WELLBEING THINGS TO DO

The Ultimate South Coast Reset

By

Narrell Tabone

Posted

It’s me-time now in Jervis Bay. It’s been a record summer holiday season in Huskisson and our seaside villages with unprecedented numbers of holiday makers enjoying a slice of paradise. As schools go back, the summer crowds recede, the tan starts to fade and spare beds are put away, it’s the perfect time to seek balance and tranquillity. We know you need it! Here’s how to show yourself some love.

Sunrise yoga in Jervis Bay. Photo Adobe Stock
Seek balance and tranquility in Jervis Bay. Photo Adobe Stock

Yoga and Mindfulness

Stretch and strengthen your body with a yoga session at one of Jervis Bay’s serene yoga studios. These classes are designed to leave you feeling grounded and rejuvenated, making them an excellent way to ease stress and improve flexibility. Here’s a couple of yoga spots we thought you may want to try.

South Coast Soul

In the heart of Vincentia is Jervis Bay’s premier yoga and pilates studio, South Coast Soul, where wellness and community come together. This bright, open space offers a welcoming atmosphere and expert-led classes for all levels, from beginners to seasoned practitioners. Whether you’re looking to build strength, find balance or simply unwind, you’ll find a supportive community and feel right at home.  New to town, just passing through, or ready to start your wellness journey? Try out the studio with their 2-week intro pass that enables you to attend any in-studio classes for just $69.

You will find the studio upstairs in the Vincentia Shopping Village, above Phoebe’s Cafe and What’s In Clothing.

Mary Basler Coastal Yoga

Mary Basler, a beloved local favourite for many years, offers a holistic approach to yoga that blends physical postures, philosophy, meditation and breath control. Her classes range from restorative to dynamic vinyasa, with props for added support. Mary’s husband, Chris, brings six years of Hatha and Yin practice to the table. Trained in Vinyasa Flow, he holds a 285-Hour Yoga Teacher Training certificate and a 50-Hour Yin certificate. His focus? Encouraging men who don’t think yoga is for them! We’ve attended both Mary’s and Chris’s classes and love seeing so many men join in.

Held at Huskisson Community Centre, all are welcome, no booking required, $20 ($15 concession). On the last Wednesday of the month, class moves to White Sands Park (near the playground) for a fresh air yoga experience.

Pamper Yourself

After weeks of sun, salt, and wind, your skin and hair are craving some well-deserved TLC.

By Jane Studios Brows & Skin

Visiting newly relocated By Jane Studio Brows & Skin on Owen Street Huskisson, overlooking Currambene Creek, was a wonderful experience. Situated in a prime upstairs location across from its previous space, the studio perfectly mirrors Emily Chandler’s impeccable taste for sophistication and elegance. The white walls, natural timber floors and airy sheer curtains set a light, coastal-style ambiance ideal for a serene escape.

Emily (L) and Lilli at By Jane Brows & Skin in Huskisson. Photo Narrell Tabone
Emily (L) and Lilli at By Jane Brows & Skin in Huskisson. Photo Narrell Tabone

We sat down with Emily, who has over 20 years of experience in the beauty industry. Emily says her focus is to understand a client’s beauty needs and tailor a solution for them, whether it’s her signature brow and lash package or a facial or skin treatment using luxury products. Emily is also in demand as a wedding make-up consultant.

Joining Emily is her talented second beautician, Lilli Briggs, who also shares Emily’s ethos of making clients feel pampered and rejuvenated.

You will find the studio through the door between 5 Little Pigs Cafe and Weekends by Beyond the Beach Lifestyle boutique, and up the stairs. To book an appointment, visit Emily’s Instagram page.

Maya Organic Beauty

For glowing skin and a general feeling of rejuvenation, book a visit to Maya Organic Beauty on Owen Street Huskisson (up the top-end towards the movie theatre).

Maya’s team of eight experienced therapists are there to pamper you whether it be a relaxing facial, massage or a skin analysis. We love a soothing eye treatment gently working its magic while receiving a foot massage. Heaven. Book online for Huskisson, or their Nowra location.

Revive Your Beachy Locks

We love the tousled, salt-spray look but days and weeks of seawater and sun exposure can cause some serious long-term effects on your hair. If you are in need of a hair revamp or a deep-conditioning treatment, one of these local salons is the tonic.

Janetz Hair Studio

Located in Vincentia Shopping Village (just down from Coles), Janetz Hair Studio is run by “Korea’s best hairdresser”, Janet Kim and senior stylist Renee Logan.

Sit comfortably in the reclining massage chair at the basin for a pampering wash and scalp massage, and a treatment to hydrate and repair your après-beach mop-top. Then trust one of these two long-time Jervis Bay collaborators to expertly style your locks. You will feel like a million bucks.

Janet (L) and Renee at Janetz Hair Studio in Vincentia. Photo Narrell Tabone
Janet (L) and Renee at Janetz Hair Studio in Vincentia. Photo Narrell Tabone

The Salon

You simply must try the basin room at The Salon – located in the Huskisson industrial zone – it’s a blissful experience. With dim lights and tranquil music, you won’t want to leave. The Salon is full of sass and class, run by Jacom Glasson and Skye Ali, who are long-time collaborators renowned in the region for their creative transformations.

Relax and Recharge

It has never been easier to squeeze in a much-needed massage.

Be Relax Thai Massage in Vincentia Shopping Village has a simple online booking system for their range of treatments including traditional Thai massage designed to release tension and stretch tight muscles and body scrubs with hot towels to leave you in a bliss bubble. We love their authentic Thai foot massage that leaves no spot neglected. Sip a refreshing cup of jasmine tea before heading on your way, and don’t forget a stamp on your loyalty card. Find them in the top carpark off Excellent Street, with hours from 9.30am to 7.30pm, three professional therapists on staff using quality Australian organic oils and Thai balms.

