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Visitor Information

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

Let us help you make the most from your visit. We hope you enjoy exploring the Shoalhaven!

Useful information

Avoid the crowds and discover your own #unspoilt paradise!

Download the guide

Blessed with perhaps the most scenically beautiful 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 49 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 commecial airports are Sydney, Canberra, Illawarra 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? 

A: Heading north on the Princes Hwy, turn right at the first set of lights after the Nowra Bridge onto Bolong Rd. See Nowra map.  

Is the road to Point Perpendicular and Honeymoon Bay open? 

A:  The road is generally open most weekends, and is closed during the week. It is an unsealed road. 

Where do I purchase a recreational fishing licence? 

A: Kmart Nowra, located on the Highway in Stockland Shopping Centre, East St Nowra. See the Service NSW website for more information.

Where can I access train and bus timetables? 

A: The most up to date guide can be found here

Where can you free camp? Free campsites need to be booked in advance and this will incur a small booking fee. Bendeela Camp Ground at Kangaroo Valley is a free campsite and we have a free camping page listing others here.

What’s the weather forecast? 

A: https://www.weatherzone.com.au/nsw/illawarra/nowra  

Where can we see kangaroos? 

A: Shoalhaven Zoo.   Kangaroos are frequently seen throughout the Shoalhaven, especially in open grassed areas early mornings and late afternoons. Keep a lookout as you drive along, especially where there are wooded areas that open into grassed clearings.   Bendeela campground has plentiful kangaroos and wombats, plus plentiful wildlife including goannas. Pebbly Beach in Murramarang National Park  is famous for the iconic picture of the “Surfing Kangaroos”  Kangaroos are 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? 

A: South Coast RV Conversions and Caravan Repairs – 20 Coorong Rd North Nowra 0412 988 314 South Coast Caravan Repairs  – 16 Wirrah Cloase, Nowra Hill  02 4422 7497 Nowra RV Centre rear 146 Princes Highway South Nowra 0244214565 All RV Spares and Repairs 223 Princes Highway Ulladulla  02 4454 5658 Ulladulla RV Repair Centre 15 Witherington Avenue Ulladulla 0244556127 For more information look at the CCIA website.

Population? 

A: Shoalhaven 102,350  Nowra/Bomaderry 2017 – 36,296 Ulladulla 2017 – 6,864  

Sea Pools? 

A: There are sea pools in Huskisson and Ulladulla. They are unsupervised. Ulladulla is closed for cleaning every Tuesday and Huskisson every Thursday. See opening hours here.

Relocation info and questions? 

A: http://business.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/    

Boat Ramps 

A: http://doc.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/Displaydoc.aspx?Record=d13/246286   

Best lookouts? 

A: Check out 15 of the best here

Lighthouses? 

A: Point PerpendicularCape St George Ruined LighthouseCrookhaven HeadsWarden Head Ulladulla 

The Shoalhaven hosts some of the world’s most gorgeous beaches. It’s no wonder Shoalhaven City and Jervis Bay Territory combined attracts an estimated 2.632 million visitors, comprising 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. For a list of flagged and patrolled beaches this summer visit the Shoalhaven City Council website.

Being aware of rip currents is one of the best decisions you will make this summer. 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

Our Visitor Services staff are local experts in everything Shoalhaven, and would love to help you plan your trip. You can drop in to see them at our Nowra or Ulladulla Visitors Centres, or give them a call on (02) 4421 0778.  

Both our visitors centres offer locally made goodies for sale, including chocolates from the Treat Factory, jams made with love, souvenirs and lots more. They also both have a cafe inside the centre, so grab a coffee or some brunch on your way into town. 

SHOALHAVEN VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE (NOWRA – SHOALHAVEN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE FOYER)

42 Bridge Road, Nowra NSW 2541

(02) 4421 0778

tourism@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au

Normal Trading Hours:

  • Monday to Friday 9am till 5pm
  • Saturday 10am till 2pm 
  • Sunday CLOSED

Christmas Trading Changes:

  • Tuesday 24 December 2024 (Christmas Eve) – 9am to 1pm
  • Wednesday 25 December 2024 (Christmas Day) – Centre closed
  • Thursday 26 December 2024 (Boxing Day) – Centre closed
  • Wednesday 1 January 2025 (New Years Day) – Centre closed
  • Saturday 4th January 2025 – Centre closed
  • Saturday 11th January 2025 – Centre closed

Our Mobile Pop Up Information Centre will be in operation in White Sands Park, Huskisson on:

    • Monday 30th & Tuesday 31st December 2024
    • Friday 3rd & Saturday 4th January 2025
    • Friday 10th & Saturday 11th January 2025

    SHOALHAVEN VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE – ULLADULLA – ULLADULLA CIVIC CENTRE)

    Civic Centre Princes Highway, Ulladulla NSW 2539

    (02) 4421 0778

    tourism@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au

    Normal Trading Hours:

    • Monday to Friday 9:30am till 5pm
    • Saturday 9:30am till 12pm 
    • Sunday CLOSED

    Christmas Trading Changes:

    • Tuesday 24 December 2024 (Christmas Eve) – 9am to 2pm
    • Wednesday 25 December 2024 (Christmas Day) – Centre closed
    • Thursday 26 December 2024 (Boxing Day) – Centre closed
    • Wednesday 1 January 2025 (New Years Day) – Centre closed

    Our Mobile Pop Up Information Centre will be in operation on the grassed area in front of the Ulladulla Civic Centre/Ulladulla Visitor Centre on:

    • Friday 27th & Saturday 28th December 2024

    Additional centres available at:

    JERVIS BAY MARITIME MUSEUM

    Normal Trading Hours:

    • Monday to Sunday 10am till 4pm (visit their website for updates)

    Woollamia Road, Huskisson NSW 2540

    (02) 4441 5675 

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