Spotlight on the Shoalhaven

With pristine secluded beaches and coastal walks, incredible local produce, charming towns and rolling green hills, the Shoalhaven region on the NSW South Coast is the perfect place to explore this Spring.

Here are just a few highlights of the best places to eat, explore and stay in the region which stretches from Berry and Kangaroo Valley south to Bawley Point and Kioloa Beach.

Eat:

• Located at the beautiful Mollymook hotel, Bannisters by the Sea, Rick Stein at Bannisters is a sophisticated restaurant with a focus on showcasing outstanding local seafood. ‘Must-try’ dishes include the delicious Bannisters’ fish pie and the Madras fish curry of blue eye trevalla, tomato and tamarind
• With chic white décor and large glass windows lopening on to spectacular views across the Shoalhaven River, Wharf Rd Restaurant is the perfect spot to enjoy delicious food and wine in Nowra. Chef and owner David Campbell is committed to showcasing seasonal, local and sustainable produce with the menu featuring dishes such as a ceviche salad of heirloom beetroot served on a salt brick
• Established in Milton in 1980, Pilgrims is an iconic South Coast vegetarian cafe serving legendary burgers, pies and home-made sweet treats. The Bliss burger has a devoted following thanks to its delicious mixed grain pattie with peanut sauce
• Located just off the main street in Berry, South on Albany is a neighbourhood restaurant with a strong modern European menu and wonderful local wines and beers. Husband and wife team, chef John Evans and Sonia Greig, pride themselves on sourcing the freshest seasonal and local produce, accompanied by friendly service.

Explore:

• Tucked behind the hills of Milton is Cupitt's, a boutique winery, micro-brewery, fromagerie and restaurant with incredible views to Burrill Lake and Budawang Ranges. The sunny deck is the perfect spot to unwind with house-made wine and cheese or to enjoy a meal in Cupitt’s Kitchen where you can feast on regional produce, including beef from Cupitt’s farm
• It’s never been easier or more fun to explore the South Coast than on an eco-friendly segway. South Coast Segway Tours offers exhilarating guided adventures around the historic Coolangatta Estate, a short ten-minute drive from the beautiful town of Berry. Visitors will enjoy an effortless climb up the base of Coolangatta Mountain to enjoy spectacular views across the unspoilt coast, rivers and distant ranges
• South Nowra’s HopDog is a craft brewery producing hand-crafted boundary-pushing beers, using quality ingredients. Head brewer Tim Thomas and chef wife Tessa create unique beer flavours using gingerbread, coffee and seasonal fruit 
• Just outside Gerringong, Buena Vista Farm is a family-run, sustainable property sharing a passion for wholefood cooking through themed cooking workshops. The farm is home to a kitchen garden, free- range pigs, geese, ducks, grass-fed beef and a commercial kitchen where the team makes a range of sweet and savoury products that are available at the local weekly farmers’ market
• Opened in 1870 in Gerringong, The Schoolhouse is now home to a restaurant, cheesemaking and tea-tasting room. Stop by to sample some of the homemade cheeses or sit back and relax over a decadent high tea.

Stay:

• Located in the far south of the Shoalhaven region at Bawley Point is the peaceful self-catered eco-retreat, Bawley Bush Retreat. With five beautiful cottages and 14 hectares to explore, the retreat is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy walks on uncrowded beaches and hinterland forests, as well as surfing, fishing and snorkelling
• A little further north is Bannisters by the Sea, offering 32 beautifully appointed rooms in the stunning seaside town of Mollymook. Among the rooms are two exquisite Collete Dinnigan-designed Penthouse Suites, each boasting a private balcony and spectacular views. The infinity pool and bar area is a great place to unwind and enjoy the amazing ocean outlook
• Located at beautiful Jervis Bay, Paperbark Camp combines luxury tented accommodation with first-class food and warm hospitality. The camp is the perfect place to relax or use as a base to explore the pristine beaches and national parks
• At the very north of the region, the Drawing Rooms in Berry offers four stylish and tranquil lodges, set amongst stunning natural vistas. For a romantic couples weekend away, the Treetops Lodge is the perfect oasis nestled high in the natural canopy with a private outdoor jacuzzi set amongst the trees.