Winter Wonderland for Nature Lovers
Kiama, Shellharbour + Southern Highlands
DAY 1
Evening:
- Dinner at Silica Kiama – Enjoy a refined, oceanfront meal with seasonal produce and a warm, coastal atmosphere.
- Check in at Cicada Luxury Camping – Glamp in style under the stars with a firepit, plush bedding, and views of the escarpment.
DAY 2
Morning:
- Enjoy breakfast at Farmer’s Table and enjoy a paddock-to-plate menu in the historic terrace houses.
- Wander through ancient Minnamurra Rainforest, following the pathway past wandering wildlife to the cascading waterfall at the top. The misty winter air makes it feel like a fairytale.
- Continue up the mountain, stopping at Carrington Falls then to the village of Robertson. Take a quick selfie at the Big Potato (currently painted pink in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the film, Babe which was filmed in the region) and browse the local shops and galleries.
Midday:
- Lunch at Bendooley Estate – Dine in the book barn or cellar door restaurant, surrounded by vineyards and fireplaces. Be sure to pick up a bottle to take home with you.
Afternoon:
- Retford Park Gardens – Wander through the manicured winter gardens and historic estate grounds before heading home back down Macquarie Pass.
Evening:
- Overnight at Marina Vista – Waterfront Apartment – watch the crips morning colours of sunrise over the boat harbour from your own private balcony with a warm cosy blanket and a hot cup of coffee.
DAY 3
Morning:
- Drive to Shellharbour Village for a light breakfast at J’s on the Deck, eat-in or grab takeaway and wander to the nearby boat harbour to enjoy the view.
Mid-Morning:
- Enjoy a coastal walk through Killalea Regional Park where you can breathe in the fresh crisp air and take a stroll along the clifftop and head down to the water’s edge to see why it has been recognised as a National Surfing Reserve and Australia’s second-best beach in 2024.
- Get on board a Whale Watching Cruise with Shellharbour Wild departing from Shellharbour Marina for an intimate and immersive encounter with humpback whales as they glide through the ocean just metres away.
Midday:
- Lunch at The Waterfront Tavern – Indulge in their signature seafood platter, freshly shucked oysters or their refined take on bistro classics in an impressive waterfront venue, complete with uninterrupted views of the Shellharbour Marina.
Afternoon
- Explore Bass Point Reserve & Bushrangers Bay – one of the most interesting archaeological sites on the NSW coast with its dramatic rocky platform abundant with marine life, and coastal bushland. Ideal for a peaceful walk and some winter wildlife spotting, or take a dive into Bushrangers Bay Aquatic Reserve to see the marine life before heading home.
road trip ideas
Dont miss these events
- Southern Highlands
Christmas in Winter
23 June - 31 July
- Southern Highlands
Pie Trail
1-30 June
- Shellharbour
Winter Solstice at the Marina
20-22 June
- Shellharbour
Enchanted Forest – Tides of Treasure
30 May - 22 June
- Kiama
Kiama Winter Street Festival
- Kiama
Winter Wine Festival
7-8 June
Here's what your grand escape could look like...
Wollongong Harbour
Whale Watching, Shoalhaven
Blenheim Beach, Shoalhaven
Retford Park, Southern Highlands
Berry Township, Shoalhaven
Macquarie Pass National Park
Surfing Kangaroos at Pebbly Beach
Seacliff Bridge, Clifton
Kiama Blowhole
Canoeing at Tallowa Dam
Midwinter Festival, Southern Highlands
Minnamurra Headland, Kiama
Bushrangers Bay Scuba Diving, Shellharbour
The Farm, Killalea Regional Park
Mushroom Tunnel, Southern Highlands
Winding Roads into Kangaroo Valley
Farm Club, Southern Highlands
Treetops Adventure, Nowra
Sublime Point Walking Trail, Thirroul
The Waterfront Shell Cove, Shellharbour
Pecora Dairy, Southern Highlands
Austinmer Rock Pools
Centennial Vineyards, Southern Highlands
Kiama Hinterland
Macquarie Pass National Park - Cascades Waterfall
Austinmer Beach
Kiama Farmers Market
Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Lake Illawarra
Robertson Truffles, Southern Highlands
