As one of the country’s fastest-growing regional areas, the Shoalhaven offers diverse industries, booming infrastructure and a unique lifestyle.
A sea and tree change location with rapid growth across population and infrastructure, the Shoalhaven region is flourishing as an investor hotspot. A string of coastal villages, along with the regional centres of Nowra and Ulladulla, are located approximately two hours from Sydney. With a population of over 113,000 set to soar, road upgrades are well underway to reduce commute times to Greater Sydney.
A diverse range of industries operate in the Shoalhaven alongside increasing and exciting new business opportunities. Combined with economic growth, this is a region that offers lifestyle perks for everyone. From hinterland bush walks to beaches and vineyards, work-life balance is almost a given.
As of 2025, the population of Shoalhaven is 113,000, with the region is expecting to see steady growth towards a population of 137,673 by 2051, which represents a 28% increase. These additional residents will require approximately 480 new dwellings to be built annually over the next three decades to meet demand.
Among the wide range of industries operating in the Shoalhaven, education, building, construction, retail and tourism are significantly expanding. In Nowra alone, health care and construction make up approximately 7,618 businesses, making up 29% of the total output in the area. Currently, the economy has a gross regional product of $5.28 billion and growing, along with 40,582 jobs.
Shoalhaven is rapidlytransforming into a self-sufficient regional hub, supported by a series ofinfrastructure projects and facilities that drive economic and communitygrowth. Key highlights include:
HEALTH
Nowra is home to two hospitals: Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital, which is set to undergo a major expansion, and Nowra Private Hospital, which offers comprehensive acute and surgical services.
TRANSPORT
Shoalhaven enjoys convenient access to Wollongong via the Princes Highway, just an hour’s drive away. A $671 million highway upgrade is currently underway to improve connectivity across the region. The nearby Shellharbour Airport also boosts transport links, supporting both business logistics and personal travel.
DEFENCE & EMPLOYMENT
HMAS Albatross, located just outside Nowra, is Australia’s largest operational naval air base. It is a significant local employer and contributes to the economic resilience of the region by supporting skilled job creation.
EDUCATION & INNOVATION
Shoalhaven offers a wide range of public and private school options, supported by TAFE NSW Nowra Campus and the University of Wollongong’s Shoalhaven Campus. A standout project is the new Industry 4.0 Hub—developed in partnership with UOW and the Australian Government—which fosters advanced manufacturing, automation and innovation.
COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL GROWTH
The expansion of South Nowra’s industrial estates is unlocking new opportunities for business investment and job creation. Combined with a growing Nowra CBD, the region has a diverse and resilient economic base.
$342 million was spent on the Nowra Bridge duplication. Now fully operational, the bridge delivers improved traffic flow and supports the region's transportation needs. Commuting to Nowra from Sydney is easier with the recently opened Albion Park Rail Bypass.
Continued upgrades to the Princes Highway will smooth the way from south of Nowra to the Victorian border. Meanwhile the Nowra bypass is is currently in the planning phase.
Affordable property markets in the Shoalhaven deliver strong returns. Postcode 2540 in Nowra which incorporates 19 Shoalhaven suburbs, including the new suburb of Badagarang, just six kilometres north of Nowra, is another upcoming success story.
The Shoalhaven median house price is $768,200 which is lower than the Sydney median of $1,474,000. Solid growth is anticipated to continue along coastal havens close to metro areas as work from home options continue to afford employees greater lifestyle options.
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