Shoalhaven local, Shane Treacy is the first person to complete the Shoalhaven 100 Beach Challenge online. The interactive campaign was launched by Shoalhaven Tourism to inspire people to find their new favourite and experience all the amazing beaches the region has to offer, especially those hidden gems, you can have all to yourself.

Originally from Kilkenny in Ireland but now a Shoalhaven resident, Shane Treacy took up the Challenge when it was announced and took just three months to visit all of the 100 beautiful beaches on the #100beachchallenge list using the website 100beachchallenge.com.

See footage of Shane after completing the challenge here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFaahIdNQAU.

Shane says the Shoalhaven 100 Beach Challenge is the perfect way to get the most out of the region's stunning 170k coastline: “I took my kids out every weekend to discover a new beach and I'll admit, as I went further and further along with it, it became more of an obsession to finish it! Seeing beaches at different times of the day, there's a different light. When you arrive there in the morning and the sun's coming up, you've got all the colours in the sky and mist of the sea – it's just fantastic.”

While Shane loved all the Shoalhaven beaches he visited, he does confess to having a couple of favourites: “I really love Steamers Beach in Booderee National Park, which has some of the best beaches along the coast. Chinamans Beach near Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay is also stunning, with its white sand, clear blue water and views of the lighthouse. It doesn't get any better!”

There's no better time to step off the well-trodden tourist track with the launch of the Shoalhaven 100 Beach Challenge, whether you're old school, and tick off beaches on our print out, or tech savvy and sign up to the geo-locative game for smart phones or devices, adventure awaits.  

Participating in the Shoalhaven 100 Beach Challenge is easy. For the tech-savvy, log onto the website [100beachchallenge.com] via an email address or social media account and navigate to the checkpoint of your chosen beach. When you're 500 metres away, the camera on your smart phone or device will launch. Snap a pic and share it on Facebook and Instagram with the #100beachchallenge, check the beach off your list, and head to the next one.

To add to the fun, the Leaderboard section of the website will show you whether you're on your way to being the top scorer!

If you're old-school and the trusty map is more your style, grab a copy of the 100 Beach Challenge in the 2017 Shoalhaven Visitors Guide, or download at www.shoalhaven.com/guide to navigate your way through.

To help find the Shoalhaven beaches that best suit you and your travel companions, there are ten categories: Best for Families, Best Picnic Spots, Secret Beaches, 24 hr Pet Friendly, Best Bush to Beach, Best for Walking, Whitest Sand, Camping by the Beach, Best Instagram Spots and Surfing.  

Shoalhaven Tourism Manager, Ms. Coralie Bell says the Shoalhaven 100 Beach Challenge has already attracted a large following due to interactivity and simplicity: “We're thrilled with the response we've had so far to the Shoalhaven 100 Beach Challenge, and very excited Shane has completed it in only 3 months! The diversity of beaches in the Shoalhaven mean there is something for everyone and worth an adventure! Whether you are after surf, calm bays and inlets for the kids, pet friendly or full day adventures – the Shoalhaven has it all. We're encouraging people to use the hashtag #100beachchallenge when posting their beach images on Facebook and Instagram so we can share your great pics. Whether it's your own backyard or you are looking for an escape, adventure awaits with the 100 Beach Challenge.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

100 Beach Challenge     | https://100beachchallenge.com

Web                             | www.shoalhaven.com/guide

Facebook                      | https://www.facebook.com/visitshoalhaven

Twitter                          | https://twitter.com/visitshoalhaven 

Instagram                     | @visitshoalhaven

Hashtags                       | #100beachchallenge #unspoiltshoalhaven #shoalhaven #adventureawaits

- ENDS -

For media enquiries including high res images, please contact LBPR:

Lauren Fellowes | M: 0439 997 952 | E: lauren@lbpr.com.au

About the Unspoilt Shoalhaven

Whether you're after a rejuvenating, refreshing break, an activity-packed family holiday or a quiet, romantic escape, our region offers it all.  The Shoalhaven is bordered by the mountains, coastal plains and more than 100 magnificent beaches, and includes 49 towns and villages. From Sydney, it's an easy two hours' drive 160 kilometres south. And from Canberra, it's a two and a half hour's drive north of around 200 kilometres.

www.shoalhaven.com