In a world that’s always on, a Shoalhaven holiday is your invitation to slow right down. With ocean breezes, bushland tracks, calm lakes and peaceful rivers at your doorstep, Holiday Haven parks are perfectly placed along the NSW South Coast – ideal for quiet, easygoing hobbies that help you reconnect with nature, no special equipment required.
Whether you’re staying by the beach, nestled beside a lake or tucked into the bush, these gentle activities are easy to enjoy from any of our 12 Holiday Haven parks across the Shoalhaven.
1. Walking: The Simplest Way to Explore the Shoalhaven
Sometimes the best way to experience a place is simply to walk it – slow, quiet and at your own pace.
From long, open stretches of sand to shaded bush tracks, the Shoalhaven is full of easy going walks that let you switch off and soak up the scenery. Stroll along the shoreline near Holiday Haven Shoalhaven Heads, wander lakeside paths at Holiday Haven Burrill Lake, or venture to the Crookhaven Heads Lighthouse close to Holiday Haven Culburra Beach.
If you feel like stretching the legs a little further, try a few local favourites:
- The Grotto Walk, Nowra – A short but scenic loop that zigzags down to the Shoalhaven River, with rocky overhangs and gorgeous river views.
- Three Views Walking Track, Kangaroo Valley – An easy, mostly flat firetrail walk with big views over Lake Yarrunga, Tallowa Dam and the Shoalhaven River.
- White Sands Walk, Jervis Bay – A dreamy coastal loop linking some of the whitest sands in the world, from Greenfield Beach to Hyams Beach. Perfect for spotting dolphins and soaking up that famous aqua water.
- Southern Headlands Walk, Narrawallee to Burrill Lake – A newly completed 20km coastal route connecting beaches, cafés and lookouts. Do the whole thing or just pick a section and enjoy the views.
All you need is a comfy pair of shoes and a moment to notice the little things: shells underfoot, sea birds overhead and that unmistakable salty fresh Shoalhaven air.
Before you head out, download the “Our Favourite Walks” brochure to help you pick the perfect wander for your next stay.
Credit: Visit Shoalhaven
2. Bird Watching & Wildlife Spotting: Nature’s Quiet Show
The Shoalhaven is a sanctuary for birdlife and native animals, and the best sightings often happen when you slow down and stay still.
Early mornings are ideal for spotting pelicans, lorikeets and black swans around lakes and rivers, while kangaroos and wallabies are often seen grazing near bushland in the afternoon.
Many of our parks, from Holiday Haven Currarong, Holiday Haven Huskisson Beach and White Sands, to Holiday Haven Lake Conjola and Bendalong – sit right in the middle of bird rich bush, beaches and wetlands. No binoculars? No problem. A seat, a cuppa and a bit of patience are often all you need.
Here are a few top spots to explore:
- Little Forest Plateau, Morton National Park – A calm, open heathland known for big autumn honeyeater flocks, plus Ground Parrots, Southern Emuwrens and beautiful firetails. The rocky edges near the carpark are a good place to spot Rock Warblers.
- Booderee Botanic Gardens, Jervis Bay – Easy paths and plenty to see. From honeyeaters and fantails to ducks, parrots and the occasional owl after dark. Great for beginners, families and seasoned twitchers alike.
- Abraham’s Bosom Reserve, Currarong – A haven for heathland species like Eastern Bristlebirds and Southern Emuwrens, plus a colourful mix of honeyeaters. Out on the rock platforms, keep an eye out for oystercatchers and reef egrets — and you might even catch a Whitebellied Sea Eagle cruising the cliffs.
Whether you’re ticking off species or just enjoying the peace and quiet, birdwatching is one of those gentle, feel good hobbies that fits perfectly with a Holiday Haven escape.
3. Photography: Capturing Simple Moments
You don’t need fancy gear to snap something beautiful in the Shoalhaven – half the magic happens the moment you slow down and actually look. Your phone is more than enough.
The cooler months are an especially lovely time to pick up the camera. With fewer crowds, deserted beaches, lower humidity and clear, crisp skies, autumn and winter create ideal conditions for landscape photography. Add in those cooler temperatures and softer light, and it’s easy to spend hours wandering, noticing and capturing the beauty around you.
From golden sunrises skipping across the water to mist lifting off the lakes, every Holiday Haven park gives you a front row seat to Insta‑worthy moments. At Holiday Haven Swan Lake, glassy water and quiet pockets of bushland create perfect morning reflections. Holiday Haven Ulladulla puts you right beside dramatic headlands, colourful boats in the harbour and endless ocean horizons. Down at Holiday Haven Lake Tabourie, you’ll find calm waterways, curious wildlife and those soft, pastel sunsets that seem to linger.
Photography here isn’t about chasing the perfect shot – it’s about noticing the small things: wildflowers in bloom, patterns in the sand, a curious pelican, or the way afternoon light warms the trees.
It’s a gentle, creative way to explore… and a lovely reminder to take home once the holiday’s over.
Credit: Josh Brnjac
4. Forest Bathing: Time in Nature, Minus the Fuss
Forest bathing isn’t about exercise, achievement or ticking anything off a list – it’s simply about being. This Japanese tradition honours the calming, restorative power of the natural world and its connection to everyday wellness.
At its heart, forest bathing is mindful time in nature — walking slowly, sitting quietly, noticing the light through the leaves, the coolness of the air, the scent of trees, the soft rustle of wildlife. No goals, no pace, no pressure.
And the best part? You don’t have to be deep in the wilderness to enjoy it. Many Holiday Haven parks are already nestled beside national parks, reserves and peaceful pockets of bushland — including the leafy surrounds of Holiday Haven Kangaroo Valley – making them ideal places to slow down, breathe deep and reconnect through this gentle wellness practice.
Credit: Visit Shoalhaven
5. Yoga: Gentle Movement, Stretching & Stillness
Quiet holidays are the perfect time to reconnect with your body, too.
A few gentle stretches on your cabin deck, slow movement beside the lake or quiet breathing on the beach can set the tone for the day. Many Holiday Haven parks offer peaceful spots overlooking water or bush – ideal for yoga, stretching or simply sitting in stillness.
No classes, no schedules – you have the freedom to just move how you feel.
For those that want a more structured yoga experience the Shoalhaven is home to many yoga studios which accept casual bookings.
Credit: Visit Shoalhaven
Less Gear, More Presence
One of the best things about these “hushed” hobbies is how little you need to bring. Comfortable clothes, a reusable water bottle and a curious mindset will take you a long way.
With Holiday Haven parks spread across the Shoalhaven, from coastal villages to tranquil lakes and leafy valleys, nature is never far away – and neither is the chance to slow down and reconnect.
So next time you’re planning a Shoalhaven escape, leave the rush behind and book your stay with Holiday Haven. The quiet moments are already waiting.
