Overview
Shoalhaven, the shining star of NSW's south coast, is becoming quite the hot destination. The region, just a two-hour drive from Sydney and two and a half from Canberra, has a breathtaking coastline of over 100 beaches and 70 percent of the area is a National Park. Holidaygoers worldwide are starting to see the appeal, especially after Tripadvisor named Shoalhaven one of the world's emerging destinations in 2021, and a lot of that love is for the tiny town of Huskisson.
You're spoiled for choice when picking destinations and passing through Shoalhaven, be it the deep-fried delights and cosy vibes of Berry, the postcard-perfect heritage of Milton or the seaside luxury of Mollymook. But we're here to talk about a small but very special town in the heart of Jervis Bay. Welcome to Huskisson.
Activities Abound and Maritime Merriment
Huskisson might be a small town with less than 1000 permanent residents, but it sees tens of thousands of tourists pass through every year. As it is situated on the shores of beautiful Jervis Bay, it boasts the white sand beaches and clear blue waters the region is known for, with a bounty of experiences to be found in and out of the water.
The area is a protected marine park and is teeming with life. Aside from thriving populations of fish, dolphins, seals and turtles, the region is famous for one particular kind of visitor. Huskisson and Jervis Bay sit halfway on 'Humpback Highway', the migration route of Humpback Whales. Between May and November, over 30,000 whales enter the bay to rest and play — making for some of the best whale watching in the country.
You can play it safe and spy the majestic animals from land, but Huskisson is the launching point for cruises with Jervis Bay Wild and Dolphin Watch Cruises. If the weather is favourable, you can slip on a wetsuit and get into the water alongside them with experiences offered by Woebegone Freedive and Dive Jervis Bay.
There's plenty to do on dry land as well. In keeping with the maritime theme, you can head to the fringes of town and check out the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum. Inside, the exhibitions chronicle the history of the local area from First Nations to the modern day and even house the last-existing wooden Sydney Harbour ferry, Lady Dunham. Another historical gem in town is The Pictures Huskisson, an adorable local cinema that dates back to 1913 (but still screens every latest blockbuster).
If you'd rather stay outdoors, fret not. You can get a walk-in while learning about the area from its original inhabitants with Djiriba Waagura Cultural Tours, which offer full-day or half-day walking excursions in Jervis Bay and Nowra. After dark, book a spot with Jervis Bay Stargazing, where you can spend an evening on Nelson Beach learning about the night sky with an astrophysicist or telescope viewings of our celestial neighbours on Plantation Point if it's the right time of year.
Taste Your Way Around Town
Huskisson is home to many fantastic eateries, with numerous approachable and high-quality options. Start your day at Salty Joes, a local favourite open for breakfast and all the way through to after-dark cocktails. The breakfast menu is full of hearty choices like acai bowls and breakfast burgers, while after-dark diners will find cocktails aplenty with gourmet snacks to pair.
Another choice breakfast spot is 5 Little Pigs, a family-run, high-end cafe that is consistently packed to the rafters with hungry visitors. They've no doubt been drawn by off-the-chart tasty items like the roasted zucchini and stracciatella on toast with chilli oil and basil or the sourdough waffle with roasted quince, mascarpone and honeycomb.
Come lunchtime, keep things simple with delish fresh seafood dish at the relatively recent addition to the town, Husky Fresh Fish & Chips Co. Grab a feed, then drive to the nearby Woolamia road, which is home to two seriously top-notch breweries.
Mark Fitz
Jervis Bay Brewing Co is a community standout, welcoming visitors of all ages, kids and furry friends too. It features a small playground, water bowls, fairy lights, firepits and bloody good beers by the tin, tap and platter. Less than 150m away is Flamin' Galah Brewing Co, which offers its own spread of beers plus great feeds, cocktails and regular live entertainment.
If you prefer a focus on food, check out Pasta Buoy or Bud's Tavern in central Huskisson. The former is all about relaxed seating, scrumptious cocktails and gourmet handmade pasta bowls that can be eaten in or taken away with ease. The latter is one of the busiest spots in town, half bar, half pub, all delicious with its gourmet pub menu, generous drinks roster and endless hospitality.
Alec Jones
Rest Your Weary Head
All that adventuring is bound to leave you absolutely beat. Good thing Huskisson has no shortage of great accommodation picks. On our last visit, we shacked up at Bay and Bush Cottages. These are just outside of Huskisson, but the drive into town is less than ten minutes. It's perfect for couples or families seeking space and privacy or large groups looking to share some common areas.
Eight fully-equipped and self-catering cottages make up the 27-acre property, plus common areas, a firepit, parking and all the space you need to properly unwind. Just nearby is Huskisson institution, Paperbark Camp. For 25 years, this glamping property has been a standout spot for visitors, with premium canvas safari tents and an onsite luxury restaurant.
It might be a tiny town, but it's one of Australia's finest, and it's calling your name for a weekend getaway ASAP.
Images courtesy of Shoalhaven Tourism