Things to Do in Shoalhaven: Where to Eat, Drink, Stay & Play
From beautiful beaches to yoga retreats and shopping, there are so many wonderful things to do in Shoalhaven.
Spring is the perfect time to head south for a rejuvenating getaway – the water is starting to warm up, the nights are still balmy and the R&R is calling your name.
With 49 towns and villages, 100 stunning beaches, world-class dining, award-winning wineries and endless adventures and walks awaiting you, Shoalhaven offers it all. Read on for our full edit of things to do in Shoalhaven, including where to eat, drink stay and play.
Things to Do in Shoalhaven: Stay
Motel Molly
Following a multi-million-dollar refurbishment, Motel Molly offers the perfect blend of classic South Coast charm with a modern edge. Perfectly positioned just a few sandy steps from Mollymook Beach, the 16-room motel oozes cool with its pastel tones, Mediterranean cool and a touch of Moroccan flair. A chic outdoor BBQ area overlooks the swimming pool, surrounded by deck chairs and scalloped Basil Bangs umbrellas which are perfect for escaping the sun with a good book and an Aperol Spritz.
Book your stay with booking.com
Book your stay with Motel Molly
2 Shepherd Street, Mollymook
Paperbark Camp
Glamping at its most luxurious, this safari-style retreat is in the heart of the bush, featuring 12 canvas tents each with a bed, ensuite (and in the deluxe rooms, a bath), hardwood deck and wrap-around veranda. The tents also feature roll-up walls, so you can decide how much you want to bring Mother Nature in. Paperbark also has an on-site restaurant The Gunyah which is an absolute must.
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571 Woollamia Road, Woollamia
The Lodge
The perfect mix of country and coast, The Lodge Jamberoo is just 90 minutes south of Sydney and 10 minutes from Kiama. Take advantage of The Lodge's kitschy restaurant Lulu's as well as the pool, tennis court and games room before stepping out to explore the best of the South Coast.
406 Jamberoo Mountain Road, Jamberoo
Things to Do in Shoalhaven: Play
Hyams Beach
You could spend your entire weekend at Hyams Beach and still not have had your fill. Straight from a postcard, this idyllic beach boasts fine, white sand, crystal clear water and a tree-lined beach. In fact, it's famous for having the whitest sand in the world so definitely one you want to pop on your bucket list. Take a stroll down the beach, snorkel, relax and swim to your heart's content.
Surf Camp Australia
There’s nothing more exhilarating or empowering than mastering a new skill or taking on a new challenge and surfing has got to be up there with one of the best. The talented team at Surf Camp Australia in Gerroa offer group bookings or private classes, so you can ride the waves like a pro. From the thrill of being in the ocean to the energy it takes to paddle to finally letting go of the fear, you'll end up feeling exhilarated and energised (disclaimer you'll probably also not be able to feel your arms).
Take a Hike
The South Coast is home to some of the best walking in the state, from the sweeping views of Pigeon House Mountain to the pristine white sands of Jervis Bay. Pack plenty of snacks and dust off your walking boots for some views to remember. You can catch our favourite walks here.
Things to Do in Shoalhaven: Eat
Milk Haus
Just a short drive from Mollymook, you'll find this absolute gem of a cafe. Tucked back from the main strip in Milton, Milk Haus is as farm-to-table as it gets. With their own onsite garden and chickens, each dish uses onsite produce as well as a few bits and bobs sourced from local producers. The menu changes with what is available each season but every last dish is guaranteed to impress. Garden fritters, garden tarts and elderflower spritzers are just a few of the delights you may encounter.
Sitchu Tip: Whilst you're waiting for your meal take a wander around the kitchen garden.
170 Woodstock Road, Woodstock
Lagom Bakery
If you're looking for somewhere to pick up picnic essentials for a day at the beach, look no further. Not only does Lagom Bakery boast one of the best croissants we've sampled to date, they also craft an incredible range of breads and sourdoughs, viennoserie, pizza slabs and more. Their coffee is on point and they've got a range of local cheeses, dips and other goodies to shop as well.
98 McDonald Parade, Burril Lake
Cupitt’s Estate
Tucked away in Ulladulla, Cupitt's Estate ticks all the boozy boxes boasting both a winery and brewery on site. The perfect place to sample the estate’s signature cool climate drops, the intimate cellar door is a haven for wine connoisseurs offering guided tastings daily starting from $15. Post-tasting, make your way to Dusty's Garden Bar. Casual dining at its finest, settle in amongst the vines and sip your way across the property with both its craft brews and wines available behind the bar. Did we mention there’s a fromagerie on site as well?
58 Washburton Road, Ulladulla
Milkwood Bakery
Croissants or ciabatta, sourdough or sweet treats... Milkwood Bakery does it all. Equally as delicious as it is picturesque, this spot is at the top of our Berry hit list. Make sure you pick up the bakery's iconic sourdough.
109 Queen Street, Berry
Rick Stein
Part of Bannisters by the Sea, Rick Stein is an icon on the South Coast, and for good reason. Known for its fresh and delicious seafood, it’s the perfect spot for a date night or a special occasion when in Mollymook. Before you’ve even glanced at the menu, this waterfront stunner will have you positively swooning. Sitting pretty atop the South Coast headland, the ocean views are unmatched. The menu is a seafood lover's dream, with standout dishes like succulent coconut chilli prawns, steamed whole snapper and a mouth-watering lobster thermidor. But the real star of the show? The oysters. Served up fresh or charentaise, an equal parts weird and wonderful combination served with hot, spicy sausage.
191 Mitchell Parade, Mollymook Beach
Hayden's Pies
A trip to Mollymook is not complete without a visit to Hayden's Pies. This humble bakery has a cult following and it is not hard to see why once you've tasted one of their bakes. You can expect all of the classics alongside a rotating selection of delicious new combos. A few past favourites include butter chicken, kangaroo & beetroot and lamb vindaloo. We recommend popping by prior to lunch should you fancy the full selection.
Sitchu Tip: They're so good you'll want to order two - don't fight the urge!
2/166 Princes Highway, Ulladulla
Things to Do in Shoalhaven: Drink
Small Town Provisions
This South Coast gem is a providore/walk-in bar with a whole heap of goodness up for grabs. Swing by Small Town and pick up top-tier tinned fish, wines, cheese and more and be sure to sit in for a vino and some snacky bits.
Shop 1/49 Wason Street, Milton
Jervis Bay Brewing Co.
This relaxed hangout lets you taste the flavours of Jervis Bay all in one spot. Be it in their taproom or beer garden, sit back with an icy beer, some that are brewed especially for the season, and a delicious meal from their ever-changing food truck offering. Check the website for what food truck will be pulling up that day, but expect local favourites, such as Nomad Kitchen & BBQ (woodfired smokey barbeque) and Mama Kim’s Kitchen (BBQ and Korean dishes).
3 Duranbah Drive, Huskisson
