With the tranquil St Georges Basin on one side and the sparkling Pacific Ocean on the other, Sussex Inlet is a water lover’s paradise. Plus, this town in the Shoalhaven region is built around a system of tidal canals, offering easy access for fishing, boating, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.

Highlights

Water activities 

For fun on the water, hire boats with fishing rod holders from Sussex Inlet Boat Hire and sheltered boats with shades from Sussex Inlet Pontoons. The entrance to Sussex Inlet is made up of little beaches, such as Cudmirrah Beach and Sussex Inlet Entrance Beach, with excellent surfing spots nearby. Learn how to stand-up paddleboard or take a floating pilates class with Sussex Inlet Stand Up Paddle & Fitness. In the nearby town of Huskisson, located a 30-minute drive around St Georges Basin, you can join unforgettable dolphin and whale-watching tours through Jervis Bay Marine Park. 

Stand Up Paddle in Sussex Inlet, Jervis Bay and Shoalhaven, South Coast

Sussex Inlet Stand Up Paddle & Fitness, Sussex Inlet - Credit: Sussex Inlet Stand Up Paddle & Fitness

Outdoor adventure 

Go bushwalking and cycling in the rejuvenating Conjola National Park. The Walter Hood and Heath Circuit cycling tracks begin in Cudmirrah, next to Swan Lake and near Sussex Inlet. Golfers can enjoy a game on the leafy nine-hole course at Sussex Inlet Golf Club, which also has barbecue facilities. Two-wheel enthusiasts can discover the area on a classic motorcycle on a tour with Southern Classic Motorcycles. Alternatively, there is a  hire option if you'd prefer to explore on your own. 

Edgewater Ave boat ramp - Sussex Inlet

Edgewater Avenue boat ramp, Sussex Inlet - Credit: Shoalhaven Tourism

Eat and drink 

Sip small-batch craft beers and local gins at Swordfish Brewing over lunch. With a rotating à la carte menu focused on local seafood, enjoy their signature swordfish ceviche or a wood-fired pizza while watching boats sail by. Order brunch favourites and fresh seafood at Pelican Shores Cafe, which overlooks the marina. 

Group of friends on porch, Swordfish Brewing, Sussex Inlet - Credit: Shoalhaven Tourism

Swordfish Brewing, Sussex Inlet - Credit: Shoalhaven Tourism

Events and festivals 

Experience how vikings lived at the Viking Festival Sussex Inlet, held on the June long weekend each year. Watch re-enactments of battles, see axe juggling, play ancient games and explore a viking village complete with tents and a firepit. Admire vintage and classic cars, military vehicles and wooden boats at the Sussex Inlet Classic Show and Shine, held in March.

Day time battle, Viking Festival Sussex Inlet, Sussex Inlet - Credit: Kerry Chandler

Viking Festival Sussex Inlet, Sussex Inlet - Credit: Kerry Chandler

Getting there 

Part of the Shoalhaven region on the NSW South Coast, Sussex Inlet is a wonderful coastal escape around three hours’ drive south of Sydney or east of Canberra.  

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