Hopping Out: Eight Perfect Stops for an Easter Road Trip to Jervis Bay

There’s not a whole lot better than the promise of Easter’s precious four-day hol on the horizon. As well as the time off work, the bumper long weekend provides ample opportunity to get out of the city for long enough to really enjoy the spoils nearby. Jervis Bay is one such gem, and a road trip there is always a winner.

Where to drive? You’ll be making a beeline for the bright white sand of Hyams and its halo of national park, of course. And a frosty beer on the deck after arriving at the Husky Pub is a must. But there are a few more excellent pit stops in (and on the way to) the pristine, sleepy South Coast region.

Add the following pins to your map – then get out there and enjoy, holiday-makers.

You’re about to spend at least 70 kilometres on a southbound motorway, so sustenance is important. IGA Summer Hill – and its locally adored cheese hall – has you sorted. A pack of crackers, a hunk of hard cheddar and a bagful of grapes? Morning tea done. Grab a coffee around the corner at Solstice (the impeccably put together showroom cafe for inner-west micro-roastery The New Paradigm) and you’re ready.

Drive straight to Austinmer’s historic ocean pools for your first dip of the trip, and gaze up at the moody Illawarra Escarpment from the water.

Now you’re refreshed and ready, it’s snack time again. There’s method to going grocer-to-grocer, and being prepped is the key to a fuss-free trip. Plus, supporting independent businesses like IGA Thirroul in the areas you visit is ace. Stock up on fruit, crackers and cheese for a post-lunch bite, and keep your eyes peeled for the smoked trout – it’s made locally by a Thirroul resident and usually sells out. Now, southwards.

After an obligatory stop to watch Kiama’s blowhole blow, make lunchtime moves to the little beachside bakery on Bong Bong Street. A kalamata-studded slice of sourdough focaccia, perhaps? Excellent on its own or sliced open and stuffed with your grocery-store picks. Nab an umami-rich, sesame-crusted loaf of miso sourdough for your weekend brekkies – and a fruit-topped tart for good measure – then go check out the lighthouse. Your next stop’s only 20 minutes away, so take the time to really soak in your surroundings.

You were just at a bakery, but a quick detour off the freeway to secure a dozen hot-cinnamon rings from the now-iconic van – frying dough since 1964 – is simply a must every time you’re down this way.

Now it’s on to Jervis Bay.

The holiday charm here, on a deck poised above the Crookhaven River, is nearly unparalleled. And it’s all about bivalves that were just pulled from the water: Jim Wild (or someone from his skilled team) will be shucking them, you’ll be knocking them back with lemon or Tabasco. There’s a tight list of daily-changing specials, too. If the crusty white rolls stuffed with plump prawns are on, be sure to get one.

Before or after your oyster stop, stock up on everything you’ll need for the rest of the weekend. We’re thinking sausages for a barbie, bacon and eggs for the morning, and packs of Community Co hot cross buns for your Sunday brunch. If you’d rather take things easy, IGA Local Grocer Shoalhaven Heads also stocks local company Berihurikari’s excellent pre-made curries. Shoalhaven Heads is also a great spot to check out the stunning Seven Mile Beach or have a gentle swim in the Shoalhaven River. Or you can look out over the river mouth from beneath a big umbrella on the deck of the Shoalhaven Heads Hotel.

There’s plenty to do while you’re staying in the area – drop by Jervis Bay Brewing Co or Flamin Galah in Huskisson for locally crafted brews and a bite, or get your cold one with a view at Husky Pub before a beachside barbeque with your IGA supplies. At Murrays Beach – near the popular Green Patch campground (which boasts excellent amenities) – you might spy wallabies bouncing down the sand. If you’re a keen surfer head to Cave Beach, where the waves are worth the 300-metre downhill hike from the car park.

A day spent cruising further down Mollymook way brings you even more beaches – and a ripper dinner spot. This Middle Eastern joint is run by local couple Hamon Shephard and Sky Hession. Serves of labneh kicked up with garlic, zingy pickle plates and deeply flavoured falafels – all excellent. Grab a bottle of natural wine from Small Town Provisions around the corner to take back with you.

As you head back northwards, juice your time for all it’s worth and spend your last day lazily at the beach, or hiking along the stunning coastline near Wollongong, taking a dip whenever you need to cool off. This little pizzeria on a Thirroul corner is a tasty bookend for your road trip. Leave Jervis Bay in time to park up by 5pm and you’ll be first in line when it opens. With takeaway boxes of the $20 Monday specials on your lap – epic slices of margherita or pepperoni passed between you and your car-mates – you’re ready to cruise back home up the motorway.

Watch: Travel Diaries: A Day Trip to Point Lonsdale
Want to escape the city this Easter? We join restaurateurs Alex Gavioli and Daniel Leuzzi on a day trip from Melbourne to Point Lonsdale, where the day unfolds to discover the best local eats and drinks in the region, from artisanal bakery treats at The Local Geelong, followed by an alfresco repast of beachside sandwiches crafted from the bounty of Barwon Heads IGA. As the afternoon wears on, they repair to Noble Rot wine bar, where locally-sourced mussels are paired with the chardy of Gavioli’s dreams

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with IGA. With nearly 1400 independently owned stores around Australia, IGA more than just a supermarket chain – each store is part of its community. Plan your next trip to stop into an IGA for local produce, snacks for the road and tips for your stay in the area.