Batemans Bay and surrounds

Batemans Bay

Part of the Eurobodalla area of NSW, Batemans Bay is around 4 hours south of Sydney and 2 hours east of Canberra. This is a popular Canberra holiday spot and a great family or weekend getaway with a variety of land and water activities for everyone.

Only 15 minutes south of Nowra, Jervis Bay is a great family and adventure getaway from both Sydney and Canberra.

Top 5 things to do and see

Fishing

Batemans Bay has a Marine Park which extends down the coast, however there are many areas still open for fishing, particularly recreational fishing. There are also quite a number of fishing charters based in Batemans Bay that take you reef and deep sea fishing – suitable for anyone over 12. Fish along the Clyde River from one of the jetties for whiting, bream or flathead, or out along the rockwalls into the bay. You can hire a tinnie to go exploring yourself too.

Walking/Cycling

The Eurobodalla and Murramarang National Parks offer some great short and long walking trails for people of all ages and fitness levels. Rainforest walks are available at Depot Beach and North Durras, or simply take a walk along the riverfront at Batemans Bay itself.

Whilst many areas of Batemans Bay and surrounds are hilly, there is a great foreshore cycle track that runs into the village which is suitable for kids and adults alike. Mountain bikers should check out Mogo State Forest for some action.

Beaches

Beaches in the Bay area are generally calm, even those with ‘surf’ in their names, no surfboards here, but great fun for the kids and you could do some wave skiing too. To the south Broulee beach offers great surf activity and is a patrolled beach.

Oysters

Some of the best oysters on the south coast are found at The Oyster Shed in Batemans Bay. You can also find oyster farm tours and learn about oyster farming, production and cleaning. Even if you don’t eat these slimy critters, a visit is a must.

Mogo village and Zoo

Mogo is a lovely little village on the main highway south of Batemans Bay with a range of shops including Alpaca wares, antiques, fudge and lollies. The privately owned Mogo Zoo (www.mogozoo.com.au) has more than 200 animals including 42 rare and exotic species. It is committed to the survival of endangered species.

Holiday options

A great family destination, with calm waters, great fishing and plenty of activities for kids.

When to go?

Any time of year is good in Batemans Bay due to the range of activities on offer, Summer is more suitable for beach sports,  but with mini-golf, the Mogo Zoo and national park walks, the cooler seasons are also fun.

How to get there?

Follow the Princes Highway south of Sydney past Nowra, from Canberra the Kings Highway takes you directly there.

How long to go for?

An easy weekend from Canberra, but maybe plan a longer trip from Sydney, there is plenty to do. Accommodation bookings are essential due to the proximity to Canberra.

Where to Stay? There is a huge range of accommodation in Batemans Bay, Moruya and Malua Bay just to name a few places you could stay.

Tourist Information

An annual visitors guide is published on the area, the website at www.eurobodalla.com.au or visitor information centres at Batemans Bay and Narooma.

Eden - a whale of a time!

Eden – a whale of a time

Eden is a lovely seaside community and the last large town heading south from New South Wales into Victoria. It is steeped in the history of whaling (from 1828 to 1930), currently a commercial fishing port and is home to a huge variety of marine-life.

For touring, adventure or a family getaway, Eden has something for everyone.

Top 5 things to do and see

Eden Killer Whale Museum (www.killerwhalemuseum.com.au)

Eden and Twofold Bay have a long and rich whaling history based on shore-based whaling stations and Old Tom, whose skeleton can be found in the Eden Killer Whale Museum. The museum, established in 1931, and one of the oldest in NSW is a delight for both adults and children and a great place to learn about the history of Old Tom and whaling in the area, before you move on to other whale-related discoveries that dot the area.

Marine Discoveries

Eden is where the East Australian Current from the north meets the colder waters from Bass Strait, providing for a huge diversity in marine population as it stirs up huge quantities of food. Whether you simply want to whale-watch from the shore, go deap dea diving with shipwrecks, snorkelling, or something more sedate, there is something for every palate. The Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre (www.sapphirecoastdiscover.com.au) is a great place to start, for adults and children alike. This is an interactive, educational and fun experience.

Snug Cove Marina precinct

Snug Cove is home to the Eden Fishing fleet an worth a visit for a number of reasons. It’s a great place to eat, with a variety of waterfront restaurants, you can look at the fishing fleet in all its colourful glory, and even buy produce off the dock. Its also home to the Marine Discovery Centre, above.

Boyd’s Tower and Davidson Whaling Station Historic Site

Entrepreneur Benjamin Boyd build Boyd’s Tower originally as a lighthouse in the 1840s at the southern headland of Twofold Bay. The government stopped the lighthouse being put into operation and instead it was used as a lookout tower to signal whalers to head to their boats. Just a short walk from the carpark, this is certainly an interesting part of history. Nearby you’ll also find the Davidson Whaling Station Historic site, that together help to complete the history of whaling lesson learnt in the Killer Whale Museum.

