Your wellness guide to the NSW South Coast

On the South Coast, nature is the healer. For a delicious dose of movement and indulgence (that will also top up your zinc levels nicely), Kayak and Shuck on the Pambula River with Navigate Expeditions combines a peaceful paddle with fresh oysters from Broadwater Oysters – a blissful balance of nature, nourishment and local flavour. You’ll meet the passionate farmers behind the award-winning oysters, learn about the sustainable growing process, and then – best of all – shuck and savour them fresh from the water. The taste is briny, sweet and unforgettable.

In Jervis Bay, Woebegone Dive & Snorkel leads small-group snorkelling and freediving tours in some of the country’s clearest waters. With visibility often stretching over 20 metres, you’ll glide through calm coves teeming with vibrant marine life – from curious blue gropers to gently swaying sea grass meadows. What sets these tours apart is their quiet mindfulness. With a focus on slow, conscious movement and breathwork techniques to support freediving, the experience becomes meditative – a way of softening into your body and tuning into the rhythms of the ocean.

If surfing is your form of meditation, head to Camel Rock or Wallaga Lake with Camel Rock Surf School. With gentle, rolling waves and patient, encouraging instructors, it's the perfect place to find your rhythm whether you’re stepping onto a board for the first time or easing back in after a break. Every Sunday, they run Waves for Women – a two-hour session designed especially for women to build confidence, connection and ocean skills in a supportive, laid-back environment. Want to take it a little deeper? Their multi-day surf retreats (ranging from one to four days) offer the chance to fully immerse, unwind and soak up the healing energy of the sea – one salty wave at a time.

For those who prefer to stay on land, Murramarang National Park offers a breathtaking blend of coastal cliffs, quiet beaches and eucalypt forest walks. Just north of Batemans Bay, it’s home to resident kangaroos and panoramic headland lookouts – ideal for sunrise hikes, nature photography or simply finding stillness beneath towering spotted gums. Further north, Budderoo National Park is a haven of lush rainforest, cascading waterfalls and scenic walking trails. Located near Jamberoo, it features the spectacular Carrington Falls and the elevated boardwalks of the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre, offering an immersive experience into the region's rich biodiversity.

Wellness on the South Coast is deeply rooted in the land. On Tuesday afternoons, the SAGE Farmers Market in Moruya becomes a vibrant community hub where growers and makers share their wares. It’s part of the wider SAGE Project, which supports local food systems and regenerative farming through initiatives like Stepping Stone Farm.

Buena Vista Farm near Gerringong invites you into their world of regenerative agriculture with hands-on classes in fermenting, wholefood cooking and sustainable living. It’s food as connection – to place, to season, to self.

In the heart of Kiama, The Pines Pantry offers a charming farm shop, located in the historic Terrace Houses, showcasing the best of their sixth-generation regenerative dairy farm produce. Stock up on their award-winning cheeses, creamy yoghurts, artisan gelato and non-homogenised milk, all produced using organic, biodynamic and holistic farming methods. You’ll also find curated selection of local and regenerative products from other small-scale producers, including meats, preserves, honey and more.

Head to Black Cede in Nowra for local produce-driven meals that celebrate the region's seasonal bounty. This Aboriginal women-led social and cultural enterprise cultivates traditional bush foods in their community garden, transforming them into high-quality products for their café and online store. With a deep connection to Country and community, their menu is both nourishing and meaningful. Settle in for a slow brunch, fresh pastries or vibrant, nourishing plates that reflect the land they come from – all served in a warm and welcoming space.