The Shoalhaven region, on the NSW South Coast,  is one of the most beautiful in Australia. It’s bursting with incredible nature experiences, breathtaking scenery and a world-class food and wine scene. Conveniently located just 2 hours from Sydney and Canberra boasting mountains, coastal plains, stunning ocean and an array of quaint towns and villages, there truly is something for everyone. If you’re looking for some holiday inspiration, here are 10 reasons the Shoalhaven region should be top of your bucket list. If you need to find the perfect place to stay, be sure to check out our latest beachside rentals.

There are more than 100 beaches to explore in the Shoalhaven and Jervis Bay region alone. So, if you like beach strolls, swimming, snorkelling, surfing or getting out on a boat for a spot of fishing, you’re spoilt for choice. This unique part of NSW is also rich with incredible food and wine experiences, from fresh seafood to boutique wineries – you can indulge yourself with locally sourced, world-class produce.

This is laid-back lux – enjoy freshly shucked oysters barefoot at the oyster shacks, with sand still between your toes. If you’re looking for your next South Coast escape, check out some of our favourite holiday rentals just steps from the shore.

There are more than 100 beaches to explore in the Shoalhaven, so, if you like beach strolls, swimming, snorkelling, surfing or getting out on a boat for a spot of fishing, you’re spoilt for choice. Discover sheltered waters, lazing kangaroos, family-friendly beaches, surf breaks and endless coastal walks. Want to find your perfect blend of sand and saltwater? Take the 100 beach challenge.

Supercalla Top Tip: We LOVE Orion’s Beach. This little hamlet is secluded and calm, ideal for private picnics and blissful swimming. We have a number of stunning properties located close to Orion’s, including Beachstone, Minerva Cottage, Bay Keepers and Bethany Beach House. 

Supecalla style: Elevate your beach day with a touch of luxury by indulging in freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and chilled champagne. Imagine returning from a day in the sun to find your fridge stocked with your favourite treats, all arranged by a personal concierge service. Add this extra touch of opulence to your next beach vacation and make it a day to remember with Supercalla’s personalised service

If you fancy a coastal hike, head to Steamers Beach. This magnificent isolated beach is flanked by high cliffs and steep sand dunes – so you’re in for some epic views. There are a number of walking trails ranging from one-hour easy hikes right through to  11km adventures showcasing some real hidden gems.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing break from a busy life, an action-packed escape with the family, or a romantic getaway with a loved one, the Shoalhaven region has it all. There are nearly 50 towns and villages to explore, each with its own charm and character. Explore coastal towns and embrace relaxed beachside living or head inland to discover hidden villages oozing quaint country ambience and scenery. 

Supercalla Top Tip: Elevate your afternoon tea with a trip to The Berry Tea Shop. You can’t beat homemade scones and a cup of tea at this whimsical little store. The owners, Paulina and Cliff, are two of the most charming and friendly people you will most likely ever meet. If you really want to spoil yourself,  grab some handcrafted treats from nearby Berry Chocolatier!

Supecalla style: Fancy a private shopping experience? Enhance your holiday experience with a private shopping tour of some of Berry’s most fabulous boutiques. Our personal shopping concierge will take you on a tailored journey through the best retail hot spots, ensuring you have a truly memorable shopping experience while on vacation. Indulge in a luxurious day of shopping and make your holiday one to remember. Contact us to learn more about our private shopping tours and elevate your holiday shopping experience

The Shoalhaven coastline is the perfect place to grab your surfboard and tackle the waves. If you’re new to surfing, it’s a perfect place to learn – try the gentle waves of Caves Beach in Booderee National Park and the southern end of Seven Mile Beach. For advanced surfers, we encourage you to ask a local to truly discover the best waves around the region, whether it’s a fellow surfer on the sands or a nearby surf shop in one of the local towns.

Supercalla Top Tip: If you’re not keen on surfing, hike up to Black Rock AKA Aussie Pipe to watch the locals take on this famous surf break. Also referred to as Summerclound or Wreck Bay, Black Rock takes its South Coast Pipe name from the Banzai Pipeline in Hawaii because both breaks share many characteristics. This is a favourite hangout for locals and a great place to sit back and watch these surfing pros.

Supercalla style: Looking for the ultimate private surfing experience? Supercalla has teamed up with some of the best surf instructors in the Shoalhaven to bring you private surfing lessons. These lessons are designed for those who want to take their surfing to the next level, or for those who are looking for an exclusive and intimate experience. No more fighting for waves in crowded line-ups. With private lessons, you’ll have the undivided attention of your instructor, who will cater to your individual needs and skill level. This is your chance to push yourself, refine your technique, and catch those perfect waves in a more relaxed and intimate setting. So, grab your friends or your significant other and book a lesson today!

If land adventures are more your idea of a natural escape, explore the region on foot and embark on some picturesque bushwalking trails. Discover lush wilderness, thundering waterfalls and fantastic lookouts throughout the nine national parks the Shoalhaven region has to offer. Climb mountains and wind through unmarked tracks to fully immerse yourself and reconnect with nature. The perfect way to switch off and let your mind run free.

Supercalla top tip: Create the ultimate picnic with a visit to our mates John and Linley at Flavours Group. They have a shop front in Berry and an online store where you can find the most amazing local and Spanish goodies. Grab a cooler bag and stock up on cheeses, cold cuts, olives and antipasti and a bottle of something special from Husky Bottlo and you’re ready for a stunning alfresco lunch. Head to the Cape St George Lighthouse in Booderee National Park for late afternoon and relax as you toast the sunset from your picnic rug.

