The ultimate travel guide toBatemans Bay

Batemans Bay is located 277 kilometres from Sydney (roughly a four-hour drive) and 147 kilometres from Canberra (a two-hour drive). But instead of putting the pedal to the metal, why not make it a full-blown road trip? Alternatively, Rex offers three flights a week between Sydney and Moruya Airport, a 20-minute drive away.  

Given that many of Batemans Bay’s attractions are based around the great outdoors, it pays to visit between December and April, when the mercury edges higher and the sea is a more tempting temperature. But epicureans designing their trip around oysters might want to consider a winter visit: native angasi are typically at their best between May and August, while Sydney rock oysters peak between August and March. 

A cluster of supreme snorkelling spots dot the Eurobodalla coastline, centred around Batemans Bay. Dive into the crystalline waters and spy bream, lobsters, gropers, abalone and more on the Batemans Bay Snorkelling Trail. Those who prefer to remain on terra firma can cruise the 18-kilometre Batemans Bay Cycleway, which hugs the shoreline. Both trails feature public barbecues and picnic tables: perfect for punctuating your journey with an al fresco snack. 

Two national parks lie within a 20-kilometre radius of Batemans. Swim, snorkel, surf, and hike your way around Murramarang National Park, just 11 kilometres north of Batemans Bay. Or travel four kilometres north-west of the bay to Clyde River National Park and take to the water by kayak or canoe.  

When you’re feeling physically exhausted from all the adventure, jump in the car and admire the sights from Tourist Drive 7 – The Coast Road, instead. 

Events and attractions

Travelling with kids? Check out Birdland Animal Park, home to ‘roos, wombats, emus, ostriches and more. Those keen to uncover a little of the area’s heritage should visit the Batemans Bay Heritage Museum or the Nelligen Heritage Area, with its historic buildings. 

Shellfish lovers should make a date in their diaries for the annual Narooma Oyster Festival, held on the first weekend of May, which celebrates South Coast NSW’s oysters and features cooking demonstrations, shucking competitions and more. 

Camping and caravan parks

If you’re keen to get out and about and into the thick of nature, Batemans Bay’s neighbouring national parks play host to a number of different unpowered campgrounds and camper-trailer sites, some by the beach and some in the bush.

One of the region’s most popular caravan parks is a BIG4 Batemans Bay outfit, the South Durras Holiday Park. A 15-minute drive from town, the park has a heated pool; spacious bushland grounds, home to the occasional kangaroo; and a beautiful beach that lies just across the road.

Hotels and motels

Each room at the waterfront Bay Breeze Motel is styled slightly differently, so choose wisely. The Warehouse – a sprawling rustic-chic ground-floor apartment – is arguably the pick of the bunch. Most rooms, however, boast their own balcony and spectacular Clyde River views. Of a similar ilk, though slightly more contemporary and plain in design is the Esplanade.

If a pool tops your list of hotel must-haves, then book into four-star Corrigans Cove Resort or the sprawling lakeside Lincoln Downs Resort.

Houseboats

Travelling with a group and fancy a stay that’s a break from the norm? Try a houseboat. This luxury 8-10 berth houseboat has two floors, two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, an eight-person spa on the top deck, and a barbecue. And this slightly more retro 8-10 berth houseboat has less space but plenty of character.

It doesn’t get more rustic, or fresher, than Wray Street Oyster Shed, open daily from nine to five. A ‘farm gate’ for fresh oysters sold direct to the public, you can choose to have yours freshly shucked on site, ready to eat by the water’s edge or pick a couple of dozen unopened bivalves to devour at home. There’s just a handful of tables outside, made from upcycled cable reels. See also: The Pearly Oyster Bar.  

A lofty, warehouse-style building with floor-to-ceiling windows, JJ’s at the Marina has scene-stealing marina views, and an all-day menu of fresh seafood to boot. Whether you’re in the mood for a steaming bowl of mussels, a fresh and briny appetiser by way of Clyde River oysters, a hearty seafood chowder or a battered flathead, JJ’s delivers. 

From trawler to table is the philosophy at this waterfront cottage. Beat the lunchtime rush at Innes Boatshed by visiting outside of the 12pm-1pm window, and feast on some stellar fish and chips. 

When only fine dining will cut it, visit The Sandbar. The restaurant’s six-course degustation menu, which marries French and Japanese flavours, has won plaudits for its mastery of technique and ambitious flavour combinations.   

For great coffee, plus vegan and vegetarian options, visit Tribe Cafe.  

Bateman Bay’s bread and butter industry, get a close-up look at the ins and outs of oyster farming on a Clyde River Kayak Tour. You’ll learn about cultivation, different varieties, and what life is like as an oyster farmer. And of course, you’ll sample a few molluscs plucked straight from the lease that very morning. 

Another popular local option, take to the seas on a fishing charter to reel in your own catch of the day. Try Game On Charters, or Batemans Bay Fishing.