Holiday photos have been a thing since the early days (for some vintage examples, check these ones out). Of course these days, it’s less about Kodak film and dusty photo albums and more about sharing your stay online.
Here in the Shoalhaven, we’re lucky with a region of photogenic natural wonders – in fact, it can often be difficult to know where to point your camera (or smartphone). So, we asked our 12 Holiday Haven parks to suggest a local insta-worthy spot for your consideration. Happy snapping!
With the ocean and river to choose from, you’ll find plenty of ‘moments of reflection’. In particular, sunset over the Shoalhaven River is a great capture – perhaps with the iconic shape of Coolangatta Mountain framing one side.
The harbour and lighthouse at Ulladulla can be great spots to get some amazing photos throughout the day, but for a truly dreamy location, Mollymook Beach at sunrise can deliver some beautiful colours.
Location, location, location – and it would seem this park is already in the spot, as the team says the beach overlooking Jervis Bay right in front of the park is one of the most tagged spots. And hey, who are we to argue!
There are many beautiful beaches to explore all around Jervis Bay – all counting of course towards the 100 Beach Challenge. Among them is Blenheim Beach, a perfectly formed slice of white sandy paradise surrounded by native bush (and water!). Spectacular.
There’s no visiting this geographically rare Valley without snapping its most famous historical landmark – Hampden Bridge. Opened in 1898, this suspension bridge spans the Kangaroo River below and features iconic Victorian Gothic Revival style sandstone turrets at each end.
The locals think you can’t go past Swan Lake itself for snapping – early morning (with mist about) or while out enjoying watersports on the surface. Wildlife enthusiasts in particular will love seeing the birdlife that literally flock to the area. (Ballet dancers are less common.)
Photography enthusiasts will tell you it’s all about the ‘leading lines’ in a shot – and the boardwalk to the lookout over to Green Island provides plenty of these. Glimpses of the sparkling water and sandy spit will provide you with endless compositions.
Once more, you simply cannot go past the very lake upon which the park sits – in this case framing up the sparkling blue water along the lakefront with Pigeon House mountain in the background. Instant classic!
There’s something compelling about a weathered man-made object within a natural space, and at Culburra, they recommend a couple – Crookhaven Heads Lighthouse and the Crookhaven Heads boat ramp. Both are special at sunrise or sunset.
Photography is all about the discovery – meaning that secluded beaches always rank high. One such hidden beach within an easy bushwalk of the village is Wilsons Beach, its crystal clear water and white sand flanked by rocks. Truly stunning!
The team at Bendy simply cannot choose one – from the iconic stingrays off Boat Harbour Beach or north to the bush-fringed Walter Hood monument. But for true coastal bliss, nothing elicits more “where is this please?” comments than a snap from the Mermaids rock pool!