Murrays Beach Sea Cave, Jervis BayCredit: Jordan Robins
Man enjoying the sun from a sea cave near Murrays Beach, Jervis Bay in Booderee National Park.
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With sweeping ocean on one side and soaring mountains on the other, the Shoalhaven region of the New South Wales South Coast offers scenic road-tripping at its finest. Famed for its pristine beaches and national parks, the Shoalhaven is also building a name for itself as a flourishing wine destination. Add charming villages, lauded restaurants and luxe accommodation and this region is a must-do destination for foodies. Here’s how to have the ultimate gourmet getaway in the Shoalhaven.
Where to drink
The Shoalhaven is the only coastal wine region in NSW, making a truly idyllic setting to hop from vineyard to vineyard. Start your vino journey in Gerringong at the family-run Crooked River Wines. Nestled in a valley with spectacular mountain and ocean views, you can enjoy a wine tasting at its cellar door or dine at its in-house restaurant overlooking the vineyard. Outside of Berry town, visit the cellar door at Silos Estate, where wine tastings are paired with a platter of local cheese, olives, relish and crackers.
At Shoalhaven Heads, visit the historic Coolangatta Estate, built in 1822 by convicts on the foothills of Mount Coolangatta, and Two Figs Winery, which boasts panoramic views of the Shoalhaven River. In Ulladulla, drop by the award-winning Cupitt’s Estate, which houses a cellar door, brewery and fromagerie onsite. Here you can join a wine and cheese tasting experience, sit down to a languid lunch or soak up live music sessions each Sunday.
Where to eat
Shoalhaven is part of Australia’s Oyster Coast, where some of the world’s best oysters can be plucked straight from the crystal-clear sea. In Shoalhaven Heads, visit Jim Wild’s Oyster Service to eat Sydney rock oysters and Pacific oysters sucked while you wait. In Mollymook, dine on celebrity chef Rick Stein’s signature seafood dishes at his eponymous restaurant at Bannisters by the Sea. The menu changes daily, depending on the day’s catch. Inland, visit the heritage streets of Milton for upscale lunch at Small Town; thoughtful, vegetarian fare at Pilgrims; and paddock-to-plate dining at Milk Haus in nearby Woodstock. Closer to Sydney, Berry has a range of modern eats — try French bistro classics with a coastal twist at Queen St Eatery and organic sourdough breads and pastries at Milkwood Bakery.
Wine Regions of NSW - Shoalhaven Social Media Selects Credit: Destination NSW
Shoalhaven region social media vignette as told by Rupert Sakora, General Manager of Bannisters by the Sea and Rosie Cupitt, founder and winemaker at Cupitt's Estate.
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Wine Regions of NSW - Shoalhaven Social Media Selects Credit: Destination NSW
Shoalhaven region social media vignette as told by Rupert Sakora, General Manager of Bannisters by the Sea and Rosie Cupitt, founder and winemaker at Cupitt's Estate.
Cupitt's Winery, Ulladulla Credit: Destination NSW
Women enjoying food and drink with scenic views across Cupitt's Winery in Ulladulla.
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Cupitt's Winery, Ulladulla Credit: Destination NSW
Women enjoying food and drink with scenic views across Cupitt's Winery in Ulladulla.
Where to play
Shoalhaven boasts more than 100 idyllic beaches, making it a true aquatic playground. Swim, surf or paddleboard along the coast, or try kayaking in the region’s quieter inlets and estuaries. Jervis Bay is famed not only for its glittering white sands, but also for the friendly marine life that live in the fringing azure waters. Cruise the coast with Jervis Bay Wild to spot humpback whales during their annual migration (May to November), or head underwater with Dive Jervis Bay and explore more than 65 dive sites in the area. Visit Booderee Botanic Gardens to learn about bush tucker and the medicinal uses of plants or follow the 90-minute White Sands Walk as it winds its way through the coastal forest of Jervis Bay National Park.
Where to stay
The Shoalhaven has every kind of stay from bushland glamping to boutique hotels. Cuddle up in the deluxe glamping tents at Paperbark Camp in Jervis Bay; find a beachside retreat at Bangalay Luxury Villas at Shoalhaven Heads; or take in clifftop views at Bannisters by the Sea in Mollymook. You can also camp or book a cabin in one of the national parks and wake with the kangaroos surrounded by nature.
Dive Jervis Bay, Jervis Bay Credit: Jordan Robins
Seals playfully swimming in Jervis Bay.
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Dive Jervis Bay, Jervis Bay Credit: Jordan Robins
Seals playfully swimming in Jervis Bay.
Paperbark Camp, Woollamia Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a romantic glamping getaway at Paperbark Camp, Woollamia.
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Paperbark Camp, Woollamia Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a romantic glamping getaway at Paperbark Camp, Woollamia.
More Inspirational Stories
Horse Riding, Jindabyne, Snowy MountainsCredit: Destination NSW
Horse riding in Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains. For media use only in Australian markets to promote NSW.
