With 100 beautiful beaches from Seven Mile in the north down through Jervis Bay, Mollymook to North Durras in the south, the Shoalhaven is one of Australia’s leading coastal and summer-loving destinations. But there’s a special kind of magic in a South Coast winter… with wine, whales, wonderful food and welcoming hospitality, just two hours from Sydney and Canberra. Why not!

From May to November, the whale migration kisses the coastline, the wine is flowing, and fireplaces are crackling. The small coastal hamlets and cute inland towns await visitors with open arms after a time of rejuvenation with bushfires, floods, and COVID. So bring your #emptyesky, be a conscious traveller, #LoveNSW and #HolidayHereThisYear.

The Shoalhaven Wine Coast is a treat for both wine connoisseurs and those looking for fresh country air and adventure. Award-winning varietals are paired with fun and foodie activities like High Tea or horseback rides through the vines, top class restaurants, tours, art galleries and meet-the-maker experiences.  All 9 of the region’s cellar doors are located on the coast’s doorstep including award winning Cambewarra Estate Winery, Mountain Ridge Wines, Coolangatta Estate, and Cupitts Estate.

From May to November each year, the Shoalhaven coast comes alive with the annual whale migration. The Shoalhaven is lucky to be situated in the middle of this ‘Humpback Highway’ and therefore have consistent whale sightings throughout all of winter and spring. Jervis Bay with its white sand beaches is uniquely known for its whale and dolphin cruises close to shore in calm waters. Book a whale watching eco-cruise with Jervis Bay Wild  or Dolphin Watch to get up close with humpback whales, or try a new ‘Swim with the Whales’ experience with Dive Jervis Bay a unique way to have an in water experience with the humpbacks and one of only a few licenses in NSW Waters.

To round out a wine and whales getaway, visit food and beverage operators like The Ruse, The Berry Tea Shop, Hyper Hyper, Smalltown Milton, The Famous Berry Donut Van and Flamin Galah Brewing Co. You can also bring an empty esky and stock up on artisanal goods from Nowra Farmers Market and The Treat Factory or the region’s many other local farmgates and providores.

Unique accommodation is also key – from stunning boutique hotels like Bannisters by The Sea and Bangalay, to Airbnb’s with cosy fireplaces and Paperbark Camp’s unique outdoors safari tents, there’s an array of options to satisfy the needs of every traveller.

Head to Shoalhaven and take in the laid-back luxury and nature of a wine and whales stay this winter.