Here, bright green foliage and towering eucalypts set the scene and gushing waterfalls and rainforest birds, the soundtrack. To fully immerse yourself in the park, hike the Clover Hill trail. Not keen to sweat? Stroll the leisurely Cascades walk. And if you’re simply in the mood to relax, pack a picnic to enjoy at Cascades picnic area. This grassy spot is surrounded by rainforest and close to a creek so spread out a blanket and kick back with some cheese and crackers, or locally-bought sandwiches.

A small, sheltered embayment, it offers snorkellers good visibility and calm waters. See seagrass, kelp and, if you’re lucky – or unlucky depending on how easily you scare – grey nurse sharks. Another of the area’s unique sights is a stretch of underwater cliffs shaped like an amphitheatre. Only 10 metres underwater and six metres high, the cliffs are relatively easy to get to and riddled with hundreds of small cavities that sea urchins and tropical fish call home.

Because of its unique positioning, its water is both fresh from the escarpment and salty from the sea. Picnic on its foreshore at Reddall Reserve, fish off its wooden pier, or – for a truly serene experience – stand-up paddleboard across its silky waters at dawn or dusk.

If you’re not opposed to a group activity, then the session options at SUP Shellharbour will keep you entertained. SUP tours, surfs, yoga classes and even parties all feature on the line-up. Run by Bec Dunning, the first Australian to be SUPFIT certified, and Justin Dunning who has over 30 years of SUP experience under his belt, you can rest assured you’ll be in good hands.

Traditional owners, the Wodi Wodi people once had a walkabout area between Picton, Stanwell Tops, Marulan and Nowra, and when travelling between the areas would camp at Bass Point. Today, the spot is considered to be one of the most important archaeological sites on the South Coast and has been made into a self-guided walk. Lace up your hiking boots and hit the track to learn about the Aboriginal way of life back then, including their diets, tools and movement patterns. Take in coastal views in the distance.

Warilla Beach is known among locals for its excellent surfing, swimming and sunbathing, but for another way to appreciate it, rent a pushbike from South Coast Bike Hire and cycle along its two kilometre-long, winding Warilla Foreshore Path.

Keen surfers from Sydney and the South Coast all know about Killalea State Park. The only National Surfing Reserve on the South Coast, The Farm and Mystics, offer some of the best surf breaks around. Camp at nearby Reflections Killalea Reserve with prices starting at $29 a night and wake early to jog down to The Farm for a sunrise surf. Paddling out with the bright sun slowly rising in the horizon – not to mention the occasional dolphin gliding alongside you – is truly something else.