Shoalhaven, South Coast NSW — New South Wales

Shoalhaven is a town situated in the South Coast region of New South Wales, on the northern side of the Shoalhaven River mouth. Its location on the foot of Mount Coolangatta and along the Seven Mile Beach has made the town a popular holiday destination.

In fact, because of its ideal conditions, many retired couples have come and made Shoalhaven Heads their home.

For transient visitors, however, the town offers several accommodations to fit all types of budgets. There are several caravan parks within Shoalhaven Heads, as well as hotels and bed and breakfast establishments.

The beach is ideal for all sorts of vacation activities, like swimming, fishing, kite flying, and surfing. Hire companies also rent out equipments and boats for water skiing, jet skiing, and sailing. Fishermen can also rent boats for a day of deep sea fishing. Locals and visitors often come to the beach to enjoy the fresh ocean breeze and have picnics in designated areas. Every first Sunday of the month is kite flying day and locals and visitors converge to the Seven Mile Beach to view these colorful contraptions dotting the sky.

The town also boasts of its own Shoalhaven Heads Golf Club, located adjacent to the beach. The location of the golf course, beside the beach and parkland, has ensured that each leisurely game gets scenic backdrops that afford relaxation in each player.

The beach stretches out into the Seven Mile National Park, which starts on the northern border of Shoalhaven Heads. The park offers its visitors plenty of opportunities for bushwalking, animal viewing, and bird watching. There are several lookouts in the park that affords visitors with breathtaking views of forested land and coastal waters.

West of the town is Mount Coolangatta, which also features extensive bush land and forested areas. Visitors also get to experience being close to nature when they follow several of the walking tracks in the area.

Bird watching can also be done at the Comerong Island, located on the southern part of Shoalhaven Heads. The island is actually made by convicts during late 19th century, when they were made to dig a canal at the river mouth. Daily ferry service brings visitors to the island, which also has facilities for picnics and has a walking track for a bit of exploration.

The Shoalhaven River is also a well-known fishing destination, with numerous shady spots that are perfect for casting the line in and waiting for a bite in leisure.

There are several wineries in the area around Shoalhaven Heads and most of them welcome visitors to sample their products. The Seven Mile Vineyard Pty Ltd can be accessed through Coolangatta Road and offers tours of its vineyard and cellar. There is also a designated picnic area for visitors to experience a bit of the rural life.

Along Bolong Road is the Two Figs Winery, situated in a picturesque landscape that offers views of both the Seven Mile Beach and the Shoalhaven River. Visitors are also welcome to taste their wine products made from several varieties of grapes cultivated and processed right in their own land.