Ahhhh… that crunch of a path underfoot. The musical symphony of a bird’s song above. Perhaps the gurgle and rush of a nearby stream or roar of the ocean. The wind as it rushes through a leafy canopy or coastal grasses. Yes, nothing quite matches exploring the greatness of the Great Outdoors – and luckily for you, the Shoalhaven region of New South Wales provides plenty of diversity in protected natural areas for you to explore during your next visit.
From pristine coastal headlands to lush rainforests and sandstone escarpments, the national parks and reserves of our region showcase some of Australia’s most breathtaking landscapes – with some areas centuries in the making. Whether you’re seeking solitude on secluded beaches, hoping to spot native wildlife, or looking for adventurous hiking trails, we can deliver. Here are our top picks:
Seven Mile Beach National Park
This coastal park features one of the most beautiful beaches in the region, framed by coastal dune forests. The park’s relatively flat terrain makes it ideal for family-friendly walks, picnics, and beach activities. The Sand Track offers easy access through the forest to the expansive beach, while the Beach Road picnic area provides excellent facilities for day visitors.
Accommodation nearby: Holiday Haven Seven Mile Beach
Photo Credit: Josh Brnjac
Cambewarra Range Nature Reserve
Situated between Kangaroo Valley and the coast, Cambewarra Range Nature Reserve is a great place for hiking, cycling, birdwatching and picnicking – with stunning views across the lush green hidden valley and beyond. A highlight is the Red Rocks trig walking track, that provides a short but rewarding walk across natural heathland to a sandstone plateau and lookout across Kangaroo Valley and the bush covered mountains that surround it on all sides. A pair of binoculars could also be handy to pick out birdlife and other landscape features.
Accommodation nearby: Holiday Haven Kangaroo Valley
Photo Credit: Josh Brnjac
Comerong Island Nature Reserve
This unique and protected reserve covers more than 600 hectares of coastal landscape right within the estuary of the Shoalhaven River, making it an internationally recognised habitat for a wide range of shorebirds and waders. In true throwback style, the island is only vehicle accessible by ferry, and provides a picnic area as well as excellent fishing spots and places to swim in the many waterways that surround and crisscross throughout the island. This location is like no other – yet still easily accessible for a day trip or afternoon of exploring.
Accommodation nearby: Holiday Haven Culburra Beach
Bomaderry Creek Regional Park
One of the more surprising parks is just a stone’s throw from civilisation. Bomaderry Creek provides a wondrous bushland oasis and a rewarding detour off the Princes Highway. Once immersed within the park, it’s easy to feel like you’ve stepped back in time, with the Bomaderry Creek Gorge providing a real focal point to explore the forest and soaring sandstone cliffs and formations. There are plenty of trails and picnic spots throughout the park and the shady environment ensures a pleasant time in any weather. Kids will also love the Aboriginal rainbow serpent mural. And you can even take four-legged family members (on leash) through this park.
Accommodation nearby: Holiday Haven Shoalhaven Heads, Holiday Haven Kangaroo Valley, Holiday Haven Culburra Beach
Photo Credit: Visit Shoalhaven
Jervis Bay National Park and Marine Park
A true jewel in the crown of Shoalhaven’s coastal wonders, Jervis Bay National Park spans from the northern shores of Jervis Bay, stretching from Beecroft Peninsula around to Huskisson. Along the way, this park protects significant coastal ecosystems including heathlands, forests, and wetlands. Here you can enjoy spectacular coastal walks with panoramic ocean views, observe migratory whales during season, and explore culturally significant Aboriginal sites. The park’s beaches offer excellent swimming, snorkelling and the surrounding waters are protected across the Jervis Bay Marine Park – approximately 215 square kilometres of protected waterways that are home to dolphins, seals, and diverse marine life including a mix of ecosystems, flora and fauna.
Accommodation nearby: Holiday Haven Culburra Beach, Holiday Haven Currarong, Holiday Haven Huskisson Beach, Holiday Haven White Sands
Photo Credit: Josh Brnjac
Booderee National Park
Located at the southern shores of Jervis Bay, Booderee is jointly managed by the local Wreck Bay Aboriginal community and Parks Australia. The park features pristine white sand beaches, including the world-famous squeaky sands of Hyams Beach as well as diverse walking tracks through coastal woodlands. The Booderee Botanic Gardens also showcase indigenous plant species, while wildlife lovers can spot eastern grey kangaroos, echidnas, and numerous bird species. And this part of the coastline is also covered by the Jervis Bay Marine Park, ensuring clear turquoise waters perfect for snorkeling and viewing marine ecosystems and ocean life in their natural habitat. Note that a park pass/permit is required to enter this park – either purchase online or at the entry station.
Accommodation nearby: Holiday Haven Huskisson Beach, Holiday Haven White Sands, Holiday Haven Swan Lake
Photo Credit: Visit Shoalhaven
Conjola National Park
If you like your National Parks a little quieter but no less beautiful, Conjola will conjure up all the things you’re looking for thanks to its sprawling natural setting. This gem sits geographically between Sussex Inlet and Lake Conjola, spreading down to the coast at Bendalong Point and featuring a beautiful lake system, wetlands, and forests. At the northern end near Swan Lake, the Berrara Creek provides some excellent walking or cycling tracks plus Berrara Falls. Its namesake beach is also a great spot for fishing. Further south, Conjola Lake provides opportunities for kayaking and fishing, while bushwalking tracks wind through forests of blackbutt, spotted gum and wildflowers in spring. Birdwatchers can also spot a variety of species including sea eagles, honeyeaters, and black swans. You’ll also have the opportunity to spot eastern grey kangaroos and echidnas as well as hear the noisy black cockatoos!
Accommodation nearby: Holiday Haven Swan Lake, Holiday Haven Bendalong, Holiday Haven Lake Conjola
Photo Credit: Visit Shoalhaven
Meroo National Park
This coastal park protects Meroo Lake, Termeil Lake, and several pristine beaches just south of Ulladulla. The park offers excellent camping options at Meroo Head and Termeil Point, with opportunities for fishing, swimming, and birdwatching. Meanwhile, the Nuggan Point walking track leads to spectacular coastal views – including whales during migration season (May to November). In particular, the coastal lakes here are ideal for kayaking, paddling and fish, while plenty of tracks and trails mean your walking boots or mountain bike will get a good workout.
Accommodation nearby: Holiday Haven Ulladulla, Holiday Haven Burrill Lake, Holiday Haven Lake Tabourie
Morton National Park
One of the largest and most diverse parks in the region, Morton spans from the coastal escarpment to inland plateaus and acts as the western ‘spine’ of the Shoalhaven region. The park features dramatic sandstone cliffs, deep river valleys, and the stunning Fitzroy Falls and Lake Yarrunga on the Kangaroo Valley, while further south, highlights include Pigeon House Mountain, Tianjara Falls and the Castle Summit. On a walk, ride or via horseback, you’ll experience everything from rainforest to dry eucalypt woodlands through numerous tracks of varying difficulty. Every sunset you enjoy during your stay is framed by the western silhouette of Morton National Park – and its beauty is within reach of all areas of the Shoalhaven.
Accommodation nearby: All 12 Holiday Haven locations
Photo Credit: Visit Shoalhaven