If you really want to immerse yourself in a lux and local wine scene, be sure to visit the many local wineries around the region. The majority of the wineries and cellar doors are located close to the stunning coastline and scenic mountains, with the climate and lush surroundings allowing for some of the coast’s  most highly acclaimed drops. Relax and unwind after a day of Shoalwater exploration and indulge yourself at one (or a few) of the vineyards.

Supercalla Top Tip: The area around Berry and Shoalhaven Heads has the highest concentration of wineries in the region – so you can explore lots of locations in just one day. Start at the stunning Silos Estate then head to Berry for a bit to eat. After lunch, head out to Two Figs, then Coolangatta Estate and Mountain Ridge Wines sampling the delicious wines on offer. Finish off your day with freshly shucked oysters and a glass of Two Figs Brut at Bangalay Dining. Perfection!

Supercalla style: Sip, savour and indulge in the ultimate private wine tasting experience in the comfort of your own holiday home. Supercalla has partnered with the best wineries in the Shoalhaven to bring you an exclusive and intimate wine tasting experience, tailored just for you. Impress your friends and family with a sophisticated and customised wine tasting, curated to your individual tastes and preferences. You’ll be guided by a knowledgeable sommelier who will take you on a journey through the region’s finest wines, offering insights, stories, and tips along the way. Raise a glass to good times, great memories and indulge in the luxury of your own private wine tasting experience. 

A foodie adventure is a large drawcard to the Shoalwater region, which is famous for offering some of the freshest seafood the country has on offer. Treat your tastebuds to a culinary adventure, taking in the incredible restaurants, cafes and wineries across the area. These beautiful eateries take their inspiration from their natural surroundings and utilise the freshest, local ingredients on offer. Dine with views over clear waters, abundant vineyards or lush rolling hills.

Supercalla top tip: Our favourite Friday afternoon ritual is arancini and Tommy’s margaritas at Ponte. Their margaritas are out of this world – salty, zesty and refreshing – the perfect way to kick off your weekend at the beach. Ponte is right on the water which means views to die for, but it also means it can get pretty busy. Be sure to book a spot early and tell them we sent you! Cheers!

Supercalla Style: Season & Savour would have to be the most delightful humans and most creative foodies EVER! Sean and Liz are based out of Milton and service the entire Shoalhaven region. Treat yourself to a restaurant-quality dining experience in the comfort of your own home with Season & Savour. The team will take care of every detail, creating a truly interactive and unforgettable culinary journey just for you. Savour each bite and enjoy select wines from their premium cellar pair with your meal, delivering relaxed, professional, and comfortable service with every pour. Sit back, relax, and savour the moment – no need to lift a finger!

One of the most incredible aquatic displays you’ll ever see is the annual whale migration along the NSW coast. Between May and November each year, these gentle giants make their way along the coast, with vantage points and lookouts scattered along the coast to catch a glimpse. See humpback and southern right whales make the move north in the early parts of the year, to then return south with newborn calves in tow, a precious sight to see! Take a boat trip out onto the water, or try your luck spotting them from land – Point Perpendicular, Warden Head and Penguin Head are all great viewing locations.

Supercalla top tip: About the same time the whales migrate past Jervis Bay, the out-of-this-world bioluminescence also occurs. Head down to the beach and if you’re lucky, you’ll see the water actually glowing. When bioluminescence arrives in Jervis Bay, it’s been known to be seen in several locations including Barfleur Beach, Blenheim Beach, the Scottish Rocks, Orion Beach, and Callala Bay.

No matter what season you escape to the Shoalhaven, there’s an epic event to keep you entertained.  From food and wine festivals and arts and culture events to local markets and live music, there’s something to suit everyone. If you’re planning a trip to the Shoalhaven, don’t forget to check what’s on to get the most out of your experience.

Supercalla hot tip: Large events can mean more traffic when travelling to the Shoalhaven.  Our best advice is to arrive a day early and leave a day later if possible – take away the stress of being stuck in traffic and extend your stay around the event you’re attending. If you’re unable to take extra days, then plan to leave early and pick a nice spot for lunch such as Ponte in Nowra, Bangalay Dining inn Shoalhaven Heads or The Hill Bar and Eatery in Gerringong to help break up your trip. There is a bit of work happening on the highway between Berry and Nowra, so bear this in mind when planning your trip. 

Literally embedded into the local landscape, the Bundanon Art Museum is home to ever-changing exhibitions and programs that showcase the unique local culture. Situated on the shores of the Shoalhaven River with Morton National Park as a backdrop, this newly opened museum is carved into concrete on the 1,000-hectare Boyd bushland estate, which Arthur Boyd and his wife Yvonne bequeathed to the Australian people in 1993. It’s a fascinating insight into contemporary art and style.

Discover the Shoalhaven’s rich aboriginal history that has played a vital role in creating such a special region. There are multiple indigenous-led tours for you to join and get an insight into the cultural significance, stories, bushtucker talks, traditional arts, smoking ceremonies, and dance, all while meeting remarkable indigenous custodians. You’ll leave feeling enriched and with a newfound sense of respect and admiration for the land, history and stories of the region.

Supercalla Private Properties is passionate about creating meaningful and memorable holidays for every one of our guests. We’ve curated some of the very best holiday homes in the Shoalhaven region, so you can rest assured your next holiday will be one to remember. We know the region like the back of our hand, and part of our concierge service means we can help you bring your dream itinerary to life. 

We pride ourselves on our customer service, and we love helping our guests create the most holidays – from organising private chefs and tours, to helping with all those little luxurious touches, we’re here to help. If you’re planning your escape to the NSW Southern Coast, get in touch today and let us help you create a memorable and luxurious stay.