destination –South Coast

SHOALHAVEN'S
sparkling jewels

The Shoalhaven region, on NSW’s South Coast, is an area of unsurpassed beauty and great diversity. Being only a two and a half hour drive from either Sydney or Canberra, it’s close to home and is just perfect for a short break or weekend away.

There are numerous wonderful spots in this heavenly region. They include the small and delightful village of Berry which started life as Broughton Creek, a private town dating back to the early 1800’s. Today it has a number of National Trust classified buildings, a museum and historical society and many antique and crafts stores.

>> Destination South Coast, Weekends For Two

Surrounded by rich dairy country, below the coastal escarpment, there are local walking trails to enjoy, winetasting at nearby Coolangatta while a Country Fair Market is held on the first Sunday of each month.

Be sure to enjoy a hearty meal at one of Berry’s country pubs or cafes, many of which specialise in local produce. In October don’t miss the Berry Garden Festival, when gardeners display their green-fingered expertise.

The scenic roads from Berry to Kangaroo Valley have all the right ingredients for a perfect weekend - cafes, galleries, pubs, cabins in the bush and bushwalks - all set in a breathtakingly beautiful and dramatic countryside. Remnants of rainforest cling to the steep escarpement, while the river and creeks criss cross the rich verdant valley.

The small township of Kangaroo Valley developed around its river when the Hampden Bridge was built in 1898. This beautiful sandstone bridge is now the oldest suspension bridge in Australia and a popular spot for photography. Also worth visiting is the Pioneer Farm Museum, based on a typical 19th century farmhouse. Don’t miss a tour around one of the working fruit farms and marvel at the spectacular views from the Cambewarra Mountain lookout.

Wrapped around the edge of the sparkling waters of majestic Jervis Bay, Huskisson attracts lovers of all watersports. With its well protected bayside beaches, boasting incredibly white sand, it offers fine opportunities for diving, snorkelling, sailing, fishing and kayaking.

Huskisson is the proud centre for whale watching in the Shoalhaven region. Migrating mother whales and their calves can be sighted within the bay between May and November. Also most notably, Huskisson is home to Australia’s most northerly fur seal colony which, along with dolphins, can be seen from cruise vessels.

The township itself is small and charming, harking back to an earlier less complicated time. The natural beauty of the area is seductive.

Milton is a pocket sized and delightful agricultural town steeped in history. The first land grant in the area was in 1828 and the poet, Henry Kendall, was born on this family property in 1839.

Located close to magnificent beaches, such as Mollymook, Milton is set on a ridge between lush green farmland valleys and the Great Dividing Range. The landscape to the west is dominated by the rock spire of Pidgeon House Mountain in the Morton National Park, where bushwalking trails and sublime views abound.

Take the time to stroll amongst Milton’s fine historic buildings and homes and shop for organic produce and crafts.

Nearby is the thriving fishing port of Ulladulla, which comes alive in the summer months when the annual game fishing tournaments are held. Local fisherman joins the quest for record size mako, marlin, mahi mahi and whaler to name a few. The Blessing of the Fleet at Easter is a colourful and moving occasion not to be missed.

Ulladulla is an area of beautiful lakes, lagoons and beaches and has a well established surf culture. Whilst there, be sure to enjoy some fresh seafood from the Fisherman’s Co-op on the wharf. Bathing in the historic sea pool is another popular activity.

So there you have it just some of the treasure trove of Shoalhaven’s sparkling jewels.

Carolyn Jamieson