Ben Boyd National Park

Named after Benjamin Boyd, the main landmarks of the National Park are Boyd’s tower and Green Cape Lightstation, linked, if you’ve got the energy to walk, by the 30km ‘Light to Light’ which offers striking coastal scenery. It is also home to more than 50 aboriginal sites. Touris of the tower and grounds at Green Cape are conducted by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Holiday options

Great for families or adventurers of all types.

When to go?

Any time of year is good in Eden, although during the whale migration season in September, October and November it is more popular. The cooler months are a better time for walking and exploring rather than in the heat of summer.

How to get there?

Midway between Sydney and Melbourne – well, nearly. Approx 7 hours from Sydney and 7 and a half from Melbourne and just over 3 hours from Canberra.

How long to go for?

At least a week, there is plenty to do. Accommodation bookings on weekends are essential particularly during whale watching season.

Where to Stay? – There is a huge range of accommodation in Eden

Tourist Information

An annual visitors guide is published on the area, the website at www.sapphirecoast.com.au or visitor information centres at Bega and Eden.

Bega and surrounds - NSW Sapphire Coast

Bega and surrounds

Bega is set amongst lush green farmlands around a 6 hour drive from Sydney. Famous, of course, for being the origin of Bega Cheese.

The Bega Cheese heritage centre is just one reason to visit this area, as, although not on the coast, close-by Bermagui and Tathra make up for this for lovers of the sea.

Top 5 things to do and see

Bega Cheese

A visit to Bega is definitely not complete without a visit to the Bega Cheese Heritage Centre where you can sample a range of cheeses, buy them of course, find out about the history of the Bega Valley, the history of cheese and how it’s processed. You can also have a great feed here including icy cold milkshakes.

Bermagui

Bermagui is famous for deep-sea fishing mainly marlin and tuna. With the continental shelf just 20km away this is about as close as you can get. Go on a boat charter from this lovely safe harbour, or drop by the co-op and purchase a feast.

If you’re looking for something for the kids, the Blue Pool, a tidal pool to the south of Bermagui, offers a peaceful day out.

Tathra

Tathra is famous for its’ steamer wharf – officially classified by the National Trust – built in the early 1860’s it was in use until 1954 and reopened in 1988 for fishing. This is arguably one of the best diving sites on the Sapphire Coast.

Mimosa Rocks National Park

From north of the Bega River at the ocean, down to Tathra, the Mimosa Rocks National Park is full of picturesque bays and inlets along a rugged coastline. The spotted gum forests and beaches are a feature, and the beaches home to hooded plover and pied oystercatcher which are threatened shorebirds.

Cobargo

For the history buff, lined with turn of the century buildings and interesting shops and art studios. A quaint little village with a market each Saturday.

Holiday options

Great for couples and group getaways, particularly boys fishing weeks or weekends.

When to go?

Any time of year is good in Narooma, as fishing is of course great at any time of the year. Summer is more suitable for beach sports, but winter a perfect time to cosy up in Tilba, so don’t let the weather deter.

How to get there?

Follow the Princes Highway south of Sydney past Batemans Bay, from Canberra the Kings Highway takes you to Batemans Bay and then take the Princes Highway south past Narooma.

How long to go for?

At least a week, there is plenty to do. Accommodation bookings on weekends are essential as this is a well-known fishing area.

Where to Stay? There is plenty of unique accommodation in Bega, Merimbula and Pambula Beach.

Tourist Information

An annual visitors guide is published on the area, the website at www.sapphirecoast.com.au or visitor information centres at Bega and Eden.

Narooma and surrounds - NSW South Coast

Narooma and surrounds

Narooma is a well known fishing destination, whether estuary, river, bay or deep sea fishing. It’s proximity to the Continental Shelf and reef fishing around Montague Island (only 8km’s from the mainland) make it a popular holiday spot.

There is, however, much more in the area than fishing and it is a lovely location well worth exploring in more detail, from the heritage of Tilba Tilba to the mystery of Mystery Bay.

Top 5 things to do and see

Montague Island http://www.montagueisland.com.au/

Montague Island is a National Parks and Wildlife Reserve with an historic lighthouse, huge seal colony, little penguins, great snorkelling and of course fishing (although some areas of the surrounding waterway are a protected marine park). There are guided tours available of Montague Island, many including whale, dolphin and sea watching, and you can even stay overnight on the island.

