Wine & Whales

from Shoalhaven Visitor Guide 2022

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Explore the magic of wine and whales in the Shoalhaven during winter and spring. Book your stay in the cooler months and grab a front seat to the ‘humpback highway‘ from land, boat or in the water, yes you can even swim with the whales! Pair that with unique south coast wines at one of our nine cellar doors where you can meet the maker and engage with great food, tours, live music, art and much more.

Whale watching in the Shoalhaven is unique. Our coastline is a half way resting place for whales, and unlike many other destinations you can see them from May through November. Jervis Bay’s coastline connects close to the humpback highway so there is little need to venture way out to sea to find them. Mums and calves often rest, play and learn in Jervis Bay on their return journey to Antarctica. There are spectacular land based viewing points along our coastline, particularly from the lighthouses at Point Perpendicular on Beecroft Peninsula, Warden Head in Ulladulla, and Crookhaven Heads at Culburra Beach. For a first class view, take a whale watching eco cruise with Jervis Bay Wild or Dolphin Watch Cruises, who reportedly saw 102 whales during one cruise in October 2020! Imagine being submerged in the ocean while a giant whale majestically glides past. Dive Jervis Bay and Woebegone Freedive take whale watching to that next level, being two of only a few Australian operators approved to offer the opportunity to swim with these breathtaking mammals.

Just inland from our whale filled waters, nine cellar doors sit in picturesque locations, below mountain escarpments, on luscious green rolling hills, or in beautiful valleys. Delicious boutique vintages are made with love in small batches, and you can often speak to friendly winemakers at their cellar door. Try the region’s specialty red, Chambourcin, or sample Coolangatta Estate’s highly acclaimed Wollstonecraft Semillon. Shoalhaven estates have won countless awards, not only for their wine but also for the experiences they offer. Cupitt’s Estate was inducted into the New South Wales Tourism Awards hall of fame for producing award-winning wine, French cheese and boutique beer, while also providing delicious dining and tasting experiences. There are fun things to do scattered across all our vineyards including live music, art galleries, restaurants, accommodation, and high tea amongst the vines sitting in a giant teacup at Cambewarra Estate. Lyrebird Ridge Organic Winery hosts horse riding through the vines with Eqwine Escapes, and Silos Estate has electric vehicle charging stations. Mountain Ridge Wines has electric limo transfers, is pet friendly, and hosts live music regularly.

You can have a whale-y good time or a tantalising tipple in the Shoalhaven. Or maybe combine both for a unique off peak holiday experience you won’t find anywhere else.