Escape to Shoalhaven for glamping, the best fish and chips, whale watching, and more!
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – we love the Shoalhaven! Just two hours from Sydney and half an hour from Canberra, it’s the ideal destination for a relaxing weekend away. With golden sands, pristine beaches, and lush national parks, Shoalhaven offers a little something for everyone. And when it comes to food, it’s got everything from humble fish and chip shops to fine dining restaurants.
On our recent two-night stay, guided by Shoalhaven Tourism, we explored a delightful mix of experiences. This is by no means a complete list, as the region has so much to offer, but here are some highlights from our trip. Whether you’re visiting with your partner, kids, or solo for an adventure, there’s plenty to enjoy!
Stay
We stayed at Paperbark Camp in Woollamia. As soon as you drive in, you feel an immediate sense of calm. The camp features 13 luxurious glamping tents nestled among the trees, each equipped with comfortable bedding, stylish touches, and semi-outdoor showers and baths. Bathing to the sound of birdsong is a unique experience. At Paperbark, you get the best of both worlds – the great outdoors with all the comforts of luxury.
The team can be found in the treehouse common area, offering tea, fresh local cakes, and a cosy fireplace perfect for curling up with a book. The on-site restaurant, The Gunyah, serves a seasonal set menu with a beautiful NSW wine list to match. In the summer, dining on the deck feels like floating among the treetops. The menu includes dishes like Kangaroo Carpaccio with goat’s cheese and pickled beetroot, Lemon Myrtle Chicken with dukkah and sweet corn purée, and Sticky Date Pudding with butterscotch glaze.
Eat
Fish and chips are a big deal in Shoalhaven, and there’s stiff competition. Our favourites were Pelican Rocks Cafe in Greenwell Point, a long-standing family-run cafe overlooking the water with a fantastic seafood selection. It’s casual and relaxing, with extremely fresh and delicious fish and chips. Another great option is Husky Fresh Fish & Chips in Huskisson, with daily specials showcasing the local catch and a beautiful coastline view.
When it’s time for breakfast and coffee, Shoalhaven offers plenty of great spots. On our way down the coast, we stopped at Nowra institution Hyper Hyper Coffee. This bustling café has a cool and welcoming vibe with records playing out the back. The coffee is strong and hits you hard, Italian style, and we loved it. Next door, Punch The Ploughman serves all the breakfast staples, from chilli scrambled eggs to avocado on toast. While in this area, a visit to the Nowra Farmers Market is a must. Stock up on fresh produce to take with you down the coast. They showcase local suppliers, offering everything from fruits and vegetables to bread, milk, dairy products, and preserves. Another Nowra gem is Espresso Boy Donuts, a hidden secret offering specialty donuts perfect for snacking on during your drive. Made fresh daily, they have a variety of options, including Oreo-topped, sugar-glazed with jam, and Biscoff.
Further down the coast in the Jervis Bay region, Jervis Bay Coffee Co. in Huskisson serves up local brews close to the beach. Enjoy your coffee while strolling and soaking in the sun at one of Jervis Bay’s beautiful sandy beaches. Another local favourite is Salty Joes, a laid-back spot known for its breakfast classics, coffee, pastries, and casual vibe. It’s worth noting that Huskisson was awarded gold at the 2024 Top Tourism Town Awards in the Tiny Town category.
While you’re in Huskisson, a visit to the newest pub on the block, Bud’s Tavern, is essential. Owned and operated by a family with several successful restaurants and bars in Wollongong, this latest venture is an ode to family, and you can feel that as soon as you step inside. It’s homey, casual, and the kind of place you’ll want to keep coming back to. With an 80s retro feel and a country touch, warm hospitality meets excellent food. The elevated pub menu includes Chicken Schnitzel, Scotch Fillet with chips and salad, and the drool-worthy Bud’s Cheeseburger with Wagyu beef. Daily rotating specials, like the lamb shanks we enjoyed, add to the appeal. There’s also a pool table out back, making it the perfect Aussie pub experience.
On your way back home, stop in Berry, another award-winning town. It’s super quaint with delicious restaurants and plenty of homeware shops and antique stores. The Berry Tea Shop is perfect for gifts, offering gorgeous ceramics and house-made tea blends. The Treat Factory sells on-site-made sweets like licorice, chocolate, and musticks. For coffee and lunch, Il Locale offers excellent coffee and a wholesome, seasonal menu.
Discover more places to go in Berry here.
Drink
Jervis Bay has two incredible breweries. Jervis Bay Brewing Co. offers a wide selection of locally crafted beers and a great atmosphere for the whole family, with live music and outdoor seating by the fire. Neighbouring Flamin Galah Brewing Co. caters to a younger crowd with great craft beers, cocktails, and a food truck serving bao buns and fries. For those who can’t make it to Jervis Bay, they also have a brewery in Chippendale, Sydney.
Play
There’s so much to do in the Shoalhaven beyond indulging in food and drinks. With over 100 beaches and more than 70 percent of the area covered by national parks and forests, it’s one of the most beautiful landscapes in Australia. We were fortunate enough to experience the incredible whale watching in Huskisson. Jervis Bay Wild offers a majestic whale-watching tour where you can jump on a ferry and head out to see Humpback Highway. Watching the whales migrate for the winter is an awe-inspiring experience as their tails pop out of the water, and you might even catch a glimpse of dolphins. Even if the whales are elusive, the boat ride provides stunning views of the beaches and peninsula. This unforgettable two-hour adventure is available from May to November.
The Shoalhaven is also an excellent place for stargazing due to its lack of pollution. Jervis Bay Stargazing allowed us to explore the wonders of the night sky on Collingwood Beach. The astrophysicist guide shared captivating stories about the constellations and provided a telescope to check out the moon up close. People of all ages were there, with kids asking lots of questions and couples gazing into the sky. It’s a magical experience we highly recommend.
Enjoy your trip to Shoalhaven, and soak in all the natural beauty and delicious offerings this incredible region has to offer! Find out more about the Shoalhaven here.
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Our guide to Milton & Ulladulla here, a little further down the coast.