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Set course for adventure in Jindabyne, a quaint lakeside town in the foothills of New South Wales’ Snowy Mountains, and a great base camp for an energising, nature-based holiday. Delight in a range of exciting seasonal experiences, from action-packed days on the snow to summertime hikes that will leave you feeling fresh.
Pick your own adventure
There's an array of activities on your doorstep in Jindabyne – a five-hour drive southwest of Sydney. In warm weather, get your blood pumping on a mountain bike ride, or try your hand at rock climbing with K7 Adventures. Travelling when the mercury drops? Relish in the wintry scenery on one of K7’s snow-shoe expeditions. Alternatively, get a natural high on a guided horse trek at Snowy Wilderness Resort, set on more than 6,500 acres of awe-inspiring alpine high country just south of Jindabyne.
There’s also a whole lot of adventure to uncover in Kosciuszko National Park during summer. Revel in the sense of achievement hiking the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest point at 2,228m elevation – it’s an 18.6km return trail from Charlotte Pass, so plan on spending a full day (six to eight hours) out in nature. If you’d prefer a shorter walk, the serene Rainbow Lake walk is a 2.4km-return trail that boasts stunning wildflowers during springtime.
Post-activity, take a deep breath and calm your mind during a hatha yoga session at Jai Yoga. Then further reward your day’s efforts with a celebratory schnapps made at Wildbrumby, which has a distillery door and restaurant overlooking a sculpture garden. Prefer a beer? Jindabyne Brewing bar and tasting room has views across Lake Jindabyne – find a scenic perch and enjoy the ultimate taste of the region as you sip. Another option for a refreshing swig of beer is Kosciuszko Brewery. Located at Jindabyne’s Banjo Patterson Inn, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after an exhilarating day of adventure activities.
Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Hiking in Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains For media use only in Australian markets to promote NSW.
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Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Hiking in Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains For media use only in Australian markets to promote NSW.
Wildbrumby Schnapps Distillery, Crackenback Credit: Destination NSW
The Wildbrumby Distillery & Cafe is a unique, boutique schnapps distillery located on the Alpine Way in the picturesque Thredbo Valley,
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Wildbrumby Schnapps Distillery, Crackenback Credit: Destination NSW
The Wildbrumby Distillery & Cafe is a unique, boutique schnapps distillery located on the Alpine Way in the picturesque Thredbo Valley,
Try out the local dining scene
Follow your nose to the delectable range of oven-fresh breakfast pastries on offer at Nimmitabel Bakery. The aroma of freshly brewed Axis Roasters coffee is just as difficult to resist at Birchwood, where you can also fill up before a big day in the great outdoors on cheese toasties, muesli bowls, moreish breakfast salads and more.
Self-catering? Head to The Market. At this part café, part market, you can choose between sinking your teeth into wholesome dishes or grabbing organic fruit and veggies and specialty grocery items to take away.
Cosy up at the end of the day at Bacco Italian Restaurant, which has been preparing pizzas and pastas for more than 25 years; kids are well catered for with a dedicated menu of tasty bites. Or take your palate on its own adventure at much-loved Cafe Darya, which dishes up welcoming Persian favourites including dips, pastries and stews. Pair zingy tacos with lip-smacking margaritas at Cucina Grill & Cantina, and treat your travelling companion to an intimate Japanese dinner at Takayama; kick off a memorable meal with a serving of succulent pork gyoza with ponzu dipping sauce.
Stay in quintessential Snowies lodging
Lean into farm life at Avonside Alpine Estate, a dreamy off-grid farm stay with a vegetable garden, chickens, sheep and highland cattle. The two- and three-bedroom cottages unite Scandi style with sustainable design, and boast calming country vistas, too.
Be soothed by the snow gums surrounding Ecocrackenback, just outside of Jindabyne, as you warm up by the fire in one of its 18 self-contained cabins. Or soak up the similarly scenic setting at Moonbah Hut, which offers two charming timber cottages near Jindabyne that sleep four or five guests. With one hut set on a lake and the other by a river, you can begin or end a summer's day with an invigorating dip, while the stone fireplaces, underfloor heating and exposed beams make the cottages feel particularly snug during the winter months.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service manages a number of lodges throughout Kosciuszko National Park, including Creel Lodge. Here you can bask in serene Lake Jindabyne views from the breakfast table. As the moon rises over the lake, indulge in the nostalgic pastime of roasting marshmallows over the outdoor fireplace for dessert.
Lake Crackenback, Thredbo Credit: Destination NSW
Kangaroos at Lake Crackenback, Thredbo.
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Lake Crackenback, Thredbo Credit: Destination NSW
Kangaroos at Lake Crackenback, Thredbo.
Lake Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic views of Lake Jindabyne in the Snowy Mountains.
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Lake Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic views of Lake Jindabyne in the Snowy Mountains.