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.