North

CAMBEWARRA/KANGAROO VALLEY
 Perhaps one of the most scenic drives on the South Coast is the beautiful winding drive from the base of Cambewarra Mountain and up the pass to Kangaroo Valley. Taking in lush rainforest ferns and timbers the drive provides outstanding views over the coastal plateau and ocean below.  At its peak, the Cambewarra Lookout, which is open daily, makes a good morning tea or lunch stop, and on weekends is a popular hang gliding location. Travelling on, the winding road opens to the lush open fields and farmlets of Kangaroo Valley. Sitting like a mountain pocket, the Valley is fringed by towering mountains all around and has a naturally lush ecosystem that includes beautiful morning mists and a plethora of birdlife.  Originally called Kangaroo Ground by surveyor James Heehan, the name underwent a gradual change through the 1840’s to its current form. Historic Kangaroo Valley village is charming and well geared for visitors, with art and souvenir galleries, several cafes, a delightful stone pub, some unique handicraft stores and plenty of good quality local holiday accommodation.  Hampden Bridge, with its famous stone turrets, provides commanding views over the winding river below.  Built over the Kangaroo River in 1898, it is the oldest suspension bridge in Australia and is Kangaroo Valley’s most famous and most photographed landmark.  Activities include some well-graded bushwalks, cycling, canoeing (solo or escorted) and general relaxation.

JASPERS BRUSH/BERRY/SHOALHAVEN HEADS/.COOLONGATTA
This drive offers something for everyone. From idyllic rolling countryside to sweeping coastal beaches, excellent and unique shopping, plenty of interesting history, lots of culture and activities and an abundance of excellent accommodation options. Little wonder then that it has become one of the most popular areas within the Shoalhaven’s bountiful perimeter. Perhaps because of its wide-ranging attractions, the area makes an excellent destination at all times of the year.  Come for a cosy fire-warming weekend in winter and enjoy picturesque country walks, excellent local cuisine and country-style hospitality. A sun and surf holiday in summer is hard to beat and will keep the entire family relaxed and happy. Or come for one of the arts and music festivals held annually, or the much-loved garden festival in spring. A wine-tasting tipple at one of the local wineries is a great way to ‘lay back and unwind’, with local cellar doors offering award winning vintages open on most days. A weekend amble through the local markets, or a browse through one of the local art galleries is sure to find a treasure.
Full of interesting history, Berry was settled in 1822 and originally called Broughton Creek, possibly after an Aboriginal stockman. The name was changed to Berry in 1890 in honour of the Berry family, who had given so much to the town. The town has some delightful old buildings bearing testimony to this early history, including a beautifully restored courthouse and a history museum.
Towards the coast on this drive is Coolangatta and Shoalhaven Heads. Coolangatta was the birthplace of white settlement in the district, taking its name from an Aboriginal word meaning “splendid view/good lookout”. Shoalhaven Heads sits at the southern end of the renowned Seven Mile Beach and at the mouth of the Shoalhaven River, and is a popular seaside village with good services for visitors and plenty of accommodation.

BOMADERRY/NORTH NOWRA/WEST CAMBEWARRA
Bomaderry, with its traditional railway station, is the last stop of the railway line south. Located 4 km north of Nowra and taking its name from the Aboriginal meaning “fighting ground” or “running water”, the township dates back to the late 1800’s when it was laid out by David Berry. The station is still the hub of the township, however now a good infrastructure of local businesses sees this as a thriving township. Bomaderry Aquatic Centre, Shoalhaven City Lanes, Shoalhaven Skateway and the indoor basketball stadium are popular venues offering family recreation and relaxation.
Close by is North Nowra which follows the scenic Shoalhaven River from the Nowra Bridge along its banks.  There are lovely well graded bushwalks here including The Grotto Walk, which overlooks the Nowra Golf Course and descends the escarpment to the riverbank below and Bomaderry Creek Walk which follows the line of the creek and offers either a short or long course.
Travelling through North Nowra the drive opens out to the plateau of West Cambewarra, home to some skilled artisans and much loved local wineries.  A delightful round trip from here is a visit to historic Bundanon – gifted to the nation by Arthur and Yvonne Boyd and housing an excellent collection of his works. Inspiration for Boyd’s paintings can be easily seen in the drive to the property, and once there some interesting bushwalks take in local Aboriginal sites of interest.  Nearby is Riversdale, the Arthur & Yvonne Boyd Education Centre.  Situated with commanding views over the Shoalhaven River and with a modern award-winning building designed by Glenn Murcutt, the centre provides experiential learning for schools and residential study programs.  Jazz at Riversdale – an afternoon of jazz and afternoon tea held on the last Sunday of each season is a popular recent addition to its activities.