05 Feb 2024
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12 Romantic Rendezvous in Shoalhaven
Everyone loves a good travel list – and what better than one that offers experiences to share with the one you love? From magical moments that cost nothing (except some planning) to fine dining in style, here are some romantic ideas easily accessed from each of our 12 Holiday Haven Parks.
1: Shoalhaven Heads over Heels
Located on the ultimate shoreline for taking those ‘long walks on the beach’ (is seven miles long enough?), Shoalhaven Heads also offers glamping accommodation to add magic and adventure to your stay. How about a picnic in the local Shoalhaven Heads Native Botanic Garden? Or spend an afternoon at the nearby Mountain Ridge Wines (complete with restaurant and cellar door). For a special dinner, nearby Berry township offers a pre-dinner G&T at Tara Distillery followed by fine dining at Queen St Eatery or South on Albany. Or abandon the vehicle and make reservations at Bangalay – just a short walk from Holiday Haven and a wonderful way to end the day.
This stunning location is already packed with romantic vibes – a rare enclosed valley and a charming seclusion that will put you instantly at ease. If food is your love language, collect picnic supplies or even consider sharing a cooking class together at Hampden Deli. Or for an outdoor adventure, Kangaroo Valley Adventure Company can hook you up with a mountain bike, canoe or kayak. For a romantic lookout spot, it’s hard to go past Fitzroy Falls or Hindmarsh Lookout on the Belmore Falls Trail. And with Yarrawa Estate and Lyrebird Wines on either side of the valley, you’ll be able to enjoy a romantic meal with the perfect drop!
There’s a reason why holidaymakers keep returning to this water-lover’s paradise year after year. For starters, you’ll also be able to make a glamping tent your base – situated between the surf-friendly waves of Culburra’s beaches, the lighthouse and the gentle waters of the Crookhaven River. The latter is also the perfect spot to take in a golden sunset, but not before you’ve first pampered yourself at local Sol Spa, sampled the natural aphrodisiac that is Jim Wild’s Oysters in Greenwell Point and indulged in fine dining at Pyree’s Butter Factory, finished off with a cheeky cocktail from Loco Lane Mexican Cantina. Viva el amor!
Seclusion is the main attraction of this sleepy seaside town – with ample walks and short drives connecting you with stunning vistas. The aptly-named ‘Honeymoon Bay’ is a popular sheltered spot for a picnic and swim. You can also explore the waters off Beecroft Peninsula with Huskisson-based Woebegone diving and snorkelling tours. Or for a truly illuminating experience, Point Perpendicular Lighthouse is a perfect sunset spot. A short drive away, grab a ‘frosty’ piccolo from The Bearded Brewer and explore incredible dining options at the waterfront Ponte Bar & Dining and the relaxed Farmgate Restaurant. Closer to Currarong, grab a woodfired wonder from Calabrisella Pizzeria in Callala Beach before sneaking back to your glamping tent.
Do note that Honeymoon Bay is located within the national park and is generally only open from Friday - Sunday and during School Holidays, at the discretion of Beecroft Weapons Range and Peninsula. Click here for more information on visiting Honeymoon Bay.
If it’s a beautiful day, why not explore the blue waters with a kayak or paddleboard hire from nearby Husky. Or if the weather isn’t playing ball, enjoy a movie date at the local cinema or climb the walls at Indoor Climb South Coast. Prefer to whisper ‘sweat’ nothings to your loved one? Then book a session at Jervis Bay Sauna. And for something special, how about a sunset river cruise, enjoying your own BYO wine and nibbles or oysters at local producer, Jervis Bay Mussels. And if you’re still hungry, nothing says romance more than fine dining amongst the trees at Gunyah Restaurant in nearby Paperbark Camp – ending your day at White Sands’ delightful safari tent glamping accommodation.
The heart of Jervis Bay will surely steal your heart with its very kissable mix of options to explore and enjoy. Kiss the day awake with a sumptuous brunch at Salty Joe's and burn off those tasty treats by picking up a Pineapple Hire bike and enjoy a relaxed waterfront ride and picnic on one of the many sun-kissed beaches. Time your visit on a weekend and you may catch some live music and a relaxed atmosphere at one of the local microbreweries such as Flaming Galah or spirits from Jervis Bay Distilling. Finally, kiss your worries goodbye with a day spa treatment at local Maya Beauty before giving a chef’s kiss to local favourite restaurant, Wildginger.
