The beautiful Batemans Bay
Winter is a perfect time to visit Eurobodalla on the NSW South Coast. Think long walks along empty beaches, misty mountain hikes in national parks and snuggling up by the fire snacking on oysters, truffles and other local delicacies.
Eurobodalla has been a go-to spot on the NSW South Coast for generations of holidaymakers chasing sun, sea and fantastic food.
With 110km of mostly untouched coastline, 83 inviting beaches and 3400sq km of national parks and state forests, it’s easy to see the appeal. It also happens to be the closest coastal escape to Canberra — with just a cruisy two-hour drive from the nation’s capital to Batemans Bay, the main hub of Eurobodalla.
The Traditional Owners of the area are the Yuin Nation, who inhabited the region for some 20,000 years before European settlement. Culturally important sites such as Gulaga (Mount Dromedary) and Barunguba (Montague Island) remain deeply significant to them today.
Eurobodalla is a great year-round destination too. Summer brings the beach crowds, but the cooler months are ideal for romantic getaways and laid-back road trips, with quieter roads and more space to unwind. Just don’t forget your wetsuit if you’re keen for a swim outside of summer.
Where to go and what to do
While you may not have heard of Eurobodalla, you will definitely have heard of the many unique coastal towns and villages that are nestled in this beautiful part of the state. Towns such as Batemans Bay, Narooma and Tilba are popular destinations for thousands of holiday makers each year. Let’s take a closer look.
Batemans Bay
Batemans Bay is a lively coastal town, known for its chilled vibe and stunning natural surroundings. It’s a great spot to base yourself while exploring nearby beaches, national parks and charming little towns around Eurobodalla.
The Clyde River flows right into the bay here, and the town has grown from the river’s edge out to the nearby coves and headlands. With a mild climate and loads of outdoor activities — from kayaking and fishing to bushwalking and wildlife spotting — it’s a popular holiday spot all year round.
Snapper Island sits just off Corrigans Beach and the nearby Tollgate Islands are protected areas for birdlife. For amazing views, check out Holmes Lookout in Clyde River National Park.
Narooma
Narooma comes from the Yuin word for ‘clear, blue water’ — and that’s exactly what you’ll find, along with some seriously breathtaking views.
This coastal gem is known for its stunning scenery, with winding roads that open up to vibrant blue estuaries and the charming old steel bridge.
There’s so much to do in Narooma: walks, bike rides, tourist drives, gorgeous beaches, shopping, dining, entertainment and much more. If you’re a golfer, why not have a crack at the famous Hogan’s Hole at the Narooma Golf Club, which also boasts some of the most stunning vistas along the coast.
Narooma is renowned for its rock oysters
Moruya
Discover the charm of country life in Moruya, a lively riverside town at the heart of Eurobodalla. Set on the Moruya River, it’s known for its relaxed vibe, strong creative scene and rich rural heritage.
You’ll find a buzzing community here, with award-winning markets, boutique shops, the River of Art festival, and exhibitions at the Basil Sellers (BAS) Exhibition Centre.
Moruya is lovely spot just 8km from the coast. As you enter town over the bridge, the river stretches out in both directions — perfect for boating, kayaking, fishing or even surfing near the mouth. Prefer to stay dry? Go for a riverside stroll, check out the local markets, play a round of golf, or take to the skies in a seaplane or skydive adventure.
Mogo
Mogo is a charming heritage village nestled between Batemans Bay and Moruya. Born from the 1850s gold rush, the town still reflects its rich history through its preserved architecture and nostalgic feel.
Today, Mogo is known for its boutique shopping, with stores offering handmade crafts, art, antiques and local treats. The village is packed with character and perfect for a relaxed day of browsing and soaking up the atmosphere.
Nearby attractions include the popular Mogo Wildlife Park, home to rare and exotic animals, and the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden, showcasing native plants of the South Coast.
Mogo Wildlife Park
South Durras
Surrounded by Murramarang National Park, South Durras is a hidden gem just 18km north of Batemans Bay known for its stunning beaches, ancient headlands and abundant wildlife.
The area is famous for kangaroos lounging on the beach, often spotted near accommodation or picnic spots. You’ll also encounter wallabies, goannas and plenty of birdlife. For fishing enthusiasts, Lake Durras offers bream, whiting and flathead, with easy boat access from two ramps.
Nature lovers can explore Murramarang National Park, where ancient spotted gums stretch down to the sea. The national park offers fantastic walks like the Wasp Head walk, with ocean views, golden beaches and hidden bays.
Emily Miller Beach, South Durras
Bodalla
Bodalla, a 150-year-old dairy village, is known for its lush green countryside, heritage buildings and famous cheese-making history. It’s where one of Australia’s first commercial cheeses was made, and that tradition continues today.
One of the top attractions is the Bodalla Dairy Shed, where you can watch the cheese-making process in action and even take a cheese-making class. The on-site cafe offers delicious local products, including unique ice creams.
Head to Bodalla’s main street for quirky shops, galleries and eateries like Malt Man Brewing, where you can sample craft beers and enjoy pizzas, and the Bodalla Bakery for something sweet.
Dairy delights in Bodalla
Tilba district and Mystery Bay
The villages of Central Tilba and Tilba Tilba are full of charm and history, offering a glimpse of 19th-century Australia. Located 20km south of Narooma, these National Trust-classified villages are set against the backdrop of Mount Gulaga ‘Mother Mountain’, which is sacred to the Yuin people.
Nearby Mystery Bay, named for a mysterious 1880s disappearance, is another popular spot known for its stunning beaches, ancient geology and seasonal whale watching.
The region thrives on local produce, including award-winning cheeses at the Tilba Dairy Shop in Central Tilba, and an extensive selection of honey. The area’s craft scene and quality food make it a must-visit destination.
For those keen to dive deeper into the area’s past, a guided tour with Tilba Walks offers an interesting look at this beautiful district.
The picturesque mountain village of Tilba
Tuross Head
Tuross Head is a beautiful coastal village set between two lakes fed by the Tuross River, with stunning beaches that entice visitors to stay longer than planned.
The beach to the north of the inlet is especially picturesque, with crystal-clear waters and sandy shallows. Visitors often find unique driftwood creations, from makeshift shelters to abstract art left by fellow beachgoers.
Broulee
Broulee is the picture-perfect Aussie beach town, surrounded by clear waters, great surf and wide sandy beaches. The town sits between Batemans Bay and Moruya, with nearby Mossy Point and Tomakin offering protected beaches like Barlings, Tomakin and Broulee.
Broulee Beach is a surfing haven, with North Broulee being ideal for beginners and South Broulee catering to intermediate and advanced surfers. For a real challenge, head to Pink Rocks near Broulee Island and known for big waves.
For a peaceful break, check out the lookout at Broulee Headland for stunning views, or explore the quiet beach and sand-spit that leads to Broulee Island Nature Reserve, where you can circumnavigate the island and take in the beautiful coastal landscape.
Best things to see and do
Some of the best activities along the coast are the beaches, fishing, surfing, kayaking and all things water related. But if you’re not a beachy person, or you’re visiting in the cooler months, don’t worry, there’s plenty of other activities to suit all ages and tastes — from fine food and the arts to bush walking and bike riding.
Barunguba Montague Island Nature Reserve
Sitting just 9km off Narooma’s shores, Barunguba Montague Island Nature Reserve is a wildlife haven offering breathtaking whale watching, playful seal and penguin encounters, as well as opportunities for diving, snorkelling and bird watching. With its historic lighthouse built in 1881 and deep-rooted Indigenous significance, it’s more than just a scenic escape.
NSW’s largest Australian and New Zealand fur seal colony calls this island home, alongside one of Australia’s most important little penguin breeding sites. Its surrounding waters are a migration hotspot, drawing whales from September to November, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
For a truly unique experience, head on a guided tour of the island with one of the Montague Island charter companies or go swimming or diving with the resident seals.
Montague Island Lighthouse
For those seeking a one-of-a-kind stay, the restored Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage offers a glimpse into the island’s past. And with a rich Indigenous history that intertwines with nearby Gulaga (Mount Dromedary), Barunguba Montague Island Nature Reserve carries a profound cultural legacy waiting to be discovered.
Banksia Walk
Winding along Burrewarra Point north of Broulee, Banksia Walk is a charming 1.5km trail through a mature banksia forest with views of the south coast and hinterland. It’s great for spotting whales from September to November and visit in autumn to see the banksias in bloom and attracting nectar-eating birds.
Starting at the car park at end of Burri Point Road, the walk is graded as easy and will take about 50 minutes. Please note, the cliff edges are not fenced so the walk is not suitable for toddlers and small children.
Mogo Trails and Munjip Trail
The recently completed 125km network of Mogo Trails and the 15km Munjip Trail (due to officially open late June 2025) have put the NSW South Coast on the map for legions of bush walkers and mountain bike enthusiasts.
From easy green trails to the most challenging double blacks, the Mogo Trails network is designed to cater to every riding and racing ambition. In October, the South Coast will host the Sea Otter cycling festival, coming to Australia for the first time outside the US. It will feature a three-day cycling extravaganza and other events in the region over a week.
New mountain bike trails are open at Mogo
Experience the local flavours
Eurobodalla is a must-visit for those who like to explore a region through its food. The area is home to some of the South Coast’s finest produce, from award-winning daily producers at Tilba and Bodalla to world-class Sydney rock oysters harvested straight from the waters of Wagonga Inlet in Narooma. Local producers offer a wide range of other delights, including truffles, honey, kelp and fudge.
Food-lovers agree that a truffle hunt it on their list of top 10 things to do in Eurobodalla. Over the winter months, Gulaga Gold Truffle Hunts in Dignams Creek runs three-hour tours where you can experience the thrill of the hunt with Fiona, Alan and their amazing truffle dogs.
The trufferie is uniquely located in the shadows of Mount Gulaga, and the hunt includes sampling the rare and splendid umami of their truffles in a curated tasting of delicacies.
The River of Art Festival
Now in its 21st year, the River of Art Festival (26 September to 6 October 2025) is regarded as one of the most significant cultural events in the NSW South Coast regional calendar.
The vibrant festival celebrates the extensive art scene along the NSW South Coast, with winners of the much-anticipated Art Prize announced at the launch.
The festival’s Arts Trail showcases all forms of visual art, from painting and sculpture to performances, music and creative workshops. Events and activities run across the region from Durras to Bermagui throughout the festival, attracting visitors and locals while also giving local artists a chance to shine.
Best time of year to visit
The warm weather of summer and the school holidays tend to be the busiest time along the South Coast, especially for families who attend events like the Bells Carnival at Batemans Bay, the Eurobodalla District Show and Rodeo, National Parks educational programs and more.
Autumn is the best season for consistent mild weather. The Narooma Oyster Festival (check out our feature here and in issue 658) is held in May every year and is hugely popular with foodies, attracting thousands of visitors every year. Cooler temps and calm days make it the perfect season for bushwalking.
Cool to cold weather makes winter the perfect season for romantic getaways. Snuggle up by the fire and taste-test the diverse range of local produce on offer. Cold weather is truffle hunting weather, but it is also great for longer hikes like Gulaga Mountain Walk, Munjip Trail and the Bingi Dreaming Track.
Spring is the season for the annual southern whale migration. Whales and their calves come in close to the more protected waters along the coastline, making whale watching the number one activity at this time of year.
Whale watching along the coast
Something for everyone
Eurobodalla is perfect for every traveller — whether you’re with the family, flying solo or on a couple’s getaway, there’s always something to do.
Families are well looked after, with plenty of holiday parks close to calm beaches, rockpools and playgrounds. There are easy bushwalks and national parks to explore and opportunities to spot local wildlife or feed the poddy calves at Bodalla Dairy Shed.
For more action-packed outings, there’s the Aqua Park at Bay Pavilions in Batemans Bay, mountain biking on the Mogo Trails or a day at Mogo Wildlife Park. There’s also surf lessons, jetboat rides, kite-surfing, glass-bottom kayak tours, seasonal truffle hunts and much more.
Of course, these activities aren’t just for families. Couples, grey nomads and solo travellers will also find plenty to enjoy, from scenic bush camping to a wide range of caravan-friendly stays. Local markets are a big draw too, with weekly markets in Moruya and monthly ones in Batemans Bay and Narooma showcasing the region’s artisan produce and crafts. The historic villages of Tilba and Bodalla are also favourites — perfect for history buffs, boutique shoppers, bushwalkers and foodies.
Wander through the local markets
Whether you come for the food, the hikes, the art or the ocean air, Eurobodalla delivers the kind of easy-going magic that makes you want to stay a little longer. All up, it’s a coastal wonderland where you can enjoy life’s simple pleasures — in every season.
Travel planner
How to get there
No matter where you’re starting, there are several great road itineraries to Eurobodalla on the website.
These includes routes from Melbourne to Batemans Bay and Narooma; Canberra to Batemans Bay; and two routes from Sydney to Batemans Bay — one coastal and one inland. Each route gives you an interactive maps with distances, time and places of interest to visit along the way.
Where to stay
Whether you’re seeking all the bells and whistles of a caravan parks, want a remote campsite in a national park or a cosy bed and breakfast where you can settle in front of an open fire, the accommodation options in Eurobodalla are endless.
Some top spots for caravanners include:
- Congo Campground in Eurobodalla National Park
- Dalmeny Campground
- Mystery Bay Campground
- Moruya North Head Campground
- Beachcomber Holiday Park
There’s a terrific interactive map on the council’s website so you can find what’s available in the area you’ll be visiting.
Bushwalking and camping in Eurobodalla’s national parks
Top tips
No matter what time of year you are visiting the lovely Eurobodalla area, it’s a good idea to bring a raincoat and a light jacket or heavier coat. If you plan to hike, pack good walking shoes, sunscreen and wet weather gear. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are a must-have all year round.
And bring your camera! This area is beautiful no matter the season and there are always tons of great photo opportunities. If you’re hoping to spot whales, binoculars will come in handy, particularly for land-based sightings.
Be prepared for national park fees if you are heading to Murramarang National Park, and always book accommodation well in advance, especially during school holidays and public holidays or if you are coming for major events.
THE NEXT STEP
If you want to learn the latest caravan news, find the most innovative new caravans and camping gear or get inspired to plan your next epic road trip to make unforgettable memories with the whole family, subscribe to our weekly newsletter. We promise to send you only the best content.
Related articles:
East coast road trip, Queensland to New South Wales
Holiday Haven Tourist Parks | Explore the NSW south coast
Escape to Eurobodalla on the NSW South Coast