Things to Do in Shoalhaven: Where to Eat, Drink, Stay & Play

Spring is the perfect time to head south for a rejuvenating getaway — the water is warming, the nights are cosy 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

The South Coast Sandcastles

The South Coast Sandcastles embody the region’s laidback attitude and make for the perfect base from which to explore. Book a single cabin or go all out with your pals by booking the full compound, where you’ll find patios, BBQs, well-equipped kitchens and plenty of space to soak in the gorgeous setting. The whole property can sleep up to 20. You can expect all the little luxuries, from premium bedding to boutique amenities, on top of easy access to some of Australia’s most beloved beaches.

Book your stay with The South Coast Sandcastles

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32 Duncan Street, Hukisson

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-inspired decor and 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. 

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Book your stay with Expedia 

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-visit.

Book via Luxury Escapes 

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Book via Paperbark Camp

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. 

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Book via The Lodge 

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. 

Jervis Bay Wild

One of the best ways to experience this exceptional coastal region is to get out onto the water. Leave it to the professionals and book a whale or dolphin spotting cruise with Jervis Bay Wild. On top of the wildlife spotting ops, you’ll be able to soak in the Shoalhaven’s famous white sandy beaches and pristine aqua waters. If you’re feeling adventurous, opt for a kayak experience or take a dip with with Jervis Bay Wild’s Boomnetting Experience.

Surf Camp Australia 

There’s nothing more exhilarating or empowering than mastering a new skill or taking on a new challenge. The talented team at Surf Camp Australia in Gerroa offer group bookings or private classes, so you can learn to ride 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. 

Jervis Bay Stargazing 

Away from the city lights, Jervis Bay is the perfect place to partake in a spot of stargazing with resident astrophysicist Dimitri Douchin.

This incredible 90-minute experience includes laser-guided naked-eye stargazing at sunset on Nelson’s Beach, constellation storytelling, use of a state-of-the-art telescope and a Q&A session with Dimitri. It’s even a dog-friendly tour! 

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 

The Gunyah Restaurant

In a beautiful bush setting among the treetops in the Jervis Bay area, The Gunyah Restaurant (Aboriginal for meeting place), is a must-book restaurant with a seasonal menu. Start with pre-dinner drinks at the Sundowner Deck before moving on to the restaurant for a three-course set menu.

Expect locally sourced produce, fresh ocean seafood and a paddock-to-plate ethos.

571 Woollamia Road, Woollamia

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.

58 Washburton Road, Ulladulla

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 

Pasta Buoy

Few things hit quite so nicely as a bowl of handmade pasta after a long day in the great outdoors. Pair your favourite pasta with an ice-cold spritz for the perfect end to your day.

60 Owen Street, Hukisson

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

Flamin Galah 

Flamin Galah is a family-run brewery located in Jervis Bay’s industrial estate. Sit back in the gorgeous beer garden after a long day out and about and enjoy one of the brewery’s 14 tap beers.

Masters of flavour, you’ll find everything from an easy-drinking German Kölsch to a Vanilla Pudding Stout. The Nest, a resident food truck, serves up the likes of nachos and cheeseburgers from Wednesday to Sunday. 

Unit 8, 5 Erina Road, Huskisson 

Loved this edit of things to do in Shoalhaven and looking for more local gems in the area? Check out our guides to Berry and Mollymook.