South Coast Regional Tourism Organisation

Eurobodalla

The Eurobodalla, with its stunning coastline of sparkling beaches, craggy headlands and serene rivers, is set against a backdrop of untamed wilderness

Eurobodalla is neither old world nor old fashioned, it’s not off the beaten track nor is it backward. Like the mountains, rivers, lakes and ocean that come together here, socialising with each other in a gently beautiful fashion, Eurobodalla has a timeless feeling about it, both in how it greets the eye and in the way people live here.

This is rare in a world that’s always in a hurry to be somewhere else, be something different, be bigger and be the latest. It’s this collective refusal to give into change for change’s sake, that puts such great personal distance between this pretty, quiet corner of Australia and much of the rest.

It's easy to see why Eurobodalla is known as the Land of Many Waters with 130 kilometres of coastline and marine park, 83 beaches, 4 major river systems and nearly 20 lakes. Fed by waters that rise in national parks and State forests to the north, the Clyde is the cleanest of all the major rivers on Australia’s east coast. For the final 30 km of its journey to the sea, the 125-km river is broad and navigable by river cruisers, or you can hire a boat from one of several operators around Batemans Bay.

Montague island, which sits just 9 km off Narooma, is a haven for marine and animal life. The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service manages the island and its wildlife, which includes the State’s largest colony of Australian fur seals and new Zealand fur seals, Australia’s second largest colony of little penguins, and a wide variety of birds such as peregrine falcons, crested terns and silver gulls. Guided tours of the island can be booked through the local visitor information centre.

With all this water you'll need ways to explore it and there are plenty of options - from a relaxing river cruise to a houseboat adventure with friends or up close on a kayak tour. Join a guided cruise or charter where you will discover just how good you'll feel taking time out and experiencing some of the most scenic waterways in Australia. Cruise the azure coloured waterway of Wagonga Inlet at Narooma - you won’t want to leave. Navigate the Clyde River from Batemans Bay to Nelligen and follow the route of the steamships that once traded along the coast, winding through magnificent national parks. Or maybe a sail around Batemans Bay’s picturesque Tollgate Islands. Day time and twilight sailing charters are now available. If you want to take to the water Eurobodalla has it covered from dinghies to tinnies, canoes, kayaks, surfboards and yachts and even BBQ pontoon boats.

While the waterways reflect a multitude of blues, it's the hinterland that provides a dramatic backdrop to the coast with more than 70% of the region made up of lush national park and forest. Within this spectacular landscape you can bushwalk, hike, mountain bike or camp. Pick up the Walking in Eurobodalla brochure at the Visitors Centres for details on short walks and longer walking trails.

In the National Trust village of Central Tilba just south of Narooma and nestled in the foothills of the sacred Mount Dromedary (Gulaga), you will find artisans such as the woodturner, leatherworker and cobbler practicing their crafts in 19th century weatherboard cottages. Don't miss the toy store, lolly shop, gallery, jewellers, lovely cafes and the historic hotel. Venture down the road to Tilba Tilba and lose yourself (and an afternoon!) exploring the stunning 3.5 acre Foxglove Spires woodland garden.

A visit to the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens, south of Batemans Bay, is a perfect way to discover the range of more than 2000 plants native to this region. With each season there's a new glorious display of flora which you can enjoy on one of the well-designed walks, the sensory gardens or from the café and nursery.

Vivid visions from the past

The village of Mogo, 10 km south of Batemans Bay, is a relic from the past a one-time goldmining village that has been given the kiss of life by the superb collection of galleries, craft shops and cafés that have sprung up there.

If you're a history buff or you simply enjoy stories of yester year, you could never be bored with Eurobodalla's eclectic past from the first inhabitants to early settlers, dairy farmers and ship builders, larrikins and bushrangers. This rich heritage is kept in places like Old Mogo Town - a recreation of a mining village from the heady gold rush days- providing visitors with a glimpse into what life may have been like at the end of the 19th century.

Mogo Zoo is dedicated to the preservation of endangered species. It houses a large number of animals, including 38 rare and exotic species, such as red pandas, golden lion tamarins, otters, ring-tailed lemurs, Syrian brown bears, lions, giraffes and Bengal tigers.

The rich pastures and clean waterways of this region produce some of Australia’s, and the worlds, finest food. Our famously delicious us Clyde River oysters taste even better when eaten on the water in which they're grown. There are wonderful restaurants, bistros and cafes, with water views or village vista’s, in which to enjoy local produce and fresh seafood.

The area is as famous for its cheeses as it is for its seafood with award winning cheese makers in the region. Great natural ingredients are just the beginning of the culinary pleasures you can enjoy in Eurobodalla. The range of menu styles is as broad as your own palate, from modern European to traditional Australian, casual to haute cuisine. Dine in absolute style, with superb wine lists, or enjoy a home made pie and cake in a historic village café or enjoy the simplicity of fish and chips on a river cruise.

Golfers are spoiled for choice in Eurobodalla. There’s something special about playing on new courses and there are plenty to provide a great challenge. From links-style courses to lush fairways cut through towering gum forests - there's even a golf course perched on a clifftop featuring incredible ocean vistas. The clubs are genuinely hospitable and welcome visitors and for much of the year, many of the courses are quite uncrowded.

Eurobodalla's captivating landscape and scenery is a magnet for artists. The beauty of our land inspired the original inhabitants to begin a tradition of art and story telling which has continued ever since. Talented artists, craftsmen and photographers have moved to this region and create fine work which can be seen in local galleries. The villages andtowns of Eurobodalla have many excellent galleries and studios that invite you to view and buy paintings, sculptures, woodworks, textiles, ceramics and pottery.