The Shoalhaven, which is not a town but a district, lies about 100 miles south of Sydney. It is about twice the size of Aiken County and is home to about 73,000 people in several towns. The Shoalhaven is a popular tourist destination in Australia. The region has great variety -- its topography ranges from lush green mountains to spectacular beaches -- and a pleasant temperate climate.
The town of Nowra, much like Aiken in its quaint but thriving downtown and pretty suburban neighborhoods, is the capital of the district.
A short drive to the south is the ocean resort of Huskisson on beautiful Jervis Bay, famed for its beautiful beaches, its scenic boardwalk across a mangrove swamp and its fascinating Aboriginal Arts and Crafts Center.
Another Shoalhaven prize is Bundanon, the historic homestead of Arthur Boyd, widely considered Australia’s greatest living artist. The home allows visitors to see many of Boyd’s works, and kangaroos abound in the national park’s spectacular gardens.
The
Shoalhaven, a major training site for the 2000 Olympics, is also the equestrian
center of Australia. It therefore shares with Aiken not only an interesting
history and picturesque setting, but a culture built around the raising
and training of horses.
