Get Taken for a Ride - Cycling in the Shoalhaven

There’s a certain “Goldilocks” quality about exploring somewhere by bike – not too fast (car), not too slow (on foot), but jusssst right. Cycling gives you the chance to fully appreciate the natural sights and sounds around you at a pace that suits you – from the freedom of road cycling to the off road twists and turns of mountain biking, or simply a gentle cruise where it’s all about the scenery.

The Shoalhaven offers you a mix of all three – with stunning stretches of coastline rubbing shoulders with historic valleys and rugged forest tracks to tempt you and your wheeled steed. So, saddle up – the roads, paths and tracks are waiting!

On the Roads

You’ll find plenty of fast and flat routes along the coast between Berry and Nowra – with a network of backroads allowing you to stay off the main highways. The opening of the Berry bypass in particular has made the old Princes Highway a great mix of flat and undulating bitumen, without too much traffic. There’s also some fun country lanes towards Shoalhaven Heads.

South of Nowra, you can do the same – following flat back roads across the floodplain out to Callala Bay, where you can connect to an extensive network of coastal bike paths.

Or, if you want to get up out of the saddle, head inland, traversing the gradients of either Berry Mountain pass or Cambewarra to discover the unique delights of Kangaroo Valley on the other side. This historic township has all the coffees, cakes or pies you could want to load up on before you tackle the return trip.
 

Coastal Bike Paths

There are more bike-friendly paths popping up every month, but for an excellent day trip, follow the dedicated Round the Bay multi-use path that traces the coastline of Jervis Bay.  It starts in Callala Bay in the north and continues down to Myola, where you can ferry across to Huskisson and continue around to Vincentia along the Orion Beach bike path. 

In fact, most coastal areas including Sanctuary Point, St Georges Basin, Sussex Inlet and Ulladulla/Mollymook are great to explore on their flat cycle-friendly paths. Cycling and a gentle sea breeze – this is the life!
 

Mountain Biking

Looking for more of an off-road adventure? A great place to begin is Cabbage Tree Lane, just south of Nowra (follow Yalwal Road) past the Triplarina Nature Reserve. Here you’ll find three loops of single-track up to 9.5km in length – ideal for beginners and families.A little further south, Currambene State Forest provides more thrills and spills, accessed via Forest Road off the main highway south of Nowra. It supplies 20km of fun riding with great names like Coondoo, Superbowl and Butterfly. Closer to the beach, tackle the sandy trails along Seven Mile Beach between Gerroa and Coolangatta. These include the Crooked River Trail and Heads to Beach Rd Trail.

Or, head for the hills, where the scenic river-hugging 24km return ride departs from historic Kangaroo Valley. Alternatively, challenge yourself along the scenic Old Burrier Fire Trail or enjoy some downhill fun and magnificent views along the 28.5km mix of gravel and sealed roads from Pigeon House Mountain to Milton.
 

Gears and Repair

Keen to hire or buy a bike during your stay? Or maybe looking for repairs, accessories or advice? Then get yourself to one of the many bike shops across the region. These include Nowra’s Haigh Street, where you’ll find Ultimate Cycles and the Bike Shack. You’ll also get great friendly service from shops in Berry and Callala Bay (who also offer a mobile mechanic service).