Beyond the bay

Milton is one of the truly charming towns on the South Coast, home to excellent cafés, restaurants and farm shops, boutique stores and regular markets, through beautiful farmland. Book ahead for the Milton Hotel, which brews its own Dangerous Ales, and visit Cupitt’s Estate for the restaurant, microbrewery and cellar door.

Mollymook, 45 minutes south, is a small coastal town made famous by its surf beach and Bannisters Hotel. Tie it in with Milton, or book a long lunch at Rick Stein at Bannisters.

Berry makes a wonderful stopover on the drive from Sydney or a trip of its own. If you’re a homewares fan this is the place: Haven & Space and Few & Far are our favourites. The bakery on Queen St has an unmissable selection and the Berry Donut Van is worth every calorie. For families, Boongaree Nature Play Park is one of the biggest and best in the state.

Kangaroo Valley is a 50-minute scenic drive from Vincentia, winding up and down the valley through spectacular forest to its historic bridge, tea rooms, pie shop and boutiques. Kayak down the tranquil river or walk out to Fitzroy Falls.

Shoalhaven Zoo in North Nowra is a cut above most regional zoos, from lions and crocodiles to koalas, kangaroos and wombats, with Treetops Adventure on site. Bundanon, Arthur Boyd’s homestead on the Shoalhaven River, is a truly beautiful art gallery inside and out. The Fleet Air Arm Museum at HMAS Albatross has helicopters, aircraft and memorabilia.

Jervis Bay to Sydney. Berry is 45 minutes away; divert through Kangaroo Valley, or to Robertson in the Southern Highlands for the pub and Three Creeks Gin; take the road through Bowral for brunch at The Press Shop; or visit Gerringong and Kiama and stop at the blowhole. Nearer Sydney, take the Grand Pacific Drive through the Royal National Park and over Sea Cliff Bridge, with brekkie at Audley Dancehall or a picnic at Wattamolla.

Jervis Bay to Canberra. Stop in Bungendore for the boutiques and The Lake George pub, or divert to Braidwood for its 87-year-old bakery and antique shops. Main Road 92 is now the shortest route, fully sealed through Morton’s National Park; stop at Tianjara Falls, or in autumn at Sassafras Chestnuts.

Discover more at visitshoalhaven.com, or take on the 100 Beach Challenge at 100beachchallenge.com, a pretty good bucket list if you ask us.