Discover Shoalhaven, the heart of wellness
There’s something special about slowing down and immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the Shoalhaven region. Located just a two-hour drive from Sydney and two-and-a-half hours from Canberra, the award-winning South Coast region not only boasts 100 beaches but is made up of 70 per cent national parks and forests. In the eight years my wife Lauren and I have lived on the South Coast, we’ve only scratched the surface – it was time to dig a little deeper.
Our weekend began in Milton, a town that blends country charm with vibrant energy, setting the perfect tone for the days ahead. As we arrived, we felt an immediate sense of ease, the kind that comes from crisp, coastal air, rolling green hills and the promise of time well spent. Our intentions for the weekend were to dedicate time to deeply rest, reconnect with each other and soak up the simple joy of being present in a truly beautiful place.
Time to heal
Our first stop was The Heal Zone, a newly opened space that overlooks Conjola National Park and offers breathtaking views of the coast. Since its opening in December 2024, owners Madi and Nic have cultivated a welcoming space dedicated to healing, rest, movement and growth.
Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by Nic, who shared with us his deep passion for movement and healing. Nic’s approach, shaped by years of yoga training, a love for surfing and various other modalities, shines through in everything he does. We participated in a 90-minute session blending movement, mobility and breathwork, followed by a cold plunge and sauna. Nic’s unique style emphasises grounding exercises that promote fluidity of movement, tailored to each individual’s body. His distinctive approach and gentle prompts helped us to release tension and stiffness from our bodies and minds.
The breathwork session focused on calming, sustainable techniques that regulated our nervous systems and fostered deep relaxation. We concluded with an ice bath and sauna session in a private area at the back of the space to aid in recovery and healing. Leaving The Heal Zone, we both felt revitalised, agile and ready to explore Milton’s charming boutique shops.
Long, lazy lunch
After a short drive, we arrived at Milton’s Milkhaus for lunch, eager to refuel after our morning of movement.
Milkhaus is much more than a cafe. It is a farm-to-table experience focused on quality produce and sustainability. The on-site garden dictates the ever-changing menu, with plants cultivated to align with seasonal shifts. As we wandered through the garden, one of Milkhaus’ founders, Nat, explained their impressive nine-month menu-planning process, allowing time for planting, harvesting and preparation. Currently, 80 per cent of Milkhaus’ produce is grown on-site, with the remaining ingredients sourced locally, reinforcing their commitment to the community.
There, we savoured a long, nourishing lunch, taking time to appreciate each course. The standout dishes included the 16-hour slow-cooked lamb shoulder and the refreshing summer peach dessert.
Kangaroo Valley hideaway
With full bellies, we set off for Kangaroo Valley, a place we’ve never been before. As we followed winding roads over the mountain, shifting vistas of dense forests and open valleys encouraged us to slow down and breathe deeply. We were excited to arrive at Wildes Boutique Hotel, our home for the next two nights.
Once there, we walked through a serene courtyard and experienced an instant sense of calm. Our spacious studio featured a kitchenette and a luxurious bathtub – which we quickly filled and jumped in, ready to unwind after a day of exploration. Once settled, we walked across the road to The Friendly Inn for a casual beer-garden dinner.
Floating freely
The next day, it was time for our canoeing adventure. Free from the noise of motorboats, Tallowa Dam is a sanctuary for those seeking stillness and connection with nature. Surrounded by the untouched wilderness of Morton National Park, canoes and kayaks glide gently across the water, inviting a slower, more present way of being.
On the shore, we met the lovely Bree from Valley Outdoors, whose deep knowledge of the land set the tone for our day of adventuring. Before stepping into our canoes, we gathered for a grounding session, tuning into birdsong, buzzing bees and rustling leaves. This moment of stillness allowed us to anchor deeply into the present.
As we paddled, our focus wasn’t on distance or speed but on mindfulness. We moved slowly, feeling the rhythm of the water beneath us, the subtle shifts of balance and the quiet harmony of the landscape. Bree shared insights into the area’s birdlife and Indigenous heritage, deepening our appreciation for the land and those who have cared for it for thousands of years.
At one point, we rafted our canoes together, closed our eyes and floated in silence, guided by Bree. It was a powerful exercise in trust and awareness, allowing us to surrender to the moment fully.
Our break spot provided an opportunity for creativity and reflection. With watercolour paints, we captured the beauty around us through soft washes of colour or quiet contemplation. Freshly prepared snacks and drinks nourished us as we sat together, immersed in the dam’s tranquillity. Before paddling back, a kingfisher made an appearance – a perfect reminder of nature’s quiet gifts when we take the time to notice.
The mindful canoeing experience left us both feeling refreshed and deeply grounded – a testament to nature’s power in reducing stress and restoring balance.
Fresh and flavoursome
Located on Kangaroo Valley’s main strip, The General Cafe occupies a quaint cottage with a leafy verandah. It offers a wholesome, thoughtfully crafted menu and is an ideal stop for a delicious meal or, as we did, pick up a freshly baked sourdough loaf. They also make a variety of house-fermented provisions, perfect for a picnic or entertaining guests.
A pottery afternoon
That afternoon, we were both very excited to visit David Collins’ purpose-built studio, a haven for creativity and play. With sweeping views of the escarpment and rolling fields stretching toward the distant ocean, it’s a place for creative juices to flow with ease.
David began our session with a pottery demonstration, expertly centring the clay on the wheel and shaping it into a cylinder as he explained each step. When it was our turn, the process felt unfamiliar and our initial attempts were wobbly. But with David’s calm guidance, we soon found our rhythm. His patient instruction created a space where learning felt natural and judgment-free – a welcomed approach when wheel throwing for the first time.
By the end of the session, we had crafted pieces we were proud of – a bowl, cup and plate. David helped us select glazes and, once fired, our creations will serve as lasting mementos of this peaceful, rewarding experience.
Truffles for days
Back at our hotel, we took time to wind down and reflect on the day’s adventures. After speaking with reception, we booked dinner at Wildes Dining. We were treated to house-baked focaccia, rich truffle linguine and a perfectly cooked scotch fillet – a beautiful way to end another satisfying day in the Shoalhaven region.
Exploring Bundanon
The next morning, it was time to check out and head to Bundanon.
Driving through winding roads, we watched as the landscape transformed – rolling green fields stretched toward the stunning Shoalhaven River. Originally the home of artist Arthur Boyd and his wife Yvonne, Bundanon was gifted to the Australian people in 1993. Now a cultural retreat, it beautifully blends art, history and nature.
While there, we attended the Culture and Creation talk, where Walbunja/Ngarigo artist Aunty Cheryl Davison shared stories about her artistic practice. From printmaking and weaving to storytelling and song, her work is deeply connected to Country and tradition.
Afterwards, we enjoyed a long, delicious lunch at Ramox Cafe, soaking in the stillness, stunning surroundings and birdsong. Together, we reflected on our time in Shoalhaven region, coming to the conclusion that, in the midst of life’s demands, carving out time for rest and reconnection is essential. Whether it’s moving our bodies, immersing ourselves in nature or savouring moments of stillness, the Shoalhaven region provides the perfect backdrop for restoration. With its rolling hills, lush forests and a sense of calm that lingered long after we left, the Shoalhaven region is a place that we will return to, time and time again.
Visit www.shoalhaven.com/wellness to learn more.
