Berry, Shoalhaven and surrounds
There’s more to Berry than donuts, but that is the main incentive for Simon!
Day one. An easy start to the day with a drive up the Hume with refreshments at Berrima. Because we were enjoying it so much its back to the Hume! But not for long...we’ll soon head down into a scenic valley and across the Cataract River.
Lunch will be at Headlands Austinmer Beach, after this we head north, skirting the coast as we aim for the Sea Cliff Bridge.
The Sea Cliff Bridge was created after it was deemed the road that curved alongside the cliff face was unsafe due to rockfall activity that could close the road for months at a time.
The $49 million bridge braces against the Pacific Ocean, in places up to 70 metres east of the original alignment.
We’ll then continue north to Bald Hill lookout, this gives you an excellent view of the coastline as well as the bridge.
Retracing our steps, (so as to do the bridge in both directions, and possibly park and get out, its always busy so no guarantees) we’ll aim for Thirroul and then onto the M1 to Berry.
Overnight is in Berry at the Berry Village Boutique Motel.
Day two. It’ll be an early start (0815) as there’s a lot to cover in the morning before lunch at Shoalhaven Heads. (Credit here goes to Kerry from the South Coast who planned this route for a run we went on with the South Coast Chapter back in 2023.)
The day will start with a jaunt around some backroads in the Shoalhaven (a recce done in February found the roads to be a bit bumpy, but certainly manageable for an MX5), followed by morning tea in Kangaroo Valley. Jambaroo Mountain Road has recently reopened after being closed due to landslips a few years back so we’ll head here before taking in the sights from Saddleback Mountain lookout. After this it’s an easy run to Hedy's at the Shoalhaven Heads Hotel for lunch. Following this, the afternoon is your own. Enjoy a donut or 6 at the famous donut van in Berry, support local businesses with a bit of retail therapy, relax with a cold bevvy or two or even have a nap (possibly in that order). There’s sure to be something that will appeal to everyone.
Overnight is again at the Berry Village Boutique Hotel.
Day three. After a more leisurely start we’re homeward bound, but not before a visit to the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Nowra. Following this, its back inland towards Neriga and then Tarago for lunch at the Loaded Dog Hotel before we embark on the final journey home and we all go our separate ways.
RSVP by 25 September to Simon and Cathy, cathysimon.mx5@gmail.com
Google Maps URL: The links do open correctly on a PC so take note of the route before hand to get an idea. We found when doing a recce that using the maps via a phone / Android Auto that it got a bit confused, especially around Berry on day 2. The maps have since been revised however to hopefully solve this issue.
Day one: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kE5i8GBKQ7R9gW228
Day two: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7jiA99AbhXVk7nkq9
Day three: https://maps.app.goo.gl/u7fhHm8PLF9wkn4WA
Run Grade: This is a challenging run, suitable for experienced drivers. It features a day over 350km, followed by drives on narrow and twisty mountainous roads. The Club’s Grading System is described at https://nsw.mx5.com.au/events/important-information/run-gradings.
