Choose your adventure

Forest greens meet ocean blues at one of the best soft adventure playgrounds in NSW, writes

Family camping is a hoot because it’s all about how many toys you can squeeze into the car and onto your roof racks. I’m not talking about building blocks and bedtime books (although they’re in there). I’m talking about the fun stu : paddleboards, kayaks, surfboards, wetsuits, flippers. You get my drift. The trick is picking a destination where you can squeeze as much adventure into every day, and we’ve found a beauty – the Shoalhaven region of NSW, around two hours’ south of Sydney.

Surfing

Stretching from Shoalhaven Heads in the north to Murramarang National Park in the south, the Shoalhaven region is famous for its swathes of beaches – there are a whopping 100. Mollymook and Ulladulla are among the most well-known, but there are other top spots for all levels of surfers, including Tilbury Cove for beginners. If you’re keen for lessons or need board hire, call Culburra Beach Surf School or Pam Burridge Surf Schools.

Kayaking

Fall under the spell of Kangaroo Valley by following in locals’ footsteps (or rather paddle strokes) when you kayak along rivers, creeks and dams, through gorges and national parks. The valley’s often mirror-like waterways are ethereal as they twist around forested bends, o ering a peaceful but exciting introduction to the sport for families. You can hire kayaks and canoes from Kangaroo Valley Safaris, who will organise transfers to and from the water. Afterwards, grab a table at

Hampden Deli in the heart of the village. We love that this environmentally conscious small business will also make you a Sunday picnic hamper if you call ahead.

Paddleboarding

Somewhat of a mix between surfing and kayaking is stand-up paddleboarding, where you can glide along the Shoalhaven’s white-sand beaches, opting to catch a few white waves or sticking to crystal-clear bays and estuaries. Let your adventurous toddler or dog perch on the front of the board for a unique tour of popular tourist spots such as Huskisson, Jervis Bay and Sussex Inlet.

Currambene Creek is an idyllic paddle location and you can give the moored boaties a wave as you pass.

Diving

If you’re keen to tour the underwater sights of the Shoalhaven, joining a scuba diving tour is an incredible way to meet the wildlife. With more than 160 kilometres of coastline, there are plenty of sites to explore, including 60-plus dives in Jervis Bay Marine Park. Let Dive Jervis Bay show you where to find stingrays, nudibranchs and weedy sea dragons. There are also snorkel safaris for young or timid children.

Hiking

Once you’ve had your fill of watery fun, it’s time to hit the local trails. Burrawang Track in Narrawallee Creek Nature Reserve is an easy family option at only two kilometres (return) long. The route starts at Conjola Beach and ends at Buckleys Point, leading you through wetlands and rainforest; keep an eye out for sea eagles.

There is also Giriwa Walking Track in Meroo National Park; it’s a more challenging hike, suitable for older families, and has plenty of pretty spots for a picnic. If, after doing all of the above, you’re still hankering for adventure, Shoalhaven also has mountain biking, rock climbing, horse riding, ziplining, kitesurfing and fishing.