Shoalhaven is located on the coastal plain of the south coast of New South Wales bounded generally by the Illawarra escarpment to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east.
This coastal environment is characterised by a number of major urban centres and a scattering of villages that are surrounded by a series of coastal lakes and natural eucalypt bushland. Two major river systems, the Shoalhaven and the Clyde, provide complimentary relief that supports agricultural, urban and commercial/industrial production infrastructure.
So if you enjoy bushwalking, camping, fishing, bird watching, water sports or just the beauty of the great outdoors, the Shoalhaven is one of the most nature-rich regions in Australia.
Climate, Soils, Flora and Fauna
Climate
Temperatures are generally mild with average temperatures of 15.5C and 26.5C for June and January respectively. Rainfall is more pronounced during the summer/autumn months, with the least rainfall occurring in July, August and September.
See the Bureau of Meteorology for a more detailed climate summary.
Soils
The geology is dominated by Permian age sandstones and siltstones. Older Ordovician age slates and shales make up the basement in the Clyde Valley with volcanic intrusions evident in the north of the City and at Milton and Bawley Point. The area is predominantly hilly or mountainous country to the west with a narrow coastal strip to the east. Most of the soils of the area are moderately to strongly acid and due to the parent geology most are of poor nutrient status with low water holding capacity. The high nutrient status soils of volcanic origin (e.g. Milton Monzonite) or alluvial origin (e.g. Shoalhaven Floodplain) have generally been historically cleared and represent very good agricultural land. This past clearing of vegetation (much of it rainforest) has had significant impacts on regional wildlife.
Flora and Fauna
Today, eucalypt forests and woodlands dominate the area with cleared land being prevalent in the alluvial valleys and in regions closer to the coast. Various specialised flora and fauna have developed in the rainforests, wetlands, coastal sand dunes and heath areas.
Crown Land, State Forest and National Park make up 64% of the Shoalhaven land area providing significant habitat for flora and fauna. Diverse coastline habitats represented by beaches, estuaries, wetlands and lakes along the coast are important for both the biodiversity values of the Shoalhaven and commercially for recreational and fishing opportunities.
The Shoalhaven region includes a number of sensitive natural assets, including the Shoalhaven River and estuary system, Jervis Bay, Coomondary Swamp and Lake Wollumboola and a number of other coastal lakes and estuaries. High population growth rates in the Shoalhaven places considerable pressure on these natural resources, highlighting the need for appropriate management and investment.
National Parklands, Forests & Walks
National Parklands
More than a third of the Shoalhaven’s total area is National parklands, meaning that there is no shortage of places to explore the diverse natural environment. Cudmirrah National Park is popular with anglers and bird watchers – with over 160 species of birds, while Conjola National Park centres around Conjola Lake and is ideal for boating and fishing.
Booderee National Park, in the Jervis Bay Territory is the most visited National Park in Australia. Owned by the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community, it continues to be a significant place for local Aboriginal people.
The Jervis Bay Marine Park surrounded by the Jervis Bay National Park ensures that this locality is managed and preserved for locals and visitors alike as they utilise this major recreational resource for fishing, diving, sailing and whale watching.
Other national parks in the Shoalhaven include Morton National Park – large, rugged and with some areas designated as wilderness so very popular with serious bushwalkers. Spectacular Seven Mile Beach Park, which has the longest beach in the area and is the historic site of aviator Sir Kingsford Smith’s first commercial take off.
Murramarang National Park is situated on the southern end of the Shoalhaven and runs down to the coast and includes 4 coastal islands. Its most famous site is Pebbly Beach where kangaroos are known for their friendliness.
Find a full list of National Parks across the South Coast here.
NSW State Forests
South of the Shoalhaven River, there are significant areas of State Forest and farmland used for forestry purposes. Many sawmills operate along the coastal areas providing employment for sawmill operators and forestry harvesting.
State Forests are available for recreational purposes and many are located in the Shoalhaven. Find a full list of NSW State Forests and their facilities here.
Shoalhaven City Council Parks and Walks
Shoalhaven City Council manages over 800 parks and reserves, including playgrounds, picnic areas, boat ramps, playing fields and foreshore reserves, boardwalks, beaches, wetlands, bushlands and rainforests. Shoalhaven offers many different walks from Pigeon House Mountain’s steep ascent to the gentle beauty of Ben’s Walk – there is something to suit everyone.
Find a list of walks across the area here.
Other Council Information
If you want to become involved in local environmental initiatives there are plenty of opportunities, and volunteers in any capacity are always welcome.
Information about local weeds can be found on Council’s weed management site.
If you want information about Council Waste and Recycling Services, Shoalhaven Water and for all other services – Go to My Home on Shoalhaven City Councils website.
