January 2020 Newsletter
Well that wasn’t quite the Christmas and New Year any of us thought we’d have.
It has been heartbreaking to witness the devastation to lives, homes and natural habitats across so much of the country in the past weeks and months.
If there has been any silver lining, it has been in the outpouring of support and generosity of people in supporting the families, communities and animals in need. It’s going to be a long road ahead, but the region will recover. Indeed there are many images in the media this week of the bush showing signs of regeneration already.
Berry, thankfully was not directly impacted by fires, but it has been very quiet in our normally busy little town and indeed our region. It is now safe for visitors to return and enjoy all that Shoalhaven and South Coast has to offer. The smoke has lifted, the air is clear and we are even expecting some glorious rain over the weekend.
And so we welcome you back to Berry!
This January newsletter is not just about the property market, it’s about some of the great ways to enjoy Berry and the surrounding area. So start planning your Berry adventures – book some accommodation if you live outside the area, plan to eat out, do a spot of boutique shopping, and most of all get out and enjoy the natural environment of the Shoalhaven. After all, Berry is surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery Australia has to offer.
Belinda Zoumis & Mark Cornish
GET ON YOUR BIKE!
There is some great cycling to be had in Berry and the Shoalhaven so why not bring your bike and head out on 2 wheels. Make sure you pop into Berry Mountain Cycles for supplies and chat to the fabulous team who, as locals, can set you on a path for a great adventure – on or off road.
For adults with a passion for road riding, and a few hills, check out the road rides on berry.org.au.
For fun riding with the kids there is shared path in Berry that runs along North Street and behind the Berry sporting complex to Camp Quality Park.
If you want to head further afield, don’t miss the fantastic newly sealed pump track, and learn to ride path at Shoalhaven Heads.
Huskisson is also a great destination for cycling as a family, with a 12 km bike path from White Sand Park Huskisson to Plantation Point Park Vincentia. With multiple beaches and picnic spots along the easy, level route, you can do as much or as little riding as you like.
THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKING
Drawing Room Rocks is located on the Barren Grounds Nature Reserve. It is an intermediate rated hike, if you’re of average fitness, which will take around 2.5 hours over 4.5km return. But it is worth the walk as the view is the reward!
It is important to note that the track has steep sides and the lookout at the end is not fenced. This walk is not recommended for young children.
If you want to hit the trails with children we recommend the Sand Track at Gerroa, Ben’s Walk in Nowra, Bomaderry Creek in Bomaderry, or the Pioneer Village Museum Walk in Kangaroo Valley. The 20km Coastal Walk from Gerringong to Kiama offers amazing ocean views, and whale watching opportunities during migration, and can be done in sections for children.
Note: Be aware that some of these walks are in National Parks and therefore may be closed at times as a result of recent fire risks. It is best to check the chosen route on National Parks website before you head off.
Image: Drawing Room Rocks via berry.org.au
HIT THE BEACH
It’s just 10 minutes drive from Berry to the beautiful Seven Mile Beach, pictured at the top of this newsletter.
At the northern end of Seven Mile Beach you’ll find Gerroa, with both a patrolled surf beach and an estuary ideal for paddleboarding, boating and less confident beach goers.
At the southern end is Shoalhaven Heads. The surf beach is also patrolled during the summer months (on most days), and is a great destination for surfing, swimming and boating, stand up paddleboarding, wakeboarding and fishing. There are also two off-leash areas – one on the beach and one along the adjacent Shoalhaven River so you can take your dog with you.
Image: Visit Shoalhaven
GRAB YOUR BOARD
Berry is home to a great skate park on the corner of Prince Alfred St and North St. It is adjacent to the shared path and next to the sports field where you can kick a ball around. Berry Tennis Club also have tennis courts available for hire in the Sporting Complex.
We hope we have inspired you to get out and about in Berry and surrounds. Once you’ve finished exploring, why not check out one of Berry’s great restaurants or wineries.
COMING UP ON THE MARKET
Here is a sneak peak of a property listing coming up in Berry village very soon. This ‘Berry adorable cottage’ is situated on a large block, within easy walking distance of the village centre. More details to come soon…
