe or kayak and navigate launch spots and local tips with Shoalhaven’s Kayak and Canoe Guide.

Marvel at Kangaroo Valley’s stunning sandstone-lined rivers and emerald forests with Kangaroo Valley Kayaks, Kangaroo Valley Safari Kayaks and Canoe Hire or Canadian canoes with with the option to camp in the beautiful National Park — or enjoy delicious local canapés and wines on a tour with Canoes, Cool Climate Wines and Canapés or a ten course degustation on the Three Views Track in Kangaroo Valley with the Highland Valley Forage.

 

Test your SUP skills

Paddle through the pristine waters of Swan Lake, Sussex River and Berrara Creek in Sussex Inlet Stand Up Paddle, and see the stunning marine life beneath your feet in SUP with George at Currambene Creek, or in Jervis Bay at Jervis Bay Stand Up Paddle.

 

 

Go climbing

Get off the beaten track and see all the incredible sights and adventures the Shoalhaven has to offer. Experience an adrenaline rush with a ‘cliffnic’ (picnic while hanging from a cliffside!) in Nowra at Outdoor Raw, challenge yourself with a sandstone ascent with Climb Nowra, or head indoors at Indoor Climb South Coast, a dedicated gym for climbers with top rope climbing and bouldering.

 

 

Explore beneath the surface

Enjoy the thrill of boom netting – a safe and fun alternative to diving and snorkelling with Jervis Bay Wild where you can enjoy uninterrupted views of dolphins, and world-famous white sand beaches. For more freedom, enjoy freediving snorkelling expeditions to the seal colonies, sea caves, and beaches of Jervis Bay with Woebegone Freedive, or snorkel and dive with Dive Jervis Bay who offer many expeditions including a Swim with the Whales tour in winter and spring.

 

 

Home to 120 resident bottlenose dolphins, Jervis Bay is the best way to see dolphins year-round. Embark a 17-metre triple deck catamaran vessel in Dolphin Watch Cruises Jervis Bay and go dolphin watching with a complimentary morning/afternoon tea along the way.

 

Get a dose of culture

Discover the Shoalhaven’s rich Aboriginal history with a series of cultural tours to inspire connection and appreciation. Djiriba Waagura provide a range of captivating visitor experiences, against the backdrop of picturesque sandstone caves with ancient rock-art, an abundance of bush food and wildlife to see, as well as Coroboree and smoking ceremony experiences.

For a more intimate experience, join Noel and Trish in Nura Gunyu, on an immersive cultural education tour with activities ranging from short walks on country to degustation dinners – all with a focus on learning about the plants that have sustained, healed and helped the Yuin people for tens of thousands of years.

Gadu hosts a wealth of trips to satisfy any adventure craving – from sightseeing and photography tours sharing the stories of creation and how the land came to being, to dazzling whale watching, fishing trips, as well as private scuba and snorkelling trips along the shallows of the land’s reefs.

 

 

Take a hike

Explore the beautiful South Coast with the multi award-winning Region X Unspoilt Experiences South Coast NSW on a guided bushwalk in Murramarang National Park alongside the famous beach-living kangaroos. Head out into the wilderness of Morton National Park with Big Nature Adventures offering bespoke outdoor adventures such as hiking the iconic Didthul Pigeon House Mountain or The Castle, as well as rock climbing and abseiling.

 

 

Escape the buzz of modern life and tread the less travelled path with the help of the Shoalhaven’s Favourite Walks Guide. Choose between coastal trails, mountain hikes or hidden gorges with 12 to choose from. There is something for everyone from accessible strolls to challenging hikes.

 

Looking for more inspiration for a trip to the South Coast? Check out our ultimate 3-day itinerary.