Where to Eat, Play and Stay In Shellharbour

Just a 90-minute drive from Sydney and chockful of things to see and do, we know that Shellharbour won’t stay under the radar forever – so here’s how to make the most of it before the crowds arrive.

Where else can you peek inside a historical aircraft, cycle past detailed art, and surf some of the country’s cleanest waves, all in a single day? Here are some more of the fabulous experiences this NSW South Coast gem has to offer.

Eat

Shellharbour is renowned for the freshness of its meat & seafood.

As is the case with most regional towns, the culinary focus in Shellharbour is on local. Meat, seafood and produce are best enjoyed close to where they were sourced, and in a produce-rich area like this, the food is extremely fresh. You can also expect friendly staff, airy spaces and generous side servings of sea breeze.

Nardi’s Italian

After authentic, yet affordable Italian? Look no further than Nardi’s Italian. The family-owned restaurant provides a hearty mix of pastas, meats, and breads on the menu, all under $29. Start with garlic bread with melted mozzarella cheese or herb bread before moving onto main servings of pesto linguine, scallopini ai funghi or pollo parmigiana. The backdrop here is equal parts cosy and industrial. Think dark wood tables and chairs against exposed overhead beams and steel hanging lights.

Address: 1 Burra Place, Shellharbour, NSW, 2529

Relish on Addison

Shellharbour isn’t short on casual seaside dining but, for something a little more upmarket (yet still quick and reasonable), head to Relish on Addison. Popular with locals, the cafe adds its own inventive spin on modern Australian fare with options like the cauliflower truffle mornay oysters, mushroom and baby spinach risotto cakes, and confit duck with parsnip puree. They’re open for Sunday breakfast too, so pop in for pancakes with grilled bananas after your morning surf or dip.

Address: 6 Addison Street, Shellharbour, NSW, 2529

Branches Restaurant

Located in the Shellharbour Resort, Branches Restaurant is one of the laidback town’s few fine-dining spots. It specialises in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, with locally sourced seafood served up amidst tranquil views and a relaxing setting. The restaurant’s three-course chef’s selection menu is a hot choice, but you can order a la carte if you’d prefer. Don’t go past the marinated, crumbed squid with mango salsa, chicken cordon chorizo or Morton Bay bugs cooked in a garlic cream sauce.

Address: Corner Shellharbour Road and Ocean Beach Drive, Shellharbour, NSW, 2529

Play

The Links Shell Cove offers a scenic backdrop for golf enthusiasts.

For a chilled-out Australian coastal town, it’s surprising how much culture Shellharbour has on offer. When you’ve had your fill of swimming, snorkelling or surfing, take an art walk that celebrates the area’s Aboriginal history or visit a museum dedicated to historical aircraft.

Lake Illawarra Art Trail

The Lake Illawarra Art Trail offers a unique mix of art and nature.

Rent a bike from South Coast Bike Hire before hitting the Lake Illawarra Art Trail – or walk the track if you’d prefer. The public pathway winds along the lake t for three kilometres, with artworks from local artists at various points along the foreshore. Admire mosaic sculptures and hand-carved wood pieces, learn more about the materials used to create the works and walk away with a newfound appreciation for the history and culture of the traditional owners of the region.

Address: Reddall Parade, Mount Warrigal, NSW, 2528

HARS Aviation Museum

Whether you’re into aviation or not, HARS (Historical Aircraft Restoration Society) Aviation Museum is still a worthwhile visit. The museum houses some of the country’s most historically important aircraft and, because admission includes a guided tour, you can get up close and personal with Australia’s aviation greats. For a special treat, book a tour of the record breaking Qantas Boeing 747, or a Wing Walk that has you climbing outside of the plane onto the aircraft’s wing, 16 metres above the tarmac.

Address: 54 Airport Road, Albion Park Rail, NSW, 2527

The Links Shell Cove

Australians are rather spoiled when it comes to scenic locations to tee off at a game of golf, and the Links Shell C ove is among one of the best. It was voted one of the top 50 Australian courses to play for under $50 – likely owing to a full fleet of electric golf carts, a brilliantly designed championship course, a turf-line driving range to perfect your swing and a licensed hotel and Brasserie conveniently located onsite. Keep an eye out for the purpose-built, short game practice area coming soon.

Address: Golf Drive, Shell Cove, NSW, 2527

Stay

Shellharbour’s accommodation is intimate as opposed to corporate.

You won’t find many big-chain resorts in Shellharbour. Instead, choose from privately owned hotels, charming holiday apartments and houses, quaint bed and breakfasts, holiday parks and fully equipped campsites.

Reflections Killalea Reserve

Disconnect from the daily grind and connect in real life on a weekend camping trip. Reflections Killalea Reserve makes it easy with a fully equipped kitchen, barbecues, toilets, showers and a kiosk, all onsite. Start your day with a stroll around one of the park’s many walking tracks or have a paddle at popular surf spot, The Farm. Don’t own a tent? Rent a bunk in the Bunkhouse.

Address: Killalea Drive, Shell Cove, NSW, 2529

Secluded & laid-back accommodation options abound here.

