Wellness comes in many forms. Whether your idea of it takes place offline through reconnecting with nature, or nurturing yourself by being pampered in-room, lounging poolside or enjoying an impeccable feed, the Shoalhaven region offers you a little bit of everything.

A mere two to three hours from both Sydney and Canberra, the area offers all sorts of activities, escapes and stays that will help reset your mind and body. You’ll leave feeling less tense, lighter and overall better.

Kick-start your wellness-focused jaunt by picking a stunning local stay that supercharges your rest and makes the first and last thing you see each day a home away from home.

Berry View Hotel, Berry

The search for greener pastures ends at the very chic Berry View Hotel. A mid-century architectural gem, the recently remodelled motel opens up to expansive views of Berry’s pastoral landscape, where you can watch the bovine locals graze. Despite its Shoalhaven location at the end of Berry’s main street — you’d be hard-pressed not to be whisked away to Palm Springs under the canopy of pastel, retro umbrellas by the pristine infinity pool.

Barranca Retreats, Kangaroo Valley

Few things evoke a sense of quiet luxury like cabins surrounded by pristine bush. At Barranca Retreats in Kangaroo Valley, the high-end lodge-style accommodation comes with in-house treatments to help you unwind — and the excellently appointed interiors, complete with log fire spaces, encourage connection and conversation whether your group is big or small.

Soul Revival Spa, South Coast region

Sometimes on a getaway you don’t want to leave your lodgings, but if you don’t want to forgo some rejuvenation, why not book a luxury spa treatment? You can be revitalised from the comfort of your own accommodation with Soul Revival Spa, the South Coast’s most luxurious mobile spa service, saving you from having to get out and about.

Simply spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress levels — and if it were humanly possible to experience every last drop of nature in the Shoalhaven, stress itself would cease to exist. However, given time and geographical constraints, these are some immersive nature experiences that go beyond mere observation and will immerse you in a hug from mother earth.

Mindful Canoeing: Valley Outdoors, Kangaroo Valley

Fancy floating down the still waters of Kangaroo River in Kangaroo Valley in a canoe, taking time to tune in to the soundtrack of the great outdoors? This experience implores you to lend your ears — you’ll be rewarded with a soundscape made up of bird calls, the rustle of almost-camouflaged wildlife on the river banks and the bubbling of carp in the river. With no mobile reception down in the valley, you’ve got every excuse to look up and feast your eyes on the escarpment’s regenerating trees and forest. 

Go on a guided paddle with Valley Outdoors for peace of mind with catering included (your guide will help you notice details in the environment and bring morning tea too) — or hire a vessel to go at your own pace and on your own path.

Didthul Pigeon House Mountain (Balgan) Walking Track: Morton National Park, Ulladulla

If it’s panoramic views and a sense of accomplishment that nurture your spirit, Didthul Pigeon House Mountain (Balgan) walking track fits the bill. Located in the southern section of Morton National Park, just west of townships of Milton and Ulladulla, this hinterland hike through forest, heathland, rare Pigeon House Ash eucalypts and sandstone is one of the park’s steepest, and finishes with a series of ladders to the summit. Said summit rewards you with incredible views over the area’s cliffs and gorges carved by the Clyde River, and on a day with good visibility, possibly even views out to the coast.

Float, Cold and Heat Therapy: The Heal Zone, Milton 

Ironically, for full body relaxation it can often help to tune into your physical bodily sensations. Head to The Heal Zone in Milton to stimulate the senses through temperature — ice baths and saunas are time-honoured therapies — or even the opposite: sensory deprivation in a float tank.

Gallery, Workshops and Local Dining: Bundanon Art Museum, Illaroo

If you’ve never stopped in at Bundanon before, you’re in for a cultural treat that’ll invigorate your body, mind and palate. Descend into the valley down a gravelly road, and you’ll soon be greeted by the rolling hills of a natural landscape dotted with modern buildings.

Start your day gently with yoga on the serene grounds of Bundanon Art Museum while there’s still mist over the Shoalhaven River, and feel uplifted in tandem with the sun rising. Saunter a few metres down the footpath to take in the Art Museum’s latest exhibition: Thinking together: Exchanges with the natural world, which runs from Saturday, March 1 until Sunday, June 8. Then, mere metres away is Ramox Cafe where an everchanging menu is designed to showcase seasonal, local produce. 

Stargazing: Jervis Bay Stargazing, Jervis Bay

A far more relaxing spin on a night out calls for stargazing in Jervis Bay. Led by astrophysicist Dr Dimitri Douchin, Jervis Bay Stargazing‘s tours will imbue you with a sense of wonder and appreciation of our planetary neighbours and your own place in the universe. The nighttime tours include scientific and cultural interpretations of the starry skies, capturing the vastness and mysteries of the universe. 

Spa Treatments: Bannisters by the Sea, Mollymook 

For boutique spa and beauty treatments, Bannisters by the Sea in Mollymook is the spot to go. Head here for indulgent treatments crafted to pamper and restore. With a commitment to using tried and true techniques as well as products of the highest quality, a visit here will restore your sense of wellness from the inside out. 

Pottery: David Collins Pottery, Woodhill

It’s not everyday you get to learn pottery, let alone in a small group setting led by an esteemed ceramicist in a stunning studio with views of Shoalhaven. At David Collins Pottery, that’s exactly what’s on offer. An expert ceramicist, Collins leads classes that are capped in size to ensure personalised attention. Working with clay is more mindful than you might realise, as well as being pure, wholesome fun. You can even leave your creations behind for Collins to glaze and fire in his gas-kiln for later collection, so that you’ll always have a piece of your Shoalhaven escape.

Finally, if the old adage that food is medicine is true, then wellness has never tasted as good as it does in Shoalhaven. The region’s culinary scene is reason enough on its own to travel for, and not to be missed when recharging in the region. These are two hatted dining experiences that will feed your spirit, as well as your tastebuds. 

South on Albany, Berry 

An institution of Shoalhaven, South on Albany has been showcasing produce from the region for almost 12 years from its cosy spot just off Berry’s Queen Street, earning much acclaim. Headed up by husband and wife duo head chef John Evans and Sonia Greig, this hatted restaurant’s menu is ever-changing. As excellent as the handpicked-by-Greig wine list is, this is a rare restaurant where the non-alcoholic drinks menu is equally as considered for food pairing. 

Bangalay Dining, Shoalhaven Heads 

For even more local hatted dining highlights, head to Bangalay Dining, occupying a prime perch right on the beach as part of the Bangalay Luxury Villas in Shoalhaven Heads. You’ll be nourished with some of the South Coast’s highest quality seafood here, cooked with equal parts creative expression and delicious flavours. 

Explore the Shoalhaven region and uncover your own wellness escape.