Get to know Shoalhaven’s 100-beach challenge, café culture & nearby winery experiences

The NSW Tourism Awards aim to acknowledge and celebrate excellence in tourism from across the state.

In 2018, Shoalhaven Tourism won gold in the Destination Marketing category for its 100 Beach Challenge campaign. The challenge aims to get people exploring all the stunning beaches of the region–from well-known to hidden gems–and document them online. The stretch of coast it includes runs all the way from Seven Mile Beach in the north, to North Durras Beach in the south. Over 2,000 people are playing online right now. Whether you complete the challenge in three days or three months, it’s up to you!

The Shoalhaven is also known for its’ thriving café culture. Just a three-hour drive south of Sydney you’ll find The Guild in Milton. This place is an Italian café and restaurant, bringing a slice of Milano to the South Coast. The Guild’s handcrafted, wood-fired pizzas are made from a mixture of imported Italian ingredients and local produce for an authentic flavour. They’re also passionate about their coffee and serve their own unique blend of roasted beans on site.

A little farther north, just out of Berry, is Mountain Ridge Wines and Restaurant. Perched on a ridge of Coolangatta Mountain, this place has 360° views over lush farmland, the Cambewarra Mountains, and it’s only minutes from the beach. These guys make their own wines on site and also a variety of unique liqueurs. The cellar door is open for tastings seven days a week, as is the on-site restaurant which serves breakfast and lunch.