Road Trip Guide
Shoalhaven Way: South Coast Coastal
Batemans Bay to Kiama
Start Your Engine
Batemans Bay
The Finish Line
Kiama
175 km
Miles
3 days recommended
Days
Trip Essentials for Batemans Bay
* We may earn a commission from these trusted partners at no extra cost to you.
Gas & Juice: Critical Pit Stops
Don't get stranded. These are your essential fuel and supply points.
Ulladulla Fuel Hub
Fuel & Supplies
This is the best place to refuel and restock on groceries. The supermarkets here are large and well-stocked compared to the smaller villages.
Nowra Bridge
Major Intersection
Nowra is the administrative heart of the Shoalhaven. Traffic can bottleneck at the bridge during peak hours, so plan to pass through early or late.
Falls Creek Rest Area
Rest Stop
A great spot to pull over, stretch your legs, and use the facilities if you aren't stopping in the towns.
Always carry a paper map & physical emergency kit for remote stretches.
Insider Driving Tips
The Princess Highway can be busy during school holidays; aim for mid-week travel in late autumn for the best light and fewest crowds.
Always carry a physical map or download offline Google Maps; reception can be spotty when venturing into the national parks.
Whale watching season runs from May to November; look for the 'hump' of Humpbacks from any high headland along this route.
Many local oyster sheds only accept cash or have minimum spends; keep some small bills handy for the best roadside seafood.
The weather can change rapidly; even in summer, a 'Southerly Buster' can drop the temperature by 10 degrees in minutes, so pack a windbreaker.
The Journey: Stop-by-Stop
Batemans Bay & The Clyde River
Berny’s at the Bay
“A local institution for high-quality seafood. Their grilled snapper and hand-cut chips are the gold standard for a coastal lunch.”
Clyde River Bridge
Capture the sun setting over the river with the silhouette of the bridge and the distant mountains of the Budawangs.
Observation Point
A high vantage point offering a 180-degree view of the bay's islands and the vast Pacific horizon.
The Wray Street Oyster Shed
Located on the northern bank of the river, this is where the locals go. You can buy oysters literally minutes after they've been pulled from the leases, often while chatting with the farmers themselves.
Pebbly Beach (Murramarang NP)
Picnic at the Shacks
“There are no cafes here, so pack a gourmet hamper of local cheeses from the Bodalla Dairy and enjoy it at the designated picnic tables overlooking the surf.”
The Shoreline
The classic shot of a kangaroo standing on the sand with the breaking waves in the background.
Spotted Gum Forest Trail
Looking up through the towering, straight trunks of the spotted gums to capture the dappled light of the forest floor.
The Rock Pools at South Pebbly
A short walk south around the headland reveals secluded rock pools filled with neon-colored sea anemones and small fish, perfect for a quiet moment of exploration.
Ulladulla & Mollymook
Rick Stein at Bannisters
“An iconic dining experience. Even if you just go for a cocktail at the pool bar, the views and the commitment to fresh local seafood are unmatched.”
Ulladulla Harbor
The blue and yellow fishing boats reflected in the still water of the harbor at dawn.
The Bogey Hole
A top-down shot of the circular rock pool with the turquoise ocean surging against its outer walls.
The Warden Head Lighthouse
One of the few wrought-iron lighthouses in Australia. It offers an incredible platform for whale watching without the crowds of more famous spots.
Jervis Bay (Huskisson & Hyams)
5 Little Pigs
“The best brunch in Huskisson. Their coffee is exceptional, and the menu features locally sourced ingredients in creative, modern Australian dishes.”
Hyams Beach Shoreline
The contrast between the impossibly white sand and the deep turquoise water.
Huskisson Wharf
Capture the tour boats coming in at sunset with the expansive bay stretching out behind them.
Greenfield Beach
Often overlooked for Hyams, this beach is just as white but much quieter, with excellent BBQ facilities and a lush forest backdrop.
Berry: The Historic Village
The Berry Donut Van
“You cannot visit Berry without queuing for a cinnamon donut here. They have been serving them hot and fresh from the same van for over 50 years.”
Queen Street
The historic facades of the shops, particularly the old post office and the Great Southern Hotel.
Berry Showground
The majestic old oak trees and the classic Australian pavilion architecture.
Drawing Room Rocks
A steep hike just outside of town that leads to natural rock formations resembling tables and chairs, offering the best panoramic view of the entire Shoalhaven coastline.
Kiama & The Blowhole
Penny Whistlers
“Overlooking the harbor, this cafe offers incredible views and a modern menu. Their 'Smash & Grab' avocado toast is a local favorite.”
The Main Blowhole
Wait for a big swell to capture the moment the water explodes through the rock opening.
Cathedral Rocks
Dramatic, vertical basalt columns standing in the ocean; best photographed at sunrise for a moody, ethereal look.
The Little Blowhole
Located a few minutes south of the main one, it is often more consistent and much less crowded, providing a more intimate experience of the ocean's power.
The Detour Index
Worth the extra mileage for these iconic side-quests.
Kangaroo Valley
A drive up the Cambewarra Mountain into a hidden valley that looks like a scene from a fairytale.
Why It's Worth It
“You’ll cross the historic Hampden Bridge (Australia's last wooden suspension bridge) and can kayak on the Kangaroo River.”
Booderee National Park
An Aboriginal-owned national park located at the southern end of Jervis Bay.
Why It's Worth It
“The botanical gardens are the only ones in Australia owned by an Indigenous community, and the beaches like Cave Beach are world-class.”
Cupitt's Estate
A boutique winery, brewery, and fromagerie located in the hills behind Ulladulla.
Why It's Worth It
“The view over the vineyards toward Burrill Lake is stunning, and their goat cheese is award-winning.”
Ready to book your Kiama trip?
Support this guide by booking through our partners. We've handpicked the best options for your specific travel style.
No extra cost to you • Supports free travel guides
Frequently Asked Questions
The blowhole is most spectacular when there is a strong south-easterly swell. Check the local surf reports before visiting.
They are wild animals. While they are used to people, you should never feed them (it makes them sick) or try to pet them. Keep a distance of at least 2 meters.
Yes, the entire Shoalhaven Way is on sealed, high-quality roads suitable for all vehicle types, including campervans.
While entry to the towns is free, Murramarang and Booderee National Parks require a small daily vehicle entry fee, which can be paid at pay stations or via mobile.