Avoid the crowds and discover your own unspoilt paradise!

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Blessed with perhaps the most beautifully diverse landscapes on the east coast of Australia, the Shoalhaven region stretches from the lush rainforests of the Kangaroo Valley and the quaint country town of Berry in the north, along many miles of exquisite beaches, and on to Durras in the South.

Shoalhaven is bordered by the mountains, coastal plains and 100 magnificent beaches, and includes 50 delightful towns and villages.

From Sydney, the Shoalhaven is 160 kilometres south. From Canberra, it’s around 200 kilometres north and from Melbourne it’s around 850 kilometres north.

Travel to and through the region is easy with many options available including car, coach, train and plane. Our nearest commercial airports are Sydney, Canberra, Illawarra (Shellharbour) or Moruya. You can catch a train from Sydney to Bomaderry, trains run multiple times a day.  

Download the Shoalhaven Visitor Guide for more information on transport options both getting here and within the Shoalhaven.

Coming from Canberra? Check out Main Road 92.

How do I access Grand Pacific Drive? 

Leaving Nowra, head north on the Princes Highway, turn right at the first set of lights after the Nowra Bridge onto Bolong Road. Find more information here.

Is the road to Point Perpendicular and Honeymoon Bay open? 

The unsealed road is generally open weekends, and closed during the week, however this changes with Defence operational requirements. Check their website or Facebook for the most up to date information.

Where do I purchase a recreational fishing licence? 

You can apply for or renew your fishing licence online or in person with Service NSW. Need more information on fishing in NSW? Find it here.

Where can I access train and bus timetables? 

The most up to date transport information can be found on here. 

Where can you free camp?

There are a number of low-cost sites in our National Parks and State Forests, and Bendeela Recreation Area at Kangaroo Valley has a small booking fee. Keep in mind these are popular locations with limited space, so bookings are recommended. For more information, check out our camping blog here.

What’s the weather forecast? 

While we’d love to say it’s always perfect beach weather, it’s best to check the forecast for the most up to date information.

Where can we see kangaroos? 

For a 100% chance of an encounter with the local mob, head to Shoalhaven Zoo.

Otherwise, keep a lookout as you drive along, particularly where there are wooded areas that open into grassed clearings – wild marsupials are frequently seen throughout the Shoalhaven, especially in open grassed areas early mornings and late afternoons. 

Bendeela Recreation Area is known for its resident wisdom of wombats, however kangaroos are often sighted, too. Pebbly Beach in Murramarang National Park  is famous for the iconic picture of the “Surfing Kangaroos”.  Kangaroos are also often sighted around the Bay and Basin area, and an afternoon drive or walk through the villages of Sanctuary Point, St Georges Basin, Basin View, Erowal Bay will be sure to discover a few mobs. Sussex Inlet is also a great spot to see kangaroos. 

Where can I get spare parts/repairs for my caravan? 

There are plenty of places and faces ready and willing to help you out:

• South Coast RV Conversions and Caravan Repairs – 20 Coorong Rd North Nowra – 0412 988 314
• South Coast Caravan Repairs  – 16 Wirrah Cloase, Nowra Hill – 0410 343 075
• Nowra RV Centre – rear 146 Princes Highway South Nowra – 02 4421 4565
• All RV Spares and Repairs – 223 Princes Highway Ulladulla –  02 4454 5658
• Ulladulla RV Repair Centre – 15 Witherington Avenue Ulladulla – 02 4455 6127

For more information, check the Caravan and Camping NSW website.

Are there any sea pools? 

Sure are! There are sea pools in Huskisson and Ulladulla, both of which are unsupervised. Ulladulla is closed for cleaning every Tuesday and Huskisson every Thursday, so best to plan your visits around these times. See opening hours here.

Where are the boat ramps in Shoalhaven?

There are heaps! Find your closest boat ramp here. 

Where are the best lookouts? 

There are beautiful places to take in the coastline and hinterland across Shoalhaven. Check out some of the best here.

Where can I visit lighthouses in Shoalhaven? 

There are a few to explore:

• Point Perpendicular
• Cape St George Ruined Lighthouse
• Crookhaven Heads
• Warden Head Ulladulla 

What is the population? 

There’s quite a few of us here on the South Coast! According to the 2021 census, there are 109,895 people who call Shoalhaven home, with 29,322 across Nowra/Bomaderry and 7,404 in Ulladulla.

I love it here – where do I find information on relocating to the Shoalhaven?

We’ve got a whole website dedicated to living and working in the Shoalhaven! Head over to investshoalhaven.com. Relocation-specific information can be found here. 

Still have questions? Reach out to our friendly Visitor Information Centre staff via live chat, give them a call on (02) 4421 0778 or shoot them an email at tourism@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au

The Shoalhaven is home to some of the world’s most gorgeous beaches. It’s no wonder Shoalhaven and Jervis Bay Territory combined attracts an estimated 2.632 million visitors, with almost 2.6 million domestic and 32,000 international visitors.

With this in mind, Shoalhaven City Council is committed to providing our locals and visitors a safe, enjoyable and memorable experience on our beaches. Shoalhaven has 100 beaches, however only some are patrolled. For a list of flagged and patrolled beaches, visit the Shoalhaven City Council website.

Being aware of rip currents is vital to safety. Beachsafe.org is devoted to providing you with all the necessary tools and strategies to stay safe on our beaches. “The beach is one of Australia’s most important and enjoyable features. Everyone will visit the beach at least once in their life and sometimes as often once a week or more. Unfortunately the beach has hidden dangers that you may not be aware of, so it’s important that you follow some simple tips so you can enjoy the beach safely.” (beachsafe.org)

Get all the tips you need at beachsafe.org