Berry, NSW is a favourite amongst visitors and Shoalhaven locals alike, featuring rolling green hills, tree-lined streets, historical buildings, a pumping food scene, spectacular beaches and adorable boutique stores, you’re bound to fall in love with its small Shoalhaven village charm after just one visit!
Just less than two-hours drive from Sydney, it makes for the perfect day trip or weekend getaway to the Shoalhaven region in the South Coast. You could take the scenic route past the Sea Cliff Bridge, and even extend your trip to explore Jervis Bay and witness the glorious white sand beaches!
Here are the best things to do in Berry, New South Wales on a day trip so you can start planning your perfect country getaway:
Stop 1 - Picture Perfect at The Sea Cliff Bridge Lookout
Live out your best life as you roll the windows down and take the scenic route to Berry - the very first stop should be to check out the Sea Cliff Bridge from above to get the best aerial views of this Illawarra landmark!
There is a secret Sea Cliff Bridge lookout that you must visit - to get there, you’ll need to find the gravel parking area right at the start of the bridge, right in front of the Sea Cliff Bridge sign. Pass through the clearing in the bushes and keep along the dirt trail. The entire walk is only about 10 mins, and you can find detailed instructions here. We promise the view is absolutely worth the trek!
Stop 2 - Fuel Up at One of Berry’s Best Cafes
We’d recommend skipping the Maccas run and arriving at Berry on an empty stomach, because you'll be in for a treat! There’s plenty to devour in Berry, and here are our top picks on where to grab a bite to eat before you start exploring this adorable little town (full list here):
- Lazy brunch or lunch at the famous Berry Sourdough Café
- Fine teas and cake at The Berry Tea Shop
- Delicious patisserie, coffee, kombucha and healthy smoothies at Milkwood Bakery
Stop 3 - Hunt for Some Quality Home Decor
No one leaves Berry empty handed - the streets are filled with the loveliest gift and homeware stores, and we'd be surprised if you manage to keep yourself from any impulse purchases (we sure can't)!
Haven and Space in Berry offers the most gorgeous selection of quality homeware, all at affordable prices. From furniture to ceramics, this is the perfect spot to shop for a perfect little gem to brighten up your home. Another one to check out is Few and Far - you’ll probably lose yourself discovering curated one-off pieces from around the globe. Get ready to shop till you drop!
Stop 4 - Take a Slow Stroll along the Berry Historical Walk
We’d recommend starting on Queen Street as this is where a majority of the landmarks are located. A couple to keep an eye out for would be the Berry Museum, the post office, the Berry Hotel and the courthouse.
Keep your camera at the ready, as you'll want to snap, snap, snap away!
Stop 5 - Visit One of Berry's Best Markets
Berry's markets are absolutely lovely and not one to miss! Here are some of the top ones that you can check out while you're in town:
- Berry Markets [First Sunday of the month at Berry Showground 8:30am – 2:30pm. No market in February] - approximately 200 stalls selling handmade products, arts and crafts, locally grown vegetables, collectables, books, plants, clothing and more.
- Berry Produce Market [Held every second Saturday and fourth Sunday of the month in Andrew Place behind the Newsagency] - Come down for your fresh fruit and veg, free range eggs, plants, honey, handmade soaps, jams, seasonings, and more.
- Berry Farmers' Market [Held every Thursday at Berry Showground Cowsheds. 2-5pm from April to Oct, 3pm – 6pm from Oct to March , No market on 5th or 26th Dec 2019] - A weekly Farmers Market packed with fresh local produce, ready-made meals, flowers, breads, cheeses and more.
- Berry Flea Markets [Every third Sunday of the month] - Bric a brac, odds n ends, hidden treasures… what will you find?
Stop 6 - Wine Not do a Wine Tasting at Silos Estate Berry
Time to taste more local produce - the wine at Silos Estate should definitely be on this list. You can kick back and relax in a gorgeous cottage overlooking the vineyards. At Silos Estate, you can opt to sample wines, view art of even enjoy a delicious meal at the restaurant.
If you're thinking of staying the night, they also offer accomodation nestled amongst sprawling vineyards which would make for such a special place to stay for a weekend!
Stop 7 - Polish Off the Perfect Cinnamon Donut at Berry Donut Van
Calories don’t count on the weekend, so go ahead and have as many fresh hot donuts and coffee at The Berry Donut Van! After all, that's why you really made the trip to Berry isn't it?
Berry's Donut Van is considered an icon within Berry - they opened their doors in 1964 and people can’t seem to get enough of their cinnamon donuts! There seems to always be a line though, so make sure you leave some time for these treats, trust us - it’s worth the wait!
Stop 8 - Hit Up Seven Mile Beach
With Spring now upon us, it means beach days are back and of course, with the longer days... it's time to chase the sunsets!
Seven Mile Beach (and yes, it is actually seven miles long) is a beautiful sweep of golden sand - located a quick ten minutes from Berry village. It’s the perfect place for a short arvo snooze after all the eating and shopping, or even as a last stop to catch the best sunset views before you make your way back home.
Stop 9 - Beyond Berry: Drive Further Down the Coast to Jervis Bay
If you decide that you want a longer getaway, we’ve got the perfect thing for you - stay the night in complete luxury at Paperbark Glamping, only an hour away from Berry, located in Jervis, which offers plenty of things to do like relax at Hyams Beach, do the White Sands Walk or check out the Cape St George Lighthouse.
After a night of glamping under the stars, you could also check out some of the eco cruises in Jervis Bay where you'll experience the beauty of Honeymoon Bay, towering sea cliffs and spot humpback whales or even a boom netting experience where you can jump right into the water in summer:
Stop 10 - Beyond Berry: Drive Inland to Check Out Kangaroo Valley
Verdant farmland, spectacular wilderness and a tranquil river make this secluded spot in the Shoalhaven region one of Australia’s most beautiful valleys. Kangaroo Valley is a charming village known for its historic bridge, tea rooms and pies. It’s also a popular destination for kayaking, canoeing, golf and wine tasting.
We'd recommend checking out Cloudbreaker Falls tiny house located close to Kangaroo Valley to see one of the world's most unique bathrooms for yourself:
Stop 11 - Beyond Berry: Stop By Wollongong on Your Way Back
Before you wrap up your trip, take a quick stop at Illawarra Fly to experience walking on one of only four walkway canopies in the world! The view from atop the trees is one like no other!
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