Eurobodalla

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

Nature’s trophy room

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.

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.

Old Mogo Town is a re-creation of the original 19th-century gold-rush village, complete with mining equipment, historic shops and houses and a walk-through mine.

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.

Mt Dromedary

Known by the local Aboriginal people as Gulaga, Mt Dromedary is the highest point on this part of the coast. Named by Lieutenant James Cook, the summit has some strangely shaped granite outcrops and is a sacred site for the Yuin people. Rainforest species thrive on the upper tiers of the mountain. A walking track to the summit starts at Pam’s General Store in the centre of Tilba Tilba.

A clutch of weatherboard buildings perched on a green ridge against towering Mt dromedary, Central Tilba is the postcard version of a country village. Established around the cheese factory that was built here in 1891, all but one of Tilba’s buildings were erected in the same decade, which gives the town its distinctive look. It is now a working village with many craftworkers in residence, and you can easily spend a couple of hours here – or better still, stay a night or two in one of the comfortable B&Bs in the area.

Drive time

Narooma Golf Course is rated one of the country’s finest – a breathtaking course set on the clifftops above a raging sea. The par-3 Hogan’s Hole, named after Paul Hogan, who once filmed a commercial here, involves a special test of character – an ocean carry from tee to green.

Several other golf courses, including Catalina at Batemans Bay and those at Moruya, offer challenges of their own.

Pick up a copy of the free guide to South Coast golf courses from visitor information centres in Batemans Bay and Narooma.

Fishing the South Coast

With rivers, estuaries, beaches and the ocean, the Eurobodalla Coast is a fisherman’s dream.

Batemans Bay
Batemans Bay is a fine example of the wide range of fishing options available on the South Coast. Upstream from the town, around the extensive mangroves and oyster flats, there are bream, flathead and mulloway. From the bridge to the sea, you can catch whiting, flathead and flounder off the banks, and bream near the rock walls. At sea, there are good catches of snapper, tailor, kingfish and salmon, while tuna and marlin will make your reel scream.

Estuaries
Estuary fishing is a family favourite. It’s safe, sheltered and fun for everyone. There are lots of sites to choose from throughout Eurobodalla, including Durras Lake, the Clyde River, Moruya River, Tuross and Coila Lakes, Wagonga Inlet and Lake Corunna. Many of these estuaries have boats for hire.

Beaches
Beach fishing comes naturally in this part of the world, and there’s always a sheltered beach close at hand. dawn or dusk and a rising tide are the magic combinations, and many beaches have a ready supply of beach worms, the perfect bait.

At sea
Big game fishing is another option. The waters off Batemans Bay and Narooma hold a number of record catches for marlin, yellowfin tuna and blue shark, and several towns along the coast have charter operators with fully equipped sport-fishing boats and professional crew.
And there’s nothing like the flavour of a freshly cooked prawn. Try your luck with a scoop net during the summer prawn run.

Facilities
Many of the locals around Eurobodalla are passionate recreational fishermen, and the region is well provided with boat ramps, hire boats and even houseboats. You’ll find staff at the area’s tackle shops keen to share local know-how and provide assistance.

Attraction / Activities

Unwind and feel your stress levels drop as you slip into the South Coast’s easy pace.
Take the time to soak up the dazzling waterside vistas this area offers at every turn. Rivers, lakes, sheltered bays and brilliant surf beaches are all part of the picturesque beauty of the Eurobodalla Nature Coast.

You can see the sun come up as you head out to sea on a fishing charter set to chase kingfish, tuna or marlin, or take a mid-morning cruise so you can watch dolphins and seals surf the waves or, in season, migrating whales at play.
The South Coast is a water wonderland. It’s the place to splash out and enjoy watersports of every kind – wave skiing, sea kayaking, surfing, snorkelling and diving are all yours to enjoy.
Set sail on a yacht, power up a runabout, cruise the waterways or simply walk along magnificent beaches and revel in being the first to make footsteps in the sand.

Eurobodalla Arts & Craft, and Village Life

When exploring the Eurobodalla’s postcard-pretty towns you’ll be delighted by the artistic talents who have been drawn to the coast and now make these charming coastal villages their home.

South of Narooma, Central Tilba is classified by the National Trust as a working heritage village. Woodturners, leatherworkers and bakers are some of the artisans who practise their crafts
in Central Tilba’s C19th weatherboard cottages.

There are also historic cottages now converted into welcoming guesthouses and B&Bs.
Tilba Tilba is another of the area’s attractions. Nestled in the foothills of Mt Dromedary
(Mt Gulaga to the local Aboriginal people) this delightful village is famous for its scenic beauty including the romantic Foxglove Spire Gardens.

Shopping

It’s also a shoppers’ delight, brimming with homewares, crafts and hand-made goods.

South of Batemans Bay, the village of Mogo boasts pottery studios, art galleries and a variety of boutique stores. Outside town, don’t miss Mogo Zoo – home to 38 rare and exotic species and old Mogo Town, a re-creation of