Coffee and Coastal Walks

Start your day in Jervis Bay with an early coffee from Cooked Goose at Hyams, serving great food and beverage every day from 8am to 4pm. Now is the perfect time to stroll along the shores of iconic Hyams Beach with a brew in hand, to soak in a rare moment of peaceful stillness in the morning light, with the powder-soft white sands between your toes.

If you’re in the mood to explore, head over to Huskisson where you’ll find two local favourites, 5 Little Pigs and Salty Joe’s along Owen Street.

Both cafes serve up exceptional coffees with a slice of perfect coastal atmosphere. Stroll around town and window-shop at the gorgeous boutiques along Owen Street, or take to the path of the Round the Bay Walking Track, starting down at the Huskisson Wharf and wind your way around the shoreline marvelling at the sparkle of the sun on the water.

Sunrise To Sunset Serenity

Facing east, Jervis Bay turns on a spectacular sunrise for the early birds. For a perfect beginning to your day, head out to catch the golden orb rising up out of the sea just after 6am on these mid-summer days. Nelsons Beach in Vincentia is an ideal location to see the sun rise over the heads, or a refreshing walk or swim at any one of the 100+ beaches in our region will help you to feel energised, clear-headed and ready to take on the day.

Sunrise at Nelsons Beach in Vincentia, Jervis Bay. Photo U+
Sunrise at Nelsons Beach in Vincentia, Jervis Bay. Photo U+

For a quieter, off the beaten path experience, head to Callala Bay on the north-side of Jervis Bay. You will find the same pristine, powdery white sand that Hyams Beach is famous for, but without the crowds. The Round the Bay Walking Track is located here too and is a perfect path to follow for a morning stroll.

If sunset is more your vibe, the sunsets at Barfleur Beach are nothing short of magical. This little beach, tucked next to Plantation Point Reserve in Vincentia, offers a serene and secluded cove with tall gums trees lining the sandy shore and it’s just a short stroll from the reserve’s picnic area, playground, outdoor gym and bathroom amenities.

For ultimate serenity, St Georges Basin at sunset is the place to also be. Grab a beach chair, a picnic blanket, some snacks and your favorite drink, and prepare to be wowed by the stunning sunsets as they reflect off the trees and water.

Explore Local Art and History

Step into the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum to immerse yourself in its latest art installations and learn more about the region’s rich history. This quiet retreat offers a perfect blend of culture and creativity, a treat for both the mind and the soul. Explore a vast collection of art, artifacts, maritime tools, curios, natural history displays and even plans that might have turned this peaceful Bay into a metropolis. Learn about the region’s First Nations culture, art and language. Kids can take part in a treasure hunt (ask at the front desk) and will love climbing around inside the old ferry, the Lady Denman which evokes both the ship-building history of Currambene Creek and journeys across Sydney Harbour. Entry is $12.50/$10, kids under 16 free with an adult.

Mangrove Magic

Take a leisurely stroll along the Jervis Bay Mangrove Boardwalk, a recently-rejuvenated 1.4km elevated timber walkway through the wetlands. The tranquil environment and unique coastal ecosystem make it an ideal spot for reflection and mindfulness. Pause at the end to contemplate the gentle waters of Currambene Creek, before wandering back again. Located behind the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum, this is a free walk available to anyone, anytime.

Sculptural tree trunk on the Mangrove Walk in Jervis Bay. Photo U+
Marvel at the sights in the wetlands, like this sculptural tree trunk on the Mangrove Walk in Jervis Bay. Photo U+

Bathe in Sound

A sound bath is one of the ultimate me-time experiences. The soothing vibrations and sound waves from singing bowls, chimes, gongs, rain sticks and other instruments can have a healing effect on our bodies and minds.

Jen Freeman from Healing Sounds Jervis Bay will customise a sound bath at your place, or perhaps on the shore at Moona Moona Creek Reserve, or you can attend one of her events in Huskisson or Nowra (check out her website for upcoming events or how to book a private sound bath.

Wendy Stephens from Into The Stillness has a studio in St Georges Basin that simply melts away any tension and stress. Find a comfy position with a soothing eye pillow laid gently across your brow and allow the healing waves to wash over you and through you. Check Wendy’s website for upcoming events or contact her to arrange a time that suits you.

Sunset over Barfleur Beach in Vincentia, Jervis Bay. Photo: Samantha Tannous
Sunset over Barfleur Beach in Vincentia, Jervis Bay. Photo: Samantha Tannous

Corramy Regional Park: A Local Natural Haven

Visit Corramy Regional Park nestled along the shores of St Georges Basin and the Wandandian Creek for a spot of kayaking or a fishing, settle into a shaded picnic spot under the eucalypts, wander along a well-marked walking trail and keep your eyes and ears alert for endangered birds like the glossy black cockatoo.

This compact park is just under 300 hectares and provides a tranquil setting for outdoor activities and nature appreciation, the perfect place to relax and enjoy a little nature without having to drive too far from suburbia.

Whatever you choose, remember: this is your time to reset and recharge. Life on the South Coast offers the perfect balance of relaxation and indulgence, so take advantage of this quieter season to focus on yourself. You’ve earned it!

Narrell Tabone

Narrell Tabone is the hospitality editor at Jervis Bay Weekend. The food service industry is in her DNA, growing up in the family business of small goods and butchery supply in New Zealand. She has also been a business owner in the wellbeing sector. Narrell’s passion for food has taken her on a worldwide culinary journey, from celebrity chef cruises and gourmet food safaris, to working with local seafood business, Jervis Bay Shellfish Market as part of their events team. She enjoys hosting paella masterclasses for intimate gatherings and is a champion of producers, chefs and food-orientated businesses around the South Coast.