Shoalhaven Beaches & Surfing

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The Shoalhaven region has everything you need for a magical beachside holiday: fun waves, calm waters and turquoise ocean where dolphins play. From Shoalhaven Heads in the north to Bawley Point in the south, this beautiful stretch of coastline packs in 16 white sand beaches and plenty of laid-back coastal vibes.

Surf adventures 

The beaches of the Shoalhaven coast are a great place to learn how to surf. Take a foam board to the gentle waves of Cave Beach in Booderee National Park. The southern end of Seven Mile Beach has reliable beginner waves and is pet-friendly. Or take a lesson with surf legend Pam Burridge at Mollymook and Narrawallee.

To find the best waves, ask a local. Enquire at the Southern Man surf shop in Ulladulla about conditions around Bawley Point or Ocean & Earth in Sussex Inlet for tips around Cudmirrah. Culburra Beach is a breeding ground for surf champions like Owen, Mikey and Tyler Wright. The breaks are at their best in winter.

Coastal tours & lessons 

Hop on a stand-up paddleboard to explore the calm waters of Jervis Bay or one of the area’s beautiful inlets, lakes and estuaries. There are stand-up paddleboarding tours and lessons available with Jervis Bay Stand Up Paddle in Huskisson and Coastal Paddle Surfin Ulladulla. Take part in a stand-up paddle fitness class with Sussex Inlet Stand Up Paddle.

In Narrawallee, boutique accommodation Creative Escapes also runs stand-up paddle boarding and yoga experiences. Enjoy the thrills of kitesurfing in Jervis Bay, with lessons run out of Vincentia and Huskisson, where dolphin and whale-watching cruises depart. You can even saddle up and ride a horse along the golden sands of Seven Mile Beach.

Join a Bush Surfaris tour and a local guide will take you to their favourite surf, SUP and yoga spots. Look out for the famous ‘surfing kangaroos’ at Pebbly, Pretty and Depot beaches in Murramarang National Park. Then refuel with a vegetarian burger at Pilgrims in Milton or Huskisson, or a pie from Hayden’s in Ulladulla.

Dog-friendly beaches

The Shoalhaven offers 22 off-leash areas, so your four-legged friends can enjoy the pristine pet-friendly beaches too. Sections of Huskisson’s Beach, Bawley Point’s Cormorant Beach, Ulladulla Harbour Northern Beach, Culburra Beach and neighbouring foreshore reserves include off-leash access at certain times.

Beachside accommodation

You’ll find plenty of beachside accommodation options in the Shoalhaven region to suit various budgets, from campgrounds in national parks and holiday parks near superb surf breaks to beach houses and hotels. Immerse yourself in nature and stay next to the beach at Depot Beach campground.