A seaside town on Australia’s Oyster Coast, Batemans Bay is often overlooked. It might not boast the same singular standout attractions as some of its southern neighbours, such as Jervis Bay’s white sands, or Mollymook’s picturesque headliner, Bannisters by the Sea; instead, the lure of Batemans Bay is in its constellation of smaller charms.
There are endless reasons to visit this under-the-radar pocket of the South Coast. The vast national parks that lie on its doorstep, the snorkelling and bicycle trails that weave along its coastline, and the abundant supply of seafood, served up in rustic oyster shacks and fine dining restaurants alike. It’s a similar story throughout the rest of the coastal towns in the Eurobodalla region, which are perfect for tying into a cruisy Batemans Bay gateway.
Batemans Bay is located roughly a four-hour drive from Sydney and a two-hour drive from Canberra. But instead of putting the pedal to the metal, why not make it a full-blown road trip? Alternatively, Rex operates flights 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.
Nature lovers can bliss out at two national parks which lie within a 20-kilometre radius of Batemans. Hike your way around Murramarang National Park, just 11 kilometres north of Batemans Bay. Or take to the water at one of the region’s beautiful beaches. 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. And if you’re up for an adventure, dive with seals at nearby Montague Island, home to NSW’s largest seal colony. But there’s plenty for those who prefer to remain on terra firma, such a foodie trails and sculpture walks. Batemans Bay has lots to offer, and we’ve rounded up the very best things to do.
Get beached: Put the NSW South Coast town of Batemans Bay on your radar for your next beachside holiday. There really is somethin...
Batemans Bay has a little bit of everything, from beach-chic holiday homes to glamping, luxury lodgings and even a houseboat. Check them all out in our accommodation guide to Batemans Bay. 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. We’ve also rounded up the best places to camp in the region, as well as the best caravan parks to base yourself in while you’re exploring Batemans Bay.
Batemans Bay’s location smack-bang between Sydney and Canberra has long made it a great place for a family holiday in a caravan....
Stay grounded in a tent, swag or trailer while camping in Batemans Bay on the NSW South Coast. Batemans Bay camping appeals to ev...
Batemans Bay is the kind of place where you’ll find a ‘farm gate’ for fresh oysters sold direct to the public, where 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. Think laid back coastal dining at a great range of cafes and restaurants. The region is serious about its food – epitomised by the Gourmet Coast Tasting Trail that showcases the incredible ingredients, artisans and culinary talent that hail from Batemans Bay and its surrounds. We’ve rounded up the very best Batemans Bay restaurants where you can experience a taste of the region.
We’ve delved into a bunch of fascinating tours in out guide to the best things to do Bateman Bay, above. But if you’re after a few highlights, you an 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 fabulous option is to take a tour out to Montague Island with Montague Island Adventures, where you can witness an adorable colony of penguins, swim with seals and even spot whales if it’s whale watching season.
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