Get the Break You Deserve with These Unique Experiences Across the Shoalhaven

The need for wellness doesn't take breaks, especially when life and the world start to get you down. But, in times like these, there's a major barrier blocking you from getting away from it all on an overseas adventure: when a dozen eggs cost an hour of work, how can we justify a plane ticket?

The good news is that you've got some amazing getaways on your doorstep. Stop looking to Europe, Japan and the Pacific Islands when you can have the adventure of a lifetime just four hours south of Sydney — all for the price of petrol instead of a plane ticket. Home to beautiful vistas, quiet country towns, cutting-edge culinary adventures and enough wellness activities to strip away the stress of living in 2025, start your adventure in the Shoalhaven region with these experiences you couldn't find anywhere else.

Berry: Heritage and Handiwork

The supremely cosy town of Berry might be best known for a certain unnamed vehicle serving out freshly made fried desserts, but it's not all strolling and snacking; not when you've got the likes of other fabulous breakfast spots like the Queen St Cafe or artisans like Appleye and David Collins Pottery to keep you busy. The former is found on the busy main thoroughfare — just down from the aforementioned dessert van — and runs half-day silver smithing workshops to help you create fashionable bangles, rings and more.

The latter is up the hill from Berry and will get you on a stool, wearing an apron and making pottery with a master — set upon the backdrop of one of the best bush views you've ever seen. Once you're feeling mighty proud of your accomplishments, return to the Berry township and enjoy a hearty meal at The Berry General Store or partake in a steaming cuppa with a perfectly paired slice of cake at the Berry Tea Shop before retiring for the night in the surprising Palm Springs-style luxury of The Berry View Hotel.

Nowra: New Heights of Wellness

Further to the south along the A1, Nowra sits at an intersection for travel through the Shoalhaven — and while some travellers break off to journey east or west, there's plenty to do in the surrounds of Nowra itself. If you've been in the car too long and need some fresh air, you'll probably find a decent breeze with a picnic. How about the Nowra alternative, a cliffnic, which adds verticality and vistas to your typical picnic experience?

Too much? That's understandable. If you want to unwind with two feet firmly on the ground, you could attend a Vedic Meditation course at Be Here Nowra to really ground yourself. Or to nourish your body as much as your mind, pop by the First Nations-run Blak Cede Gunyah Cafe and Shop for a hearty feed of contemporary, bush tucker-fusion.

Tim Clark

Kangaroo Valley: A Walk on the Wild Side

The Shoalhaven's own wild paradise, Kangaroo Valley, is countryside scenery at its very best, where heritage townscapes are backed by soaring escarpments and deep forests are home to all sorts of native wildlife. No trip to the Shoalhaven should ignore this verdant wonderland, but a scenic drive-through won't do it justice. You're much better off parking the car and exploring the region's forests, rivers and ridgelines via guided canoeing, walking or horseback tours, afterwards be sure to explore the quaint local village (and get a top-notch cup of coffee at Maddison's in the Valley).

Once you've had your fill of adventuring, you needn't drive up the steep hillsides in search of a quality stay since the valley is home to all sorts of cosy accommodations. Our pick? A cottage property with boutique-yet-luxury stays for groups, Barranca. Get your fix of comfy beds with bushland views and toasty firepits for a slice of privacy without leaving the valley.

Jason Bowen

Jervis Bay: Relaxation on Land and Adventure by Sea

The blue gem of the Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay, is a beating heart of maritime merriment for all of NSW and plays host to some of the most memorable aquatic adventures around. For one, Jervis Bay is home to thriving marine wildlife populations year-round, with everything from dolphin and whale watching for the casual ocean-goer to marine encounter freediving for those who prefer to get up close and personal.

On dry land, you're still spoilt for choice. Don't get into bed too early, or else you'll miss an accessible tour of our celestial neighbourhood with Jervis Bay Stargazing. If you prefer a daylight adventure, the surrounding area of Booderee National Park is well worth exploring in full. When it's time to put your feet up or hang your swimmers out to dry, you could do so in the Jervis Bay grounds of the aforementioned Barranca, the cosy Huskisson-adjacent cabins of Bay and Bush or the nearby luxury Paperbark glamping site.

Milton: Float, Flow and Frolic

Heading south to Milton, this sunny coastal town is ideal for some serious R&R after extensive adventuring. Earn that rest by getting your legs moving and hitting the trails on Pigeon House Mountain Didthul . Wear some high-grade shoes, be prepared for slopes and even scale some ladders; but the payoff will be some properly breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding region.

Now you've earned a day off from rigorous physical exercise. If you must, you can still enjoy some easy exercise that's good for the soul at Om Sweet Om Yoga. If you want pure, unadulterated unwinding time, make a beeline for The Heal Zone Milton, where you can enjoy a private space with infrared saunas and cold plunges for both ends of the wellness spectrum.

Mollymook: Surf and Spa

Our southernmost stop is scenic Mollymook, where the seas are blue and the surf is absolutely pumping. In fact, Mollymook is regarded as one of the best surf beaches in the country, so it makes sense that trailblazing pro surfer Pam Burridge would set up a surf school here. Pam offers tutoring for surfers young and old, beginner and intermediate, and more in-depth three-day surf and wellness retreats for the especially interested.

Beyond the surf, but still on the coast, is one of Mollymook's most famous attractions: Bannisters by the Sea. While this picturesque hotel has a lot to offer guests, what's most caught our eye is the spa. After all that sun and surf, you probably need a bit of relaxation, and there's no better way to do it than scrubs, massages and infrared saunas at Spa by the Sea.

Explore the Shoalhaven region and uncover your own wellness escape.