24 Hours in Shoalhaven? Do This

Drive about two hours south of Sydney and the real South Coast begins. Endless beaches, strong Yuin culture, and some pretty luxe bush camping – if you know where to look. We took a trip with the new HiLux to find out more.

 

We acknowledge that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Yuin people who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Life’s busy. So often, even on holidays, we’re just passing through. This is especially true of South Coast NSW, a region so stunning, yet so close to the big smoke, that you often find yourself wondering why you didn’t pick it in the first place.

Some people did, like Eva, who went all in on her lifestyle and perched up in a tiny coastal town full time. It’s pretty dreamy. But for those of us who can’t, does a microdose do the trick?

After our trip with Toyota and the new HiLux, the answer’s a resounding yes. Whether you’re shooting down for a circuit breaker weekend, or adding a day to your trip home, here’s an overnight itinerary that takes in the best of Shoalhaven.

Get Connected

There’s no better way to understand a place than learning from the Traditional Owners – so check the dates and book yourself in for the Baabaa-Gulli Murru Tour. The name translates to ‘Grandfather’s Track’, exploring the bay and bush, learning about bush food, and listening to local stories. It starts from the Huskisson Maritime Museum on the way into town and is run by the legends at Gadhungal Marring.

Fuel Up

You’re in Huskisson already (call it ‘Husky’ to blend in), so you may as well check out a local institution: 5 Little Pigs. Serving up Swell Coffee that’s roasted in nearby Wollongong, and rocking a brekkie menu with proper feeds like triple stack pancakes, a brekkie burger, and even okonomiyaki, you’re sure to find a way to get satisfied.

Pro tip: They also run a food trailer at Jervis Bay Brewing Co. Do what you need with that info.

Get Dirty

A big mistake on the Shoalhaven is to think it’s all about the coast. The hinterland is proper gorgeous and it’s best explored via dirt roads or the more challenging 4WD tracks.

We joined a local 4WD club with the new HiLux and explored the Yerriyong region, crossing creeks, climbing steep trails, and even enjoying a clifftop park up to survey where we’d come from.

To follow our route, take the Yerriyong Road from Braidwood Road, then turn right onto the Wattle Trail. Briefly turn left onto Yalwal Road before another left onto Deans Gap Road (which takes you back to Braidwood Road). About halfway along Deans Gap Road you can take a right up the Mintbush Trail to access a simple 4WD-only campground called Mintbush Campground.

There’s some tough driving on these tracks so make sure you go with experienced people or a guide with the tools and skills. Our stock HiLuxes had no trouble with the terrain though!

Don’t miss the drive out to Jerrawangala Lookout too, for views over Jervis Bay.

Read more: How to 4WD – A Guide to 4WDing for Beginners

Dinner Time

After a big day, treat yourself to a glamp out at Paperbark Camp north of Husky. Their safari-style tents are built onto wooden platforms that are dotted amongst the gums and paperbarks a good metre and a half off the ground. Privacy and a sea breeze? Yes please.

Gunyah Restaurant, which can be found in the camp, follows in the same architectural vein, and as you’d expect, a strong focus on seasonal produce and local ingredients flows through the menu.

Wish Upon a Star

Yeah, we’re not done. Don’t have too many brews with dinner because you’re heading out again for a stargazing tour with Jervis Bay Stargazing. Run by our legendary mates from Blue Mountains Stargazing, this tour takes you through the cosmos. You’ll see planets, identify constellations, use a high powered telescope, and learn about the cultural significance of the night sky we all share.

The Next Day

Hope you slept well, because you’re heading back to the coast to sink beneath the surface. Your guides, Woebegone Freedive will take you on a snorkelling tour for the ages. Choose from snorkelling with seals, waltzing with whales, or diving with dolphins – you might even see a Giant cuttlefish if you’re lucky!

Based in Huksy, Woebegone are a true eco operator, running monthly cleanups, avoiding single-use plastics, and definitely not touching the animals that you’ll swim alongside.

Back in the Car

Was it all a dream? You’d be forgiven for thinking that 24 hours was simply unreal. Bouncing down dirt tracks in the HiLux feels a million miles away when you’re stretching out on the highway. Of course, this is just one (pretty good!) way to experience Shoalhaven, what’d we miss?

Photos provided by Toyota