There’s no need to leave your exercise regime at home because the Shoalhaven is a fantastic destination for a fitness getaway. Our picturesque scenery is the perfect excuse to get out there and moving in nature and exercising is a great way to reconnect with your partner, family and friends. Our community of health-minded locals means that keeping your wellness goals in check during a holiday has never been so easy.
Fun in the Water
Hit the ocean and get a dose of holiday fitness in our unspoilt waters. A great way to get the heart rate going is by heading out for a surf. Newcomers can learn the ropes with our local instructors. Culburra Beach Surf School, Pam Burridge Surf Schools in Mollymook and Mollymook Beach Surf School are just a few of the experts that can guide you in the water. Another great form of exercise is stand up paddle boarding, affectionately known as SUPping. This sport is relatively easy for learners and gives you the opportunity to engage in a full body workout that helps to improve your muscle strength and balance. For those who already have SUP experience, try an incredible sunset SUP tour of Jervis Bay, where the underwater paradise puts on a captivating night time spectacle. Canoeing or kayaking along the Shoalhaven River is also a must for anyone who wants to get the adrenaline pumping in the water. If the weather happens to not be in your favour during your stay, don’t worry, we have many indoor pools and aquatic centres where you can make a splash.
Outdoor Adventure
There are plenty of ways to work up a sweat in the Shoalhaven and one of our top picks is by harnessing up and going rock climbing. Outdoor Raw and Climb Nowra cater to all levels and will take you to the most picturesque places to explore from above. A really special treat is Outdoor Raw’s “Cliffnic“, a unique picnic dining experience as you hang suspended off a cliff face! For something a little bit tamer, book in for a session at Trees Adventure – a fun and challenging ropes course centre that’s set amongst the treetops. Test your skills as you climb higher and higher into the canopy.
Calm Yourself With Yoga
Channel your inner yogi by heading to one of our local studios to relax your body and soul. Yoga is a great way to recharge and refresh during your holiday. Visit Natalie from South Coast Soul in her light-filled Huskisson studio or take part in one of her outdoor sessions by the ocean pool that overlooks stunning Jervis Bay. Head to the yoga shala at Willow Farm for a session with Roaming Yogis, a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Or book a class with Om Sweet Om Yoga Milton, where you’ll be treated to small class sizes and personalised yoga session based on your specific health needs and goals.
Explore on Two Feet
We all know that walking is great for your health but did you know that walking, particularly in nature, also does wonders for your brain? That’s right, a good old fashioned bushwalk is a fantastic way of getting some cardio but also reconnect humans with a world beyond an urban jungle. A couple of leisurely journeys are Bomaderry Creek Walk, through rainforest and hanging swamps, and Bens Walk in Nowra, which boasts excellent views of Shoalhaven River. In the south of the region, near Milton, is the 7km return Mt Bushwalker Walking Track. Definitely not one for the faint-hearted, the hike takes explorers through remote parts of Morton National Park and the Budawang Ranges with vistas of our unspoilt Shoalhaven landscape being a massive reward at the end. The view of the Castle and Clyde Gorge below will take your breath away. If you’re feeling a bit creative and adventurous, why not use our 100 Beach Challenge as a way to make your way on foot across the Shoalhaven?
Explore on Two Wheels
Cycling and mountain biking in the Shoalhaven is a popular activity amongst visitors and locals alike. There are huge areas of rugged wilderness waiting to be explored and the trio of Condoo, Superbowl and Butterfly tracks in Currambene State Forest are a must for keen cyclists. This is the ultimate opportunity to get dirty and break a sweat! If you prefer a calmer and more scenic journey, then embark upon the Kangaroo River ride which navigates you through Kangaroo Valley’s lovely village and countryside. Road bikes are also readily available for hire around Jervis Bay and much of the area is cyclist friendly with bike paths along most of the coast. Chat with our many operators, including Around Jervis Bay Bike Hire and Bikes At The Basin. Jervis Bay Kayak and Paddlesports also do bicycle rentals, with great mini maps to make your journey a breeze, or perhaps venture around on a retro Dutch cruiser from Pineapple Bike Hire in Vincentia. Cycling around a town really lets you get a great feel for a place and gives you some exercise without even realising it!
Shoalhaven Fitness Festivals
Are you a full-fledged fitness junkie? Why not plan your trip to coincide with the annual Bay Games Festival in Huskisson? You can register as an individual or team in this beachside fitness festival that will put your muscles to the ultimate test. The Bay Games are held in early November and invite everyday athletes and teams to battle it out over two big days. For those who’d like to participate in something a little less intense, register to be involved in the fun run that raises money for a local charity. If you’re eager to take part in a local triathlon, check out Elite Energy’s calendar which has events scattered all around the South Coast including a Husky Half Running Festival in August.
Healthy, Clean Eating
Keeping fit is as much about healthy eating as it is about exercising. Fortunately, the Shoalhaven food scene is overflowing with eateries focusing on wholefoods, paddock to plate experiences and chefs that are adamant about using fresh, real ingredients from local producers. Sample the creative raw and vegan delights at Back 2 Earth in Berry, dine on some delicious vegetarian cuisine at Pilgrims or visit Milk Haus wholefoods canteen in Milton where the seasonal menu utilises many ingredients grown in the on-site garden. You can even book yourself into a cooking workshop at Milk Haus and learn how to create healing bone broths and yummy fermented goodies to promote your gut health. For the at-home masterchef, a trip to one of our many food and produce markets is a must for picking up some of the freshest ingredients you’ll ever taste.