If you’re a couple who loves connecting with nature, you’ll feel right at home in this part of the world – with a heart-shaped lake (if you squint at a map) that’s ideal for swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding. The sleepy town of Cudmirrah sits literally at your doorstep and neighbouring Conjola National Park is filled with walking and biking trails plus a paddle-friendly Berrara Creek, making this a location made for getting away from it all. Ready for a long walk on the beach? Head to Mermaid Pools. And with that appetite built up, a bite from Island Sushi or a relaxing drink from Swordfish Brewing in nearby Sussex will hit the spot.
With its proximity to nearby Milton and Mollymook, you’ll be longing for a romantic getaway in Bendalong. Start the day with a magical sunrise hike at Pigeon House – stunning views and the ultimate bonding experience. Reward yourself with an authentic homegrown brekky at local favourite, Milkhaus – where you can also enjoy a bakeclub class together onsite, or take a charcuterie class at nearby Martins Ridge Farm. Why not follow this with a couples massage at nearby Beauty Indulgence Day Spa. When the arvo rolls around, Cupitts Estate is the place to be – home to award-winning wines, beers and sustainable eats and why not finish the perfect day with stunning seafood at Rick Stein’s Mollymook establishment followed by a moonlight walk on the beach.
If you love the water, you’ll love this spot – and the extra large glamping accommodation onsite at Holiday Haven will connect you with nature without sacrificing home comforts. Start the day with a sunrise dip in the ocean or paddle on the lake. Just a short drive away, Harvest near Milton is a great spot to enjoy a lunch – set on a 3-acre farm and tempting you with seasonal food, wine, craft beer and cocktails. Time your visit on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday to take in some live music onsite, followed by something sweet for your sweetheart at Woodstock Chocolate Co. Finish the day with a show at Milton Theatre – a favourite for touring performing acts and the perfect end to a magic day!
One of the best-kept secrets of the South Coast, Ulladulla is the perfect safe harbour to moor your love boat. For a secluded beach picnic, Lobster Jacks Beach is just a short walk away. But not before you grab a coffee and sweet treat from a local cafe such as Treehouse or Native. The couple that plays together stays together, so why not take in a round at nearby Mollymook Golf Club or a surf lesson with local legend Pam Burridge? Or perhaps viewing art at the Millhouse is more your speed? And a seaside sojourn surely isn’t complete without a romantic dinner at Carlo’s Italian Ristorante Bar and Seafood followed by a walk around the harbour.
Start your day with a walk up to Dolphin Point – a great place to watch the sunrise on the headland. On the way back to your accommodation, pick up coffees, freshly made bread and pastries at Lagom Sourdough Bakery – a destination that people travel long distances to visit but that’s just metres from Holiday Haven! For active couples, nearby Woodburn Forest offers biking trails, or perhaps you’d rather cover yourself in mud with facials, massages and more at Burrill’s Goddess Health & Wellness Day Spa. Hungry? The local Fish Shop is a South Coast favourite – the ideal menu for a beach snack or relaxed dinner. Or pop some footwear on and grab dinner and drinks at Mollymook’s Rooftop Bar & Grill. Later, bookend your day watching the sun setting across the boat-friendly lake, an idyllic way to end the day.
There aren’t many places you can enjoy sunrise ocean views from your balcony, but Lake Tabourie is one such place – beautifully positioned between creek and sea and a favourite for couples who love the beauty of the coast. And if the park’s seclusion isn’t enough, pack a picnic and snorkels and hide yourselves away on nearby Crampton Island – accessible at low tide. Just a short drive south, you’ll find the delightful bush setting of Bawley Vale Estate’s cellar door – open every Sunday (bookings required) and surrounded by orchards, lakes and picnic-friendly lawns. Or for something more active, neighbouring Meroo National Park describes itself as “a coastal playground for fishing, walking, paddling, bird watching and cycling”.