Fishing Charters http://www.fishingnarooma.com/

There are a range of different sized boats available from Narooma wharf, offering many fishing alternatives for both game and sport, whether you want to chase Kingfish in the bay, are looking to catch the snapper of your dreams or want to head to the shelf for some Marlin fishing. Booking in advance is always recommended, however when it comes down to it, you are at the mercy of the weather.

Taking your own boat is also a good option, however beware the Narooma Bar is one of the most dangerous around.

Outdoor activities both in and out of the water

Deserted beaches and rocky headlands dot the area, including Mystery Bay, Kianga, Dalmeny and the Tuross Lakes. Pack a picnic, take your beach towel, snorkelling equipment and head for the sand, you’re sure to find a protected peice of paradise somewhere.

Tilba

Central Tilba and Tilba Tilba are historic National Trust villages just to the south of Narooma off the main highway. Still reminicant of the 1900’s there are antique shops, jewellery shops, some georgous cafe’s and arts and craft, as well as the ABC Cheese factory. If you’re feeling energetic you can stroll through the 5 acres of gardens at Tilba Tilba.

Tuross Heads

Looking for the laid-back lifestyle? Then head to Tuross Heads for a visit, find the Boatshed at the marina and settle in for a relaxed day’s eating and drinking, even boat hire and fishing off the wharf.

Holiday options

Great for couples and group getaways, particularly boys fishing weeks or weekends.

When to go?

Any time of year is good in Narooma, as fishing is of course great at any time of the year. Summer is more suitable for beach sports, but winter a perfect time to cosy up in Tilba, so don’t let the weather deter.

How to get there?

Follow the Princes Highway south of Sydney past Batemans Bay, from Canberra the Kings Highway takes you to Batemans Bay and then take the Princes Highway south past Moruya.

How long to go for?

At least a week, there is plenty to do. Accommodation bookings on weekends are essential as this is a well-known fishing area.

Where to Stay? There is a huge range of accommodation in Narooma, Tilba Tilba or Tuross Heads.

Tourist Information

An annual visitors guide is published on the area, the website at www.eurobodalla.com.au or visitor information centres at Batemans Bay and Narooma.

Jervis Bay and Surrounds - NSW South Coast

Jervis Bay

Part of the Shoalhaven area of NSW, Jervis Bay is 15 by 10km of crystal clear waters. It is dotted by towns including Huskisson, Vincentia, Hyams Beach, Callala Bay and Sanctuary Point and enclosed by Booderee National Park at the southern end.

Only 15 minutes south of Nowra, Jervis Bay is a great family and adventure getaway from both Sydney and Canberra.

Top 5 things to do and see

Beaches

Jervis Bay is ringed by beaches from Callala Beach in the north, past the famous white sands of Hyams Beach to Greenpatch which faces west. These are bay beaches, so perfect family fare and the water is lovely and clear with rocky outcrops at the headlands full of rockpools and perfect for snorkelling arounds.

Diving

Jervis bay is famous for diving and there are a number of boat operators who will take you out. The underwater world includes arches, caves, rock stocks and of course, being a Marine Park, a huge array of marine life. Crest Diving (www.crestdiving.com.au) is one of the dive operators based in Huskisson.

Cruising

Depending on the time of year you can do whale watching or dolphin watching cruises, fishing trips or extreme wilderness cruises. There are many cruise operators out of Huskisson which take you to the likes of the sandstone cliffs of Point Perpendicular, deep sea caves and Hyams Beach.

Walking/Cycling

There are cycling and walking tracks around Jervis Bay, some sealed, some bush tracks, offering views of the crescent shapes beaches as you pedal by, or stop for a while and dip in the water.

Lady Denman Museum

The Lady Denman Museum in Huskisson is home to the Lady Denman Ferry, which was built in Huskisson in 1911. It has a range of permanent and travelling exhibitions including a Marine touch and feel display for children. This is also home to the Shoalhaven Visitor information centre.

Holiday options

A perfect family getaway, with calm waters, good cycling and walking and plenty of fun for adults too.

When to go?

Summer is a great time to hit the surf, however for other outdoor activities, spring and autumn may be best. Given the proximity to Sydney though, you’ll need to book ahead for weekends.

How to get there?

Jervis Bay is around 3 hours south of Sydney on the Princes Highway, and much the same from Canberra via Batemans Bay.

How long to go for?

At least a weekend, but many families book in for 2-4 weeks over the summer holiday season. Even February is busy here, so it’s best to book in advance. Apart from Jervis Bay, there is much more to see in the Shoalhaven area, so if you like exploring by car, you won’t be bored.

Where to Stay? There are some great holiday houses in the Jervis Bay area to choose from.

Tourist Information

An annual visitors guide is published on the area, the website at www.shoalhavenholidays.com.au or visitor information centres at Nowra, Ulladulla and Huskisson.