We recently moved into our brand new warehouse in the industrial area of Huskisson, NSW. While our address is 'technically' in Huskisson, we are actually located in the teeny tiny community of Woollamia, which is a 5 - 10 minute walk from the Huskisson town centre.
When we signed our lease and were planning our new space, we found ourselves in the area every day and were surprised at all the other amazing local businesses who now call the Huskisson industrial area home. We very rarely even went to the area prior - we'd been missing out!
We've put together a list of a few of our favourite things to do in Woollamia, and some of our favourite businesses to support.
1. Walk The Mangrove Boardwalk
Closed for much of 2023 for major renovations, the walk through the mangroves of Currambene Creek in Huskisson reopened just before Christmas 2023. Fixed just above the high tide mark, the raised timber board walk acts as a viewing platform and allows you to wander amongst the creatures that thrive in the fluctuating tidal area.
The boardwalk is attached to the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum which is famous for its extensive collection of maritime artifacts on display, and the 33m one-time Sydney ferry 'Lady Denman' in tact to walk around.
We took a couple of snaps there once ⇣
2. Have a local beer brewed in Huskisson
Both Jervis Bay Brewing Co, and Flamin Galah Brewing Co breweries opened their doors in Huskisson a few years ago. They provided a much needed option for locals to hang out, rather than the super busy 'Husky Pub'.
We've been to both breweries a few times, and definitely recommend a visit to either. (Tip - pets are welcome and treated like royalty at JBBC - our Shiva-ji is up on the wall!)
We took a couple of snaps there too once ⇣
3. Indulge Yourself at 'The Salon'
The Salon is not just another hair salon - it's an experience you want to have at least once!
Located almost next door to us, I feel blessed to have such an amazing duo (Skye + Jacom) and their team at my fingertips for hair care. I recently cut a fringe (oops I know! Will.Not.Learn), but cannot wait to go back for a trim soon so I can get the conditioning treatment and head massage again (in the amazing cosy private room with slow hypnotic forest music playing. They give you a cushion to put your feet up and the chairs are divine melt-into-able lounges).
Actually wait, I don't need a hair cut for that, do I?
4. Feast at Kraken Sourdough Bakery
This amazing local baker serves up daily made organic spelt sourdough pastries and bread, along with stunning locally sourced full breakfasts and other delicacies. True artisanal creations, Leander was told it was impossible to make fully sourdough pastry and she went and proved them all wrong (luckily for us). Check out their instagram and tell me you're not hungry!
5. Buy fresh Jervis Bay Mussels, locally
In 2016 commercial aquaculture returned to the Huskisson offshore area when mussels, oysters and seaweed farming were established at three commercially leased sites a few km's offshore. You can now buy local mussels direct from the Jervis Bay Shellfish Market (farmed + harvested locally by Jervis Bay Mussels). These guys are just around the corner from us in the Huskisson industrial area.
Taste fresh seafood grown locally, havested locally and also sold locally.
A very rare experience!
6. Go on an Indoor Rock Climbing Adventure
THE perfect adventure for yourself (and your kidlets!) on your stay here in Jervis Bay - the team at Indoor Climb South Coast provide an amazing stimulating, safe space for you to test yourself. They describe themselves as a climbing 'gym', so get ready to knock yourself out (bad pun intended). Located just up the road from us!
7. Immerse yourself in the 'Few and Far' World
We just love these guys - every birthday and Xmas we buy up big time from this shop. We are lucky enough to have an amazing international brand such as Few and Far making their largest store and showroom just one street over from us.
Danny and Tara travel the world sourcing fabulous one off vintage and custom homeware pieces, and in their words, they 'Bring The World Home'. They began their business in 2008 - the same year we did, we love them even more for that!
8. Stay at Paperbark Camp
This luxe tented camping experience is a must do when in Jervis Bay. Featuring raised African safari style 'tents' surrounded by the raw natural beauty and sounds of the Jervis Bay bush.
They say to 'do as much or as little as you like', but when we stayed at Paperbark Camp all we wanted to do was stay in and experience 'the serenity'. Each tent has it's own amazing outdoor bathroom, and they also have a fabulous in house restaurant (The Gunyah).
9. Get on the water on Currambene Creek
Currambene Creek is my favourite spot in the whole of Jervis Bay to stand up paddle board. On a sunny day nothing beats it - the water is so crystal clear you can see the fish swimming below you and the crabs and shells on the sand. While I personally prefer SUP, the water is so calm and generally free of waves that kayak's are also super popular here too.
There's a dedicated SUP / kayak launch area just down from the Maritime Museum, but the best (local) spot to launch from is on the sand right next to the boat ramp in Woollamia.
If you're not experienced or just couldn't bring it all with you, we have two SUP tour operators (and also just gear hire) in Woollamia. Check out either Jervis Bay Kayak and Paddlesports or Jervis Bay Seasports for all that.
10. Catch a Glimpse of the 'Yellow Tailed Black Cockatoo'
Or more importantly, if you're lucky you'll get to hear one as it's flying by or feeding on seeds of the she-oaks that are often found interspersed with mangrove systems, including the mangroves at Woollamia.
I'm only half joking when I say that I live in this area for one reason, and one reason only: to hear the 'unmistakable call' of this bird. It's priceless and feels so special to hear. I've read that the sound they make ranges anything from a 'whee-la' to a 'kee-ow'. To me it's more like 'raaahhh', or 'a-reeh-a'.
Of course they're screeching these sounds, it's very high pitched. You can hear it here (scroll down just past the images in the blue section on the right.)
What do you hear?
(oh yes, and they're also quite beautiful!)
Ten and a Half.
(We told you there was a half).
While you're here enjoying all these local, natural and amazing wonders in Woollamia (ok, sorry, we know - Huskisson) please feel free to order online and pick-up from our warehouse!
While we're not 100% ready for it just yet (we don't have a counter, for one), we've greeted a few folks already and managed to hand over the parcel so we're calling that a win.
So pick-up is officially available now and we'll be there ready for you. Please remember to order online first!
(Note - we do hope one day to be able to take a better picture of our frontage - please bear with us during this difficult time!)
Thanks as always for all your support.
Until next time,
Mel
Sources and Credits
(in alphabetical order)
