A Destination Guide for Motorcycle Riders: Shellharbour, NSW South Coast

Most riders know the South Coast of NSW for the Royal National Park, Grand Pacific Drive and Sea Cliff Bridge, but venture a little further south and you’ll discover one of New South Wales’ best riding regions. Shellharbour has evolved into a genuine riding destination. Once regarded simply as a coastal holiday town, today it’s home to a worldclass marina precinct, outstanding restaurants and cafés, luxury accommodation, spectacular beaches and some of the finest riding roads in the state. Better still, everything is within easy reach, making it perfect for a day ride from Sydney or, even better, a long weekend exploring both the coast and the escarpment.

The beauty of Shellharbour is the contrast. One minute you’re watching yachts drift into the marina while enjoying breakfast by the water. Less than an hour later you’re carving through the hills on one of Australia’s most iconic motorcycle roads before winding your way back to the coast through rolling dairy country on big sweepers. It’s a ride that delivers almost every type of scenery NSW has to offer.

Start at Shell Cove

There’s no better place to begin than at Shellharbour Marina, which is the centrepiece of The Waterfront, Shell Cove community. This world-class marina has transformed the area into a vibrant hub filled with cafés, restaurants and bars overlooking hundreds of boats in their berths. Grab breakfast and a coffee at Georgia Rose, where outdoor seating lets you watch the marina slowly come alive while planning the day’s ride. The marina itself has become a lifestyle destination. Luxury apartments, waterfront dining and wide pedestrian promenades create a vibrant waterfront precinct, yet it’s just 90 minutes from Sydney and 25 minutes from Wollongong. The Illawarra’s first five-star hotel is also set to open at the marina soon.

Before heading inland, take the short ride to Killalea Regional Park. Better known to surfers as ‘The Farm’, this spectacular stretch of coastline delivers breathtaking views over one of Australia’s premier surf breaks. Even if surfing isn’t your thing, it’s worth stopping simply to admire the cliffs, coastline and sweeping views across the Tasman Sea. Nearby Bass Point Reserve offers dramatic headlands and walking trails overlooking Bushrangers Bay, one of Australia’s best shore diving locations. While riders won’t be packing scuba gear, it’s another reminder that Shellharbour’s appeal extends well beyond its roads.

Go West

Leaving the coast behind, the ride heads towards Albion Park before joining the legendary Macquarie Pass. Ask many NSW motorcyclists to nominate their favourite roads and Macquarie Pass will often rank near the top of the list. It’s awesome if you get a clear run. Before you start your ascent, it’s worth taking a break at the Cascades Walk. A short rainforest stroll leads to a picturesque waterfall, offering a chance to stretch your legs before returning to the bike. Just remember that your tyres and brakes will have cooled down and won’t be at their best. Back on the road and hairpins, elevation changes and beautifully cambered corners combine with cool mountain air to create an unforgettable ride. Macquarie Pass demands respect as it’s narrow, often damp beneath the trees and popular with cyclists, but ride within your limits and it’s immensely rewarding. With lots of second- and third-gear turns, braking into the apex and endless changes of direction, it’s challenging enough to keep you on form.

Emerging from the rainforest, the landscape suddenly changes. The thick forest gives way to rolling green paddocks, dairy farms and the charming Southern Highlands village of Robertson. And no motorcycle ride through this part of the world is complete without stopping at the legendary Robertson Pie Shop. Riders have been pulling into its car park for decades, swapping stories over pies, sausage rolls and coffee before continuing their journey. There are always a few bikes parked out the front – from cruisers to sportsbikes – and always someone there to chat to. The pies and brew are pretty good, too!

Due South

From here, the route turns south before descending one of the Illawarra’s hidden gems: Jamberoo Mountain Road. If Macquarie Pass is the technical challenge, Jamberoo Mountain Road is pure flowing enjoyment. The road rolls through dairy country before plunging back towards the coast with sweeping corners, valley views and almost endless photo opportunities. Traffic is generally lighter than Macquarie Pass, allowing riders to find an easy flow while soaking up the scenery. Along the way, adventure lovers may want to stop at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures. The elevated steel walkway carries visitors high into the rainforest canopy, providing panoramic views across the escarpment and all the way to the Tasman Sea. Zipline experiences are also available for those wanting an extra adrenaline rush.

A little further down the mountain sits Minnamurra Rainforest, one of the region’s true natural treasures. Elevated boardwalks wind beneath towering figs and palms alongside crystal-clear creeks, creating an easy walk that’s perfect for breaking up the ride. These extras really show that if you lock in a few days in the area, there is plenty to do aside from riding should you want a break from two wheels.

Eventually the road reaches the village of Jamberoo, where the historic Jamberoo Pub has been welcoming travellers for generations. Its country hospitality, cold drinks (non-alcoholic of course while riding) and hearty meals make it an ideal lunch stop before continuing back towards the coast. Good luck getting the leathers zipped back up, though!

Coastal retreat

The second half of the ride returns to the coastline via Kiama. No visit would be complete without stopping at the world-famous Kiama Blowhole, where ocean swells explode through the natural rock formation, sending spray high into the air. And you must find the time to do a run through the famous Kiama Bends from Kiama to Gerringong and back. From here the road hugs the coastline through Minnamurra before returning to Shellharbour.

As well as the quality of riding on offer, what makes Shellharbour special is the sheer variety of things to do once the helmet comes off. The HARS Aviation Museum at Albion Park is a must for aviation enthusiasts. Home to an extraordinary collection of historic aircraft, including a Qantas Boeing 707 formerly owned by John Travolta, it’s well worth the slight detour on your ride. Wildlife lovers can join whale-watching cruises departing directly from Shellharbour Marina during migration season (May to November), while stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing charters and cultural tours with local Dharawal guides offer plenty to fill a second or third day.

What else?

For something completely different, Those Floating Saunas offers a Scandinavian-style floating sauna experience overlooking Shellharbour Marina. After a day wrestling motorcycles through Macquarie Pass, unwinding in an 85°C timber sauna before cooling off beside the water sounds very appealing. As the sun begins to sink, there’s no better place to finish than where the ride began. The Waterfront Dining Precinct comes alive in the evening as restaurants fill, live music drifts across the marina and the setting sun paints the boats in shades of gold. Check into your chosen accommodation, park the bike for the night and enjoy fresh seafood, share a pizza overlooking the harbour or simply settle in with a cold drink while reflecting on nearly 200 kilometres of exceptional riding.

HIGHLIGHTS AND PHOTOGRAPHY STOPS

• Breakfast at The Waterfront Dining Precinct.
  • Killalea Regional Park and The Farm lookout.
  • HARS Aviation Museum.
  • Macquarie Pass National Park.
  • Cascades Rainforest Walk.
  • Robertson Pie Shop.
  • Jamberoo Mountain Road.
  • Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures.
  • Minnamurra Rainforest Centre.
  • Jamberoo Pub.
  • Kiama Blowhole.
  • Kiama Bends.
  • Sunset drinks at the Waterfront Tavern, overlooking Shellharbour Marina.

Find out more at visitshellharbour.com.au

Photography: JPMedia and Shellharbour Council