WITH 49 towns and villages stretching over 200 kilometres of the New South Wales south coast, from Berry to Durrass, its no wonder the Shoalhaven attracts many visitors year on year.
Around three quarters of the Shoalhaven is national park and state forests and with 100 beaches to discover it sets itself out to be a perfect explorer’s destination.
Former Fire and Rescue NSW inspector Grant O’Regan and his wife Gail have many fond childhood memories of the region. As a teenager Grant’s family had a farm in Nowra and Gail spent many summers holidaying in Greenwell Point.
So when the couple decided to pull up stumps and relocate from Tamworth, they chose the Shoalhaven beachside suburb of Culburra and started looking for a three-bedroom house to catch up with family and enjoy the beach.
The grandparents are now the new owners of the Culburra Beach Motel. “We were very happy to find our little three-bedroom home, here in Culburra Beach. It just happens to have another 10 rooms out the back!”
The O’Regans love their new home and getting out and about to explore the region and tell visitors about it.
“There are plenty of spots to sit on a wharf and fish or put the boat in or even try your hand at prawning or crabbing in the many lakes,” said Gail.
And there are 20 wineries and 11 cellar doors in the Shoalhaven region. Check out the Two Figs Winery or Cupitts – open everyday for lunch and Friday and Saturdays for dinner – or explore the others at your leisure along the Shoalhaven Coast Wine Trail.
Gail said as well as being able to grab a bite at many wineries, foodies can sample the fare at a number of gourmet restaurants including Rick Stein at Bannisters in Mollymook, or Ward Road Restaurant on the Shoalhaven River. “Then there are the many lovely cafes in the small coastal villages showcasing local produce.
“A great thing to do is catch a ferry from Myola and explore Huskisson, eat oysters at Jim Wilds at Greenwell Point right on the water by the lease or take your fresh seafood to Tilbury Cove and sit alfresco and watch the dolphins play.”
With an ever-changing landscape along the coast, you can experience sandstone cliffs, gorges, waterfalls or lush rainforest within moments of each other.
The waterways are world-renowned with Jervis Bay Marine Park showcasing a number of Instagram-perfect beaches.
“The Shoalhaven is captivating, its diversity and beauty is natural and vast. From country to coast and back with one and a half hours, it is certainly an area worth exploring more,” said Gail.
If you go…
Shoalhaven is around two hours from Sydney and Canberra.
Culburra Beach Motel, phone (02) 4447-2053 or visit www.culburrabeachmotel.com.au
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