Murrays Beach, Jervis BayCredit: Destination NSW
Murrays Beach, Jervis Bay, NSW
#newsouthwales #feelnsw
The South Coast shares the same ocean as the North but it’s a world away: the landscape is rugged, life is lived at a slower pace and enchanting towns showcase local produce proudly. Discover ancient rainforests, transparent waters where turtles and gropers swim, and beaches with the whitest sand in the world, all while snacking on world-class oysters and fish and chips you won’t soon forget.
1. In Jervis Bay, discover Murrays Beach where you’ll have to share the crystalline waters and reefs with turtles, families of squid and bright blue gropers who often say hello to the snorkellers and swimmers. The beach looks out to Bowen Island, home to a family of little penguins, and is surrounded by the Booderee National Park. Walk the Munyunga Waraga Dhugan loop and learn about the local plants, animals, culture and history on the way. For a bite to eat head straight to the Huskisson Hotel. Known to locals as the 'Husky Pub', dine on delicious pub fare including local seafood and stay for the breathtaking views over the bay. The beer garden at the Flamin Galah Brewing Co is an ideal spot to get a taste of the brewing scene.
2. Depot Beach is a magical spot surrounded by the lush ancient rainforest of Murramarang National Park. One of the Shoalhaven region’s 100 beaches (many of which are known for having the whitest sand in the world), this natural playground is beloved by families with crystal-clear water, native wildlife in the surrounding national park and rockpools to play in along the shore. Stay at the superbly placed campsite located just across from the beach, or just a hop, skip and drive away to Bawley Point are lush, new private lakeside cabins at The Jackson Ranch. On the other side of the park at Batemans Bay, The Isla is a design-led boutique hotel with a Grand Suite that boasts your own private plunge pool, an outdoor courtyard with ocean views and chic décor with oak furnishings and terrazzo features.
Murrays Beach, Jervis Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoy a walk along Murrays Beach at Jervis Bay, NSW
#newsouthwales #feelnsw
Murrays Beach, Jervis Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoy a walk along Murrays Beach at Jervis Bay, NSW
North Durras, Murramarang National Park Credit: Josh Burkinshaw
Woman swimming in the water at North Durras, Murramarang National Park
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
North Durras, Murramarang National Park Credit: Josh Burkinshaw
Woman swimming in the water at North Durras, Murramarang National Park
3. NSW’s seal population has long favoured Narooma as the place to swim and a snorkel with fur seals off Montague Island is a bucket-list stop on any South Coast road trip. If you’d prefer to stay on land, seals are often spotted from the beaches too – Bar Beach South is a placid spot good for families. The Narooma to Dalmeny cycle route is a great way to explore the coast, wind rushing through your hair as the water twinkles alongside you. Sydney hospitality group Merivale has dipped its toes in the region’s turquoise waters. The iconic Quarterdeck restaurant offers a tiki-style experience, with fruity daiquiris and fresh oysters served by the water. Just across the headland, boutique hotel The Whale Inn and its Cantonese restaurant Queen Chow offer dim sum platters and rock lobster with XO sauce, plus refreshing cocktails with a view at Ocean Lounge next door. The historic Lynch’s Narooma is the group’s latest purchase, with an update for the heritage hotel on the cards.
4. Just out of Merimbula, discover remote Severs Beach in the Beowa National Park. You’ll drive 5km through vibrant greenery and then walk 300m to the beach, building anticipation for your arrival. Situated alongside Pambula River, you’ll be transported back in time with a view of the lush forests surrounding the river and 3500-year-old middens that reflect the culture of local Aboriginal communities. Try your hand at fishing, which is best between December and May, or look out for a sea eagle diving for its catch. Stay at Hillcrest Merimbula, a refurbished 1970s motel with a pool and ocean
Montague Island, Narooma Credit: Destination NSW
Snorkilng with seals as part of the Montague Island Discovery Tours experience
#newsouthwales #feelnsw
Montague Island, Narooma Credit: Destination NSW
Snorkilng with seals as part of the Montague Island Discovery Tours experience
Short Point Beach, Merimbula Credit: Dee Kramer Photography
Sunset at Short Point Beach, Merimbula.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Short Point Beach, Merimbula Credit: Dee Kramer Photography
Sunset at Short Point Beach, Merimbula.
5. True to its name, Seven Mile Beach is 12 kilometres of stunning coastline spanning Gerroa in the north, to Shoalhaven Heads in the south. The pristine stretch is perfect for long walks on the sand, picnics and hikes through the unique surrounding forests of blackbutts and bangalay trees, home to honeyeaters and thornbills. For a nostalgic family holiday, stay in the Seven Mile Beach Holiday Park, nestled between the beach and Crooked River with easy access to the national park. Spend your time floating in the resort-style pool, canoeing, fishing and sitting around the fire pit admiring the spectacular stars. Trek along the headland to see dolphins and whales (between May and November) and end with lunch at The Blue Swimmer for a plate of fish tacos or tuna ceviche with mango and cucumber salsa.
To discover more of New South Wales’ beautiful beaches and coastline, head to sydney.com and visitnsw.com. Share your Feel New moments with #FeelNSW and #FeelNewSydney
Seven Mile Beach, Gerroa/Shoalhaven Heads Credit: Destination NSW
Surfers catching waves at Seven Mile Beach which stretches from Gerroa to Shoalhaven Heads.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Seven Mile Beach, Gerroa/Shoalhaven Heads Credit: Destination NSW
Surfers catching waves at Seven Mile Beach which stretches from Gerroa to Shoalhaven Heads.
Peppers Craigieburn, BowralCredit: Destination NSW
The heritage property at Peppers Craigieburn, Bowral.
#feelnsw
Promenade back in time as Netflix’s Regency-era romp returns for Season Three, escorted by the elegant Bridgerton in Bowral extravaganza from 16-23 April. And whether you’re visiting The Ton for these enchanting festivities or simply searching for a sophisticated sojourn, all year round Bowral offers decadent feasts, opulent stays, charming countryside and more – all just 90 minutes from Sydney. Read on, Gentle Reader, to learn why the Southern Highlands are the Diamond of the Season and beyond.
Make your grand entrance
Emerald hills garnished with vineyards, grand estates and a bewitching village atmosphere… Bowral’s highlights harken back to a most refined moment in history – and now they’re celebrating Bridgerton’s greatly anticipated return with a host of soirees. As befits such a momentous occasion, Empire Cinemas Bowral will host four exclusive screenings for The Ton before the new episodes hit Netflix (from May 16). Plus, you’re cordially invited to a Regency-themed Garden Party amid the stately grounds of the Milton Park Country House Hotel, where you’ll see and be seen in sprawling formal gardens, and enjoy a host of Bridgerton-themed entertainment. Nearby, Retford Park also entices with a picturesque 1887 homestead, self-guided art trail and a picnic-perfect historic garden for all seasons.
Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic grounds of Bendoley Estate, Berrima.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic grounds of Bendoley Estate, Berrima.
Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic grounds of Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, Bowral.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic grounds of Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, Bowral.
Sip your way around The Ton
Raise a toast to Lady Whistledown’s long-awaited new chapter with Sohi’s mouth-watering tipples – their premium gin, vodka and vermouth are available to quaff all over town, including at Hearth by Moonacres, Bistro Sociale and The Royal Hotel. And, let your thirst for discovery lead you along the Southern Highlands Wine Trail, where you’ll sample the region’s cool-climate drops at more than 60 vineyards and 15 cellar doors. Swill Tempranillo, Chardonnay, Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Pinot Gris, Pinot Meunier, Albariño, Pinot Noir and Gewürztraminer at Centennial Vineyards; unwind between the vines at the grand Bendooley Estate; and clink glasses at Mount Ashby Estate, where red, white and culinary delights are served alongside French antiques and lashings of bucolic charm.
Shall we promenade?
Whether you’re courting a suitor or slipping out of the drawing room for fresh air, a gentle wander is one of life’s simple pleasures. Take a leisurely turn through historic Berrima; Australia’s best-preserved Georgian village unveils an intriguing selection of Regency-era relics, including the 1830s Courthouse, convict-built Surveyor General Inn and the National Trust-listed Harper’s Mansion. Bask in the majesty of manicured gardens in Bowral, Mossvale, and Robertson, where lavish plantings reveal nature’s extravagance – especially during the Tulip Time festival each spring. Afterwards, assemble your favourite dukes and duchesses to while away the day with croquet, cycle between quaint villages, or saddle up your trusty steeds for a relaxing meander along the Canyonleigh Trails.
Centennial Vineyards, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a romantic getaway at Centennial Vineyards, Bowral.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Centennial Vineyards, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a romantic getaway at Centennial Vineyards, Bowral.
Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
Autumn at Bendooley Estate, Berrima.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
Autumn at Bendooley Estate, Berrima.
Discover the talk of The Ton
Bowral boasts a bounty of treasures old, new and noteworthy if you’re seeking a modiste-crafted frock for your society debut, exploring the arts, or collecting key pieces to makeover your manor. Start with a visit to Dirty Janes, a unique marketplace where 90 individual sellers peddling all manner of retro, vintage, antique and artisan-made finds. Indulge your guilty pleasure for scandalous storytelling at Books Ever After, a romance-genre specialist home to an impressive selection of special editions to tantalise your imagination. And, take your cue from Bridgerton’s elite and let your impeccable taste in art and furnishings do the talking. The Ngununggula Southern Highlands Regional Gallery, Bowral Art Gallery and Milk Factory Gallery showcase the cultured art and soul of this inspired region, while Suzie Anderson Home has a wide range of premium style essentials to create your own Regency-influenced sanctuary.
Retreat to elegant chambers
From plush private residences to luxe suites catering for your every whim, the Southern Highlands offers a host of auspicious accommodations worthy of society’s highest echelon. Revel in the prestige of a grand estate to call your own on the grounds of The Rift Estate. This palatial 19th Century mansion presents a self-contained Coach House to accommodate 13 people, complete with cosy fireplaces, claw-foot bathtubs and lush lawns perfect for croquet and bocce. For a gracious stay amid rustic vistas reminiscent of the English countryside, look no further than the five-star boutique hotel, Osborn House. Nearby, the chic comforts continue at the Georgian Moss Manor, where thoughtful creativity and interior design unite for an exclusive art-hotel experience. Around the town, the historic flair also rolls into the early 20th Century, with the Berida Hotel, Peppers Craigieburn and the Links House Hotel delivering memorable stays where modern amenity and heritage flourishes converge. Wherever you choose to rest your tiara-toting head, you can find your own Bridgerton in Bowral all year round.
Osborn House, Bundanoon Credit: Stephanie Hunter
One of the Premier Suites at Osborn House.
#feelnsw
Osborn House, Bundanoon Credit: Stephanie Hunter
One of the Premier Suites at Osborn House.
Bradman Museum, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
Exploring sporting history at the Bradman Museum, Bowral, Southern Highlands
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Bradman Museum, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
Exploring sporting history at the Bradman Museum, Bowral, Southern Highlands