You will not totally value the large size of the Shoalhaven area till you immerse yourself in its covert treasures such as Jervis Bay, Huskisson, Berry, Mollymook and more. WellBeing editor Kate shares her experience in this stunning part of the world.
Nestled along the striking south-eastern shoreline of New South Wales lies a surprise treasure waiting to be checked out: Jervis Bay. Found in the Shoalhaven area– which is likewise home to Ulladulla, Huskisson, Berry, Lake Conjola, St Georges Basin, Nowra and more– Jervis Bay is renowned for its beautiful beaches, azure-blue waters and prospering bushland. This seaside paradise beckons the brave traveler looking for a pristine mix of health and enjoyment.
Found simply a two-hour drive from Sydney or two-and-a-half-hours from Canberra, Shoalhaven is quickly available for a long-weekend trip– which is precisely what my young household did.
Our very first experience was a South Coast Passage at Jervis Bay Wild. My kid was next to himself with enjoyment. When it comes to me, I was feeling grateful for the sea-sickness tablets liquifying in our stomaches as I watched out to the horizon. Henry, our captain, provided a security instruction then motored us out of the mariner. From there, we travelled along the amazing beaches of Huskisson, Vincentia and down to Hyams Beach, with Henry sharing regional tales along the method.
The crystal-clear blue-green waters were genuinely fascinating, lining the rugged cliffs that with dignity accept the distinct shoreline. The waters here were calm, so Captain Henry might tuck the cruiser into pristine beaches like Green Patch, Hole in the Wall and Murrays Beach.
As the boat cut through the cerulean waters of Jervis Bay, I took a deep inhalation. Unwinding into my chair, I looked at the white sandy beaches. This location is genuinely something unique. Before I got too comfy, Captain Henry began going out to sea. “Put on your wind coats, guests– we’re crossing the open waters!” he revealed. We were off to Point Perpendicular and a southerly wind was blowing. As the vessel set sail, anticipation awaited the air. With rocky cliffs looming on the horizon and the pledge of untamed wilderness beckoning, we braced ourselves as we started to cross the passage. The large movement of the ocean put my boy directly to oversleep my arms. In the beginning, I believed, “He’s going to miss out on all the action!” Then I was rapidly taken in by the loveliness of his warm body versus mine.
A rush of adrenaline jolted me out of my ideas as we jumped over the swell. My stomach fluctuated with such force, I made sure my kid would awaken, however he remained sleeping in harmony. My other half and I locked eyes as we dropped over the swell, shared a fired up laugh and copped a splattering of water to the face. The salt stung my eyes and the water soaked my hair, however I didn’t care. This was exciting! My child, who was safe and dry under my coat, didn’t even stir.
As soon as we got to Point Perpendicular, I was mesmerised by the intensity yet tranquility of the rugged cliffs. These striking rock developments have actually been standing guard versus the crashing waves for more than 350 million years.
As our captain browsed the rough waters that swirled around Point Perpendicular, we experienced the untamed force of the sea. My boy woke as Captain Henry mentioned the unblemished wilderness of Pancake Stack, the Outer and Inner Tubes and Silica Cove. We then travelled towards a calm Honeymoon Bay and back to the dock, completing our two-hour big salami with a newly found gratitude for the raw power of the ocean and the strong ground below our feet.
Later on, my hubby, who has a pressing thirst for experience, aspired to sign up with Dane from Sea Kayak Jervis Bay for a two-hour assisted kayak trip. Dane, who has more than 25 years of experience browsing the elaborate waterways of Jervis Bay, exposed the regional tricks of the waterways and landscapes.
After our water activities, we got a bite to consume at 5 Little Pigs and some fresh oysters from Jim Wild before heading to our lodging.
A deep sense of respect
As we opened the front door of Driftaway at Wrights Beach, which is handled by Supercalla Private, our jaws were left on the flooring. The attractive view throughout the water resembled a scene right out of a postcard. In the range, a couple leisurely kayaked while anglers cast their lines close by. Straight in front of us stood a charming boat shed and jetty, which my kid and hubby removed towards to check out. It was a sight to see and, as I reclined into the outside lounge and enjoyed my child walk to the end of the jetty, I felt a deep sense of respect for this amazing area.
Our waterside paradise had a lot more to provide upstairs. Extensive views throughout Wrights Beach tidal waters and a super-king bed used me the best area to settle in with a book and a glass of white wine from the regional winery, Mountain Ridge Wines.
Attentively and respectfully
Aunty Deidre is a Walbanga female of the Yuin country, a revered custodian of Indigenous understanding and the only Aboriginal national forests ranger in the area. She might be gently spoken however Aunty Deidre’s filled with extensive knowledge, gave through generations.
As we ambled the White Sands Walk, we found out the various methods Aunty Deidre and her forefathers operated in consistency with nature. She presented us to a cornucopia of native plants and herbs, each using a distinct flavour and medical residential or commercial property. She exposed which native plants can be utilized as bush emergency treatment, offering defense from blue bottle stings, leeches, ticks, mosquitos and providing a lot more solutions. She explained the sweet taste of bush wattle and the earthy richness of wattle seed, which Aunty Deidre contributes to ice cream. We tasted native sarsaparilla (Smilax glyciphylla), which has a sweet flavour not too different to sarsaparilla. My boy liked it, drawing and chewing away on his leaf and after that mine. We discovered how to whistle with turf hairs which the sound intrigued snakes, drawing them better, and found that Banksia pods might be utilized to brush hair– plus a lot more.
Together, we strolled attentively and respectfully. Beyond the cooking experience, we found the deep connection First Nations individuals have with the land. We found out the intimate relationship in between Indigenous Australians and the natural world, where every plant, animal and body of water is revered as a custodian of spiritual understanding.
In the heart of Shoalhavenin Booderee National Park, amidst the golden sands, glittering waters and paper bark trees, I provided thanks to the area, to the senior citizens and to the ancient knowledge shared to us by Aunty Deidre.
Honouring the land, honouring the self
When we went back to Driftaway, I drank my tea in the boat home and saw 2 black swans romping in the bay. I reviewed the significance of discovering the land, honouring and maintaining it. This land is our cumulative tradition– the tradition for my kid, kids all over and all the generations to come. I considered my body– my vessel and channel for this life. It too requires honouring and protecting.
Regardless of our hectic lives, it’s important we make time for health leaves and nature-based experiences. Shoalhaven ticks all packages when it pertains to crafting a really unforgettable journey filled with ease, satisfaction and enjoyable. Immerse yourself in the calmness of the area’s beautiful beaches, explore its rugged shoreline, experience the untamed appeal of its national forests and discover stillness in the minutes of peaceful reflection–
Shoalhaven genuinely has all of it.
Checking out Shoalhaven
Go The Shoalhaven area can be delighted in year-round.
Stay The Berry View Hotel in Berry or Driftaway at Wrights Beach, hosted by Supercalla Private.
Load Swimmers, sun block, a coat and your treking boots.
Consume You can’t miss out on Pasta Bouy in Huskisson. Order the vodka rigatoni and nero di sepia lobster.
Consume Jervis Bay Brewing Co, Jervis Bay Coffee Co and Salty Joe’s.
Do not miss out on Murray’s Beach, Cave Beach, Greenpatch Beach and Depot Beach in Booderee National Park.
More information Check out shoalhaven.com for strolling routes and more details.