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natural-attractions-icon-webNatural attractions on the South Coast NSW



KIAMA

The Blowhole
Possibly the most famous landmark for miles around, situated at Blowhole Point near the lighthouse and attracting visitors to Kiama for many years. Best seen on a day when a strong south-east wind is blowing and the tide is rising.


The Lighthouse
Built in 1887 to save shipping from the dangerous rocks of Blowhole Point.


Pilot's Cottage Museum
Built 1881 and now beautifully restored by the Historical Society, serves as an historical museum and tourist venue. Open Friday to Monday 11am to 3pm. Call for info on 4232 1001.


Robertson Basin
The name given to part of Kiama Harbour completed in 1876 after 16 years of construction to cater for the increasing shipping trade to this town. Iron rings, originally used to moor ships and boats in the hrabour can still be seen attached to rocks.


Christ Church
The little white church on the hill. Built in 1859, the ceiling resembles an upturned boat. One of the graves nearby is of First Fleeter John Gowan who arrived in New South Wales as a corporal of marines. He died in 1837 aged 74.


Town Obelisk
Seen on the northern side of Terralong Street, a point from which all distances were measured.


Post Office
Built in 1887/89 and was described as a red brick building with facings of Pyrmot stone in the Italian style.


Courthouse and Police Station
Built in 1860 and 1883 respectively in Terralong Street.


Kiama Railway

Commenced on 9 November 1887, trains from Wollongong to Bombo where passengers had to board a horse drawn carriage for last 2 miles to town.


JAMBEROO

Saddleback Mountain Lookout
Travel west from Kiama toward Jamberoo and turn left at Fountaindale Road. Follow this road upwards to the end. The views will astound you - from Wollongong to Gerringong.


Minnamurra Rainforest
Drive through Jamberoo and turn left just outside town up Jamberoo Mountain Road. Take the first turn right to reach Minnamurra set in the National Park where native birds and animals abound. Elevated boardwalks suitable for disabled persons take you through the canopy of trees among the remains of a dense rainforest.


GERROA

Seven Mile Beach
Seven Mile Beach is of particular interest to aviation buffs since this is where early flights were commenced. In fact Kingsford Smith and crew left from 7 Mile Beach for New Zealand.


BERRY

There are many fine buildings in this bustling township, some of historic interest such as the Old Courthouse in Victoria Street and the School of Arts in Alexandra Street. Be in Berry in February to enjoy the Annual Berry Show and in October witness the spring grandeur of the lovely gardens on display. Berry stages a monthly market at the Showgrounds and a blues band plays at the Great Southern Hotel. At Coolangatta Estate Winery jazz and blues feature every month on the first Sunday.

The views from this vantage point are nothing short of breathtaking. From here one may gaze out across the Shoalhaven River basin taking in the City of Nowra, Coolangatta Mountain and the confluence of the Shoalhaven and Crookhaven Rivers at Greenwell Point.


KANGAROO VALLEY

Of note in this picturesque place is the Hampden Bridge with its castellated stoneworks. Call in and see the Pioneer Farm Museum, right beside the northern approach to the bridge, and see displays of farming implements and techniques of times past. This is also a good place to indulge in a cuppa, a snack or a hearty meal.


NOWRA

While here, make sure to visit Australia's Museum of Flight at HMAS Albatross, Nowra Hill, just south of the city. Here will be found some of Australia's most interesting aircraft and other paraphernalia of flight.
Visit the Visitors Centre which is located just south of the Shoalhaven River Bridge. Turn left at the Navy helicopter. Here is also to be found historic Graham House which was recently renovated back to its original 19th. century glory.


Nowra Museum is located at the corner of Kinghorne and Worrigee Streets and contains many items of local interest.


Meroogal House, a museum dedicated to the lifestyles and domestic hardship of women of yesteryear, is located in Worrigee Street. Conducted tours are available on weekends.
Of course a visit to Nowra would not be complete without a visit to Bundanon, a property at Cambewarra to the west of Nowra which was owned by artist Arthur Boyd. Bundanon is now run as a campus for aspiring artists as well as a gallery of works.


Nowra Wildlife Park at North Nowra is always a pleasure to visit where you may get up close and personal with native animals and reptiles. With views of the Shoalhaven River, this is a day trip to remember.


Around Nowra you will find plenty of bushwalking and/or 4WD tracks in the State Forests and National park. Information available form the Visitors Centre - 4421 0778.


EAST of NOWRA

Drive east from Nowra along Greenwell Point Road for 14 kms and you will find yourself in the quiet fishing village of Greenwell Point. Located at the junction of Shoalhaven and Crookhaven Rivers, this is known far and wide as the oyster capital of the coast.
Fish shops and oyster farmers here offer fresh catches daily plus there is a Bowling Club or Hotel where a wonderful meal may be had at low cost. Of course fishing is very popular here and boat launching ramps are available at three sites. For more information visit the Greenwell Point web site.

Along Greenwell Point Road is found Jindy Andy Mill where several gift shops and a cafe are located as well as a cafe and gallery at The Old Butterfactory.
From here it is an easy 10 minute drive to Culburra Beach, Orient Point or Callala Beach and Bay. Further east to Currarong where some more great fish adventures may be had either at table or catch your own.


Anglers Rest Boat Hire & Takeaway!


JERVIS BAY

To see the whitest sand beaches in the world a visit to Jervis Bay is a must. Vincentia and Huskisson will give you an idea of this fact which is further reinforced at Hyams Beach. All manner of watersports are popular on Jervis Bay during spring, summer and autumn plus fishing all year round. Other attractions here include Lilliputland and Lady Denman Maritime Museum at Huskisson.

Several well known artists live around Jervis Bay and from time to time hold exhibitions of work at various locations as well as during the bi-annual See Change Festival.


SUSSEX INLET

Visit this pleasant place when next in the mood to catch a fish, go hiking, camping, waterskiing, surfing, horse riding, golfing, bowling or just relaxing. Here, you will get those choices and more, with several clubs, motels, restaurants, a pub and caravan parks to select from. Be in Sussex during July each year for the giant Family Fishing Contest which carries prize money of more than $30,000.00.


MILTON, MOLLYMOOK, ULLADULLA

These three townships, so close together yet of three different characteristics.

Milton, more established with some charming old buildings and quaint shops and galleries filled with all manner of retail and artistic goods.
Mollymook, a more modern township and holiday destination, has a most attractive surf beach, two golf clubs, bowling club plus an abundance of accommodation in motels and apartments.

Ulladulla, considered to be the commercial hub of the area also boasts some wonderful cafes, restaurants, galleries and other retail venues, most with views of the harbour's sparkling blue waters. Be there during Easter for the Blessing of the Fleet ceremony or in July for Tabula Rasa Festival and August for the Food & Wine Festival. Call the Visitors Centre for info on 4455 1269.


BAWLEY POINT, TERMEIL & DURRAS
Where the bush meets the ocean and life rolls on at a most pleasant pace. The surf is a big attraction and campers are catered for at several caravan parks, B & B's and guest houses. Art galleries and roadside stalls prevail with fresh produce and fine art for sale. Pick up a bargain all year round.
   
What's On

diary-web'What's On' on the South Coast NSW

March 2010
What’s on in the South Coast this month

5th Feb -28th Mar- Lady Denman - Meroogal Women's Art Exhibition
Opening 6pm followed by film showings at Husky Pics. Held at the Lady Denman Heritage Complex, Huskisson, contact Robyn Williams 4441 5675.

5th- 6th March- Milton Show Society Inc
The Milton Agricultural and Horticultural Show is a great family event, held at the Milton Show Ground on Croobyar Road. With plenty of action- cattle, horses, equestrian events, poultry, amusement rides, sideshow alley, rodeo and so much more! Ph:  Mick Scott 4455 4075.

5th-7th March- Shellharbour City Festival of Sport
Including a dragon boat challenge and Shell Cover walk or run for fun charity day- this unique sporting event is a fun day that everyone can enjoy, participants and spectators. 9am-3pm. Ph: 4221 6169 for details or visit www.shellharbourcityfestivalofsport.com.au

6th- 7th March- Stomping of the Grapes
Held at Crooked River Wines - Cnr Princes Highway & Willowvale Road in Gerringong. A fantastic opportunity to get amongst the grape juices. Make a day of it and enjoy a tasting and lunch while you are here. Bookings essential for lunch. Stomping is $10 pp. Proceeds go to Westmead Children’s Hospital. Ph: 4234 0975 or visit www.crookedriverwines.com

6th March- Dunno and Kegs Memorial Surf Classic
This is an annual bodyboarding and boardriding competition, to keep the brotherhood alive and Dunno & Kegs love of the beach and surfing on the first weekend of March each year. Held at Rennies Beach, Ulladulla. Ph: Cathy Dunn 0408 540 684

7th March- Clean Up Australia Day
Held in all towns in Australia, at various locations in the Shoalhaven. Ph CUAD Coordinator 4429 3462 to find your nearest venue.

7th March- Meroogal Historic House
Presentation of the Shoalhaven International Womens Day awards. Held at Meroogal- Cnr Plunkett & West Sts, Nowra. Ph Sandra Lee 4421 8150.

7th March- Shoalhaven Heads Kite Club Fly Day
Take the kids and enjoy a morning of flying your special kite! Southern end of Main Beach, Shoalhaven Heads, 10am. Ph Noel Shaw 4423 4478.

12, 13,14th March- Quilt and Craft Show
10am- 4pm. Sewing machine and quilt raffles, 1st 2nd prizes to be won, stalls to buy quilting material, displays for sale. Profits to local charities. St Michael's School Hall-28 North Street, Nowra. The Lions Club of the Shoalhaven. Lesley 4421 4274.

13-27th March - Nowra Players Not Now Darling Production
Various dates throughout the month, held in Meroo St, Bomaderry. 8pm. Ph Ben Harnwell 4421 0829 for further details.

21st March- Basin Lure and Fly Anglers annual Fishing Comp
Catch & release fishing event. Held at the Boat ramp, Adelaide Street, Greenwell Point.

26th-27th March- Arthouse Short Film Festival 2010
A selection of the best films from around the world. Ph Huskisson Pictures Peter Cotter on 4441 5076.

27th-28th March- Shoalhaven Relay for Life
Cancer Councils relay to raise money for cancer research. Showground, Nowra. Ph Nikki Horan 4223 0215 for details.

28th March- Touchdown Helicopters Local Joyflights
The Aviator Lounge at Illawarra Regional Airport, Airport Road, Albion Park Rail. Flights start at $65pp for 10 minutes and bookings are not required. Ph 1300 359 444 or visit www.touchdownhelicopters.com.au

29th March-19th April- Shoalhaven Art Society - Autumn Art Fair
Share an appreciation or our thriving local art scene. Held at the School Of Arts, Alexandra St, Berry.

Upcoming: 3rd April- The White Sands Carnival 2010
A  great community based street carnival that has been a feature of the Easter Activities in Huskisson for many years. Including market Stalls, a Street Parade, vintage car displays, fireworks. Local and Headline Entertainment all day on two stages, together with a large Celtic gathering featuring dancers and much more.

This Month: Clean Up Australia Day- Sunday 7th March, Australia Wide
Every year, hundreds of thousands of Australians get stuck in and Clean Up their local environment by collecting and removing rubbish on Clean Up Australia Day.

2010 marks the 20th Anniversary of Clean Up Australia Day & has made a huge difference over the last 20 years. Just last year, we picked up over 2 million pieces of rubbish. What's even more amazing is if each and every Australian picks up JUST 1 piece of rubbish, we'll pick up 10 times more than last year. That's around 20 million pieces.

Joining in can be great fun. You can either create your own site or join a site already registered by visiting the website at www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au or call 1800 282 329