Barrack Point Holidays

If camping isn’t your thing, then Barrack Point Holidays is a great alternative. Each of its 19 cabins comes with a kitchenette and microwave, air-conditioning and a TV to wind down after a busy day of activities.

In the morning, walk to nearby Cowries Cafe at Warilla Bowls before driving to Minnamurra Rainforest for a short (1.6-kilometre) boardwalk stroll to the dramatic Minnamurra Falls. Back at Barrack Point in the afternoon, book a court for a spot of tennis.

Address: Jason Avenue, Barrack Heights, NSW, 2528

Escape 778

If you have a little more cash to splash, spend a night at Escape778. Set on 20 hectares, this secluded accommodation located underneath the Illawarra Escarpment is, flanked by sheer cliff faces and lush rainforest, was once a private home and is now a quiet escape for a couple or a group of friends. Spend your afternoon soaking in the spa, curled up on the couch with a book, or wandering the grounds trying to spot a wallaby, wombat, or echidna.

Address: 778 Calderwood Road, Calderwood, NSW, 2527

If you have a little more cash to splash, spend a night at Escape778.

Want to know more? Read our ultimate travel guide to the NSW South Coast.

Your job? Eat, sip, stroll, repeat.

The Shoalhaven region on NSW’s South Coast is a place of abundance. A sun-drenched haven where bush meets sea, local towns are abuzz and seasonal produce thrives. Bringing it altogether is Coastal Forage, a weekend celebration of food and wine that takes place at one of the region’s biggest drawcards – the beach.

The festival

Emerging as one of Jervis Bay’s best experiences, Coastal Forage is an annual festival that pairs the region’s natural beauty with its fresh produce and culinary excellence. Unfolding across just one weekend each year, the program is packed with mouth-watering events, inviting locals and tourists alike to get a true taste of the region. But while food is the star of the show, Coastal Forage is more than just a long lunch.

Coastal Forage on the South Coast of NSW

Stroll between 10 beachfront degustation stations.

Beginning at Moona Moona Creek Reserve in Huskisson, groups of 20–25 guests make their way along six picturesque kilometres of coastline, where 10 different degustation stations await in intervals. Part gourmet trail, part beachside bushwalk, it’s an opportunity for people to take a breath, enjoy the moment and feel the sand between their toes – literally.

“Coastal Forage is about slowing down and savouring the connection between place, produce and people,” said Amanda Fry, founder of Experience Nature, the local tourism brand behind the event. “There’s nowhere else in Australia where you can enjoy a ten-course meal with your feet in the sand, whales offshore and a local chef plating up what was caught or harvested fresh locally. It’s pure Shoalhaven.”

Dine on fresh produce prepared by local producers.

Meander along the shore with friends and other festival-goers, paddle your feet in the cool ocean and devour delicious fare cooked up and served by local producers. Afterwards, sun-warmed and satisfied, guests will be transferred back to the start of the trail by boat with Jervis Bay Wild.

The local cruise company also offers wildlife tours, and with migration season peaking, you’re perfectly positioned to spot whales along the coast. There’s no better way to end an already magical day.

Moona Moona Creek on the South Coast, NSW

Guests will be dropped back at Moona Moona Creek Reserve by boat.

The program

This year marks six years of Coastal Forage, with a program that speaks to the festival’s steady growth and evolution. It’s part of a wider trend that has seen foodie festivals across NSW ranking among Australia’s top emerging experiences.

In 2025, the event holds fast to its primary goal – providing an immersive nature-based dining experience for guests while platforming local chefs and producers. While newcomers like Cupitt’s Estate will join the line-up this year, the cast remains mostly the same – much to the delight of attendees.

Coastal Forage brings foodies together on the NSW South Coast.

Returning favourites include Bangalay Dining, Paperbark Camp, Appellation Oysters & John Harley Seafood, Old Salt Distillery, Blackhen Kitchen, Caterina and Trolley’d. All are preparing to plate up everything from sea-foraged delicacies and fire-grilled native ingredients to cool-climate wines and artisan spirits. You know what they say – if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

The details

Occurring over the second weekend of spring, Coastal Forage is a wonderful way to welcome the new season. It will run for two days only, from 13 to 14 September, with start times staggered every 15 minutes between 10am–3pm.

With many guests travelling from interstate, Coastal Forage is the perfect excuse for a scenic Sydney to South Coast road trip. The drive takes around three hours, with onsite parking available at Moona Moona Creek Reserve.

Groups of up to 25 taste their way along the trail at intervals.

If you’re making the trek, why not turn it into a memorable weekend away? Jervis Bay is dotted with peaceful places to stay, from cosy farmer cottages to beachfront shacks. Or you can treat yourself to the exclusive Stay Package, which includes two nights at Bangalay Luxury Villas, breakfast and two Coastal Forage tickets, priced at $1680.

Bookings for Saturday are available now, but are selling fast. Reservations for Sunday are on sale from 8 August – with both days priced at $225 per person. Each ticket includes a 10-course degustation, paired beverages, tasting glass, event booklet and return boat transfer. Coastal Forage is an 18+ event and dietary requirements cannot be accommodated.

Where to eat, play and stay in Shellharbour