And there's a good chance their dreams will come true, with overseas (and possible interstate) travel off the cards for the foreseeable future.

We hope the region draws the crowds our businesses need - but we don't blame you if the thought of circling car parks at the beach for hours doesn't appeal.

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What's a hot and bothered family to do then?

One option is to explore our own backyard and cool off with a refreshing river dip.

Read on for seven of the most picturesque spots to swim in the Shoalhaven (sans beach crowd) this summer.

An oldie but a goodie.

While the campground and actual crossing can get a little crowded in peak period, a short exploration of surrounding bush tracks will help you find your own private patch. Or make some campground friends and let the kids enjoy a swim in the shallows along the causeway.

The campground is dog-friendly.

Shallow Crossing can be accessed from the Princes Highway at East Lynne or from the Kings Highway at Nelligen. Either way involves travel along well formed dirt roads suitable for all vehicles.

Access from the east requires crossing a ford, which can be affected by tides and rainfall.

If you truly want to get as far away from other people as possible, might we recommend a dip at Yadboro?

Long Gully campground in Budawang National Park is located on a grassy flat beside Yadboro River.

Facilities are minimal - pit toilets and picnic tables, with no marked sites. Howver, the scenery is spectacular. And while there are certainly deeper swimming holes elsewhere, the odds are good you'll get Yadboro all to yourself.

Long Gully campground is at the northern end of Budawang National Park. To get there from Milton follow the signs to Pigeon House Mountain Didthul. Rather than turning onto Pigeon House Road, continue on Yadboro Road and cross thenClyde River, merging onto the Western Distributor, then turn right onto Long Gully Road and continue to the campground

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Long Point is another swim spot for the more adventurous.

To get there, first head west of Tallong for just over two kilometres back towards Marulan, then turn left onto Long Point Road and follow to the end.

A steep, challenging walk will take you to the Shoalhaven River, where you'll be rewarded with a place to cool off, and few others to share it with. If you enjoy a side of hiking with your swim, this could be the spot for you.

If you prefer non-compulsory bushwalks, and don't mind sharing, Bangalee Reserve might be more up your alley.

Bangalee Reserve is a 130 hectare public reserve at Tapitallee on the northern bank of the Shoalhaven River.

It has bushwalks galore, a picnic are and a public wharf that enthusiastic locals have been spotted jumping off on hot days. The river is deep here - best for teens and older.

If you have little tackers and want somewhere central to cool off, Greys Beach could be your best bet.

Head towards the Nowra Golf Club, and go right to the end of the club's carpark. A small track will take you down to a sandy patch in front of the river, perfect for toddlers and bigger kids who prefer a calm, shallow spot.

Best of all, you're not far from a slew of takeaway options for hungry swimmers.

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Flat Rock Falls, north of Kangaroo Valley, has something for everyone.

Follow Moss Vale Road north out of the Valley. At Barrengarry, turn right onto the Upper Kangaroo River Road and follow this along until you hit the river - the swimming hole will be on your right.

Above the flat rocks is a deeper pool for swimming or floating down with the current. The rocks form a few tiny pools perfect for kids to play in before the river cascades into a very shallow and flat rock bottomed area below.

There are no amenities here, so pack a picnic.

Ok, so technically the Blue Pool at Carrington Falls isn't in the Shoalhaven. But it's not far - and the sight is definitely worth a day-trip.

Just 20 kilometres west of Kiama, you can reach this Kangaroo River tributary by taking the Cloonty Road turnoff from Jamberoo Mountain Road.

The pool itself has a picnic area and deep and shallow waters suitable for the whole family, as well as abundant wildlife. If you catch the pool in just the right light, you'll understand how it got its name.

While the Shoalhaven's rivers are less likely to generate powerful waves or play home to sharks, they come with their own hazards that can be just as deadly.

Never jump or dive into river water. There may be submerged objects just below the surface.

Be mindful of strong currents and debris, particularly after heavy rainfall or near waterfalls.

Jellyfish and bull sharks may be present in river waters close to the ocean. While not usually dangerous, they are worth being mindful of.

Do not swim near speedboats, jetskis or other large water craft.

And always, always supervise children in or near the water. It only takes a moment for a child to slip and fall - and potentially drown.