Outdoor adventures  

Shoalhaven Heads offers direct access to the pristine sands of Seven Mile Beach, which curves from the river entrance through Seven Mile Beach National Park to Gerroa. This 12km stretch is a great spot for surfing, kite-surfing, horse riding and fishing. With 24-hour off-leash areas, your dog can also join you for a dip in the waves. You can even spot whales from May to November. 

At the southern end of Seven Mile Beach, Comerong Island has a protected nature reserve that is home to an internationally recognised shorebird population. Take the car ferry across Berry’s Canal, explore the bushy reserve and set up a picnic on a secluded beach within this peaceful natural wonderland. 

Surfing, Shoalhaven Heads

There are lots of family-friendly bushwalks that are easy for young and old. Explore the Sand tracks to see forested hind dunes running parallel to the beach and majestic blackbutt trees, a reminder of the woodlands that were once widespread along this coast. You can also walk to scenic grassy picnic areas and set up lunch before a refreshing dip in the ocean. 

Stretching more than 300km, the Shoalhaven River spills into the sea at Shoalhaven Heads. Take a boat out to fish for bream, whiting, mullet and Australian salmon, or head to neighbouring Greenwell Point to cast your line into the calm estuary waters off Crookhaven River. 

Seven Mile Beach, Shoalhaven Heads

Eat and drink 

The Shoalhaven River estuary is part of Australia’s Oyster Coast. Book the premium oyster experience at Bangalay Dining to sample fresh Sydney Rock oysters paired with local wine and spirits. Or head to Greenwell Point for a tour of Jim Wild’s Oysters to learn about the life cycle of an oyster and sample them freshly shucked straight from the water. 

Bangalay Dining, Shoalhaven Heads - Credit: Bangalay Dining

Shoalhaven Heads is also a great base for exploring the nearby wineries located around the foothills of Mount Coolangatta. Visit the historic Coolangatta Estate, the first European settlement in the region, built by convict labour in 1822. You can stay in convict-built cottages, taste estate-grown wines at the cellar door or enjoy lunch at the estate restaurant. 

Coolangatta Estate, Shoalhaven Heads

Other cellar doors in this tranquil area of the Shoalhaven Coast wine region include Two Figs Winery and Mountain Ridge Wines, which also has a wood-fired pizza restaurant and live music once a month. Cruise between vineyards with Noble Tours to see the region in style thanks to their door-to-door service. 

Mountain Ridge Wines, Coolangatta - Credit: Mountain Ridge Wines

More things to do 

Off the water, play a round of golf at the scenic Shoalhaven Heads Golf Club, an 18-hole links course by the sea. To catch mulloway at night, learn how to catch worms to use as bait and fish at the best spots, join Fishing with a Local for a workshop or fishing trip. 

The Shoalhaven Heads Native Botanic Garden is a peaceful spot for a picnic lunch, featuring a collection of 200 native plants and trees. Kids can sign up for individual or group horse riding lessons at Regal Riding School, while adults can join a morning beach ride on Seven Mile Beach. 

Bangalay Villas, Shoalhaven Heads

Where to stay 

There are accommodation options in the region to suit all budgets. Book into one of the 16 private villas at Bangalay Luxury Villas; experience living history in the heritage cottages at Coolangatta Estate; rent a cabin or park your caravan at the Shoalhaven Heads Village; or stay at the dog-friendly Heads Hotel Motel, where you can also rent a bike to explore the area on two wheels. 

Bangalay Luxury Villas, Shoalhaven Heads - Credit: Bangalay Luxury Villas

Getting there 

Part of the Shoalhaven region on the NSW South Coast, Shoalhaven Heads is just over a two-hour drive from Sydney along the spectacular Grand Pacific Drive, and just under three hours’ drive from Canberra. It’s only 15 minutes from the charming town of Berry.