This coastal town on New South Wales' south coast has calm beaches and clear waters. Local oyster farms supply fresh seafood to waterfront restaurants.
Batemans Bay sits where the Clyde River meets the Pacific Ocean. Snorkel around rocky coves, watch houseboats pass oyster farms, or see kangaroos on beaches in Murramurang National Park. Canberra residents often drive here for seafood meals, bike rides along the waterfront, and the River of Art festival each year. Gulaga Mountain, a sacred site for the Walbunja people, rises in the distance. National parks surround the town, and the Clyde River’s slow currents make it easy to launch boats or paddleboards.
Exploring the Clyde River and Surrounds
The Clyde River, known for its clear water, influences daily life here. Rent a kayak or paddleboard to glide past oyster farms in protected inlets. Walk the 1.3-kilometer Mangrove Walk at Cullendulla Creek to spot crabs and birds like pied oystercatchers in the wetlands. Murramurang National Park, south of town, has swimming spots in small bays and walking paths through forests of spotted gum trees. Join Merinda Clyde River Cruises for a three-hour lunch tour; guides explain how the river’s ecosystem supports local industries like fishing and oyster farming.
Mogo Wildlife Park and Animal Encounters
Mogo Wildlife Park, 10 minutes south, keeps rare animals like white lions and Sumatran tigers in large enclosures with settings similar to their native habitats. Attend scheduled talks where staff explain how they care for primates or protect endangered species. Pay extra to feed giraffes or interact with meerkats during supervised sessions. The park participates in breeding programs for animals at risk of extinction, offering more than typical zoo visits. Check opening hours in advance, as some experiences require bookings.
Indigenous Culture and Local History
The Walbunja people of the Yuin Nation have cared for this area for thousands of years. Guided tours teach visitors about Gulaga Mountain’s role in Dreaming stories and traditional ceremonies. At the Old Courthouse Museum in town, exhibits include tools from early oyster farming and photographs of 19th-century settlers. During October, the River of Art festival displays sculptures, paintings, and performances across Batemans Bay, many created by Indigenous artists. Look for public murals near the marina that depict Walbunja symbols and stories.
Oysters and Fresh Seafood
Sydney rock oysters grow in the Clyde River’s nutrient-filled waters, harvested daily by local farms. Stop at the Oyster Shed on Wray Street to try freshly shucked oysters with lemon or chili sauce. Restaurants such as Rockwall Grill serve grilled fish, prawns, and scallops on decks overlooking the water. Follow the South Coast Oyster Trail to sample oysters at different farms and eateries between Batemans Bay and Pambula. Nearby farms sell products like goat cheese and berries, with seasonal availability.
Beaches and Waterfront Paths
Beaches south of the Clyde River vary in character. Surf Beach has waves suitable for bodyboarding, while Denhams Beach reveals tide pools with sea stars and anemones when the water recedes. Ride bikes along the 4-kilometer paved path from Corrigans Beach to Batehaven, passing fishing piers and picnic spots. Snorkel the marked trail at Mackay Park, where signs underwater help identify fish like blue gropers. In the evening, walk the Mill Bay Boardwalk in Narooma to see stingrays swimming below the wooden planks.
Traveling to Batemans Bay
Batemans Bay is a 3.5-hour drive from Sydney via coastal highways, passing through forests and small towns. From Canberra, the 151-kilometer route on the Kings Highway takes two hours, winding through hilly terrain. Moruya Airport, 30 minutes south, has daily flights from Sydney on small planes; rental cars are available at the terminal. Walking suffices for exploring the town center, but you’ll need a car to reach Mogo Wildlife Park or hiking trails in national parks. Charging stations for electric vehicles operate at the Visitor Centre and some hotels.
Sustainability and Local Initiatives
Eurobodalla Shire, including Batemans Bay, follows strict sustainability practices certified by EarthCheck. Campgrounds use solar power, and weekend markets ban single-use plastics. Vineyards here benefit from coastal soil and sea mist, producing crisp white wines. Join volunteer groups to plant native vegetation along dunes or choose whale-watching tours certified for low environmental impact. Pick up maps at the Batemans Bay Visitor Centre highlighting walking routes that protect wildlife habitats and cultural sites.
