Summer holidays and bbqs go hand-in-hand in Australia and we are lucky to be always within reach of a handy hotplate. There are more than 50 locations around the Shoalhaven with free bbq facilities, which are cleaned and maintained regularly by council. You can find a full list online. Scroll down to find out where to pick up the best produce to cook up, including seafood and snags.
Our Picks for BBQ Picnics:
Plantation Point Reserve, Vincentia: This is the perfect picnic spot, with access to Nelsons Beach on one side and Barfleur Beach on the other, with grassy parklands in between. As well as bbqs and picnic shelters, there’s playground equipment for the kids and an outdoor gym, a bocce court, a fab amenities block with outdoor showers, and plenty of space to set up for lunch or for the day.
Huskisson, White Sands Park: Perched along the boardwalk between Shark Net Beach and Huskisson Beach, the bbq area here has ample seating including some shaded spots and popular kids’ playground equipment – the standout must be the giant spider web. You can stroll back to Owen Street for ice cream or coffee, or down to the beach for a quick dip. There are well-maintained toilets and plenty of space to spread out. The sea pool and kids pool are only a short stroll away.
Moona Moona Creek Reserve, Huskisson: Shaded, sheltered and tucked in near a popular family swimming spot, the bbq facilities here are quite popular in the holiday season so be ready to cook up and let the next person onto the hot plate. This is the site of the annual Marine Rescue duck races that take place on Australia Day and raise funds for this vital seaside organisation. Buy a duck in one of the dozen or so races of the day and cheer your little guy on from the water’s edge. Truly nail-biting!
Hyams Beach Foreshore: This spot is even more popular than Moona Moona – parking can be impossible, and sometimes the road is closed to casual visitors from the turnoff at Naval College Road (to prevent over-crowding and look after everyone’s safety). If you do head down for a picnic, the bbq area has some under-cover seating, a little bit of kids playground equipment and a lovely grassy area to spread out a picnic rug. Swimming and snorkelling are great here, or wander along the White Sands Walk to Chinamans Beach. You’ll be so tempted to book a holiday house or cabin right here for your next break.
Swanhaven picnic area: On the shores of Swan Lake, this idyllic picnic and bbq area in Dyball Beach Reserve is a lovely spot to watch the sunset over the waters of the lake while nibbling on a sausage sanga. We have friends from the UK who make a beeline for this exact spot whenever they visit Oz, with a packet of the finest snags they can find on the way. The saltwater lake is perfect for a gentle swim and there are toilet amenities too.
Callala Beach Reserve: This is one of the Shoalhaven’s 16 pristine white beaches along with the Insta-famous Hyams Beach, featuring bbq and picnic facilities, an outdoor gym and well-maintained toilets. The reserve is also perfect for private functions such as weddings and can be booked for events through Council (as is Plantation Point Reserve).
Greenfield Beach: technically part of NSW National Parks and maintained by them (so no pets allowed!), the Greenfield Beach picnic area is bursting with bird life, has a few easy walks heading out from the picnic area where the shelter has great educational posters about the local area. The pristine beach a moment’s walk from the picnic area is a great spot for a dip or a snorkel around the rocky edges. There are some outdoor showers too.
Where to Buy Produce
Jervis Bay Shellfish Market: Home of the Jervis Bay Mussels, grown right here in the Bay, the JB Shellfish Market stocks a range of fresh and frozen seafood, as well as the newest addition, JB-grown oysters!
Head over to the Huskisson industrial zone where you will find the Shellfish Market on Bolten Street (right next door to the Jervis Bay Brewing Co).
Jervis Bay Meats (in the Home Co shopping mall): These guys are the local butchers mixing tradition with contemporary flavours and handy prepared meal ideas. Pick up one of their bbq packs, designed for maximum flavour and convenience, or build your own from a great selection.
