Your ultimate guide to Shoalhaven

The traditional land of the Bhwerawerri, Budawang, Jerrinja, Murramarang, Tomikin, Wandi wandandian, Wodi wodi, Yuin and associated clans, this stretch of rolling hills and stunning coastline a few hours south of Sydney has been a closely guarded secret destination for decades.

While beach towns further north attract the noisy glory as the coastal gems of the NSW coastline (Byron Bay, we’re looking at you), the Shoalhaven region has remained a beloved holiday haven for families and groups of friends looking to escape the city, and – in a way – escape from modern life entirely. 

Now though, it’s undeniably on the up – with roadside motels morphing into high-end stays, and low-key pubs becoming award-winning restaurants. But despite the region's ballooning offering, it still feels divinely unspoiled; quietly beautiful and gorgeously unpretentious. 

We’ve put together a guide to the best places to stay, eat, drink and play in this heavenly region that keeps on calling us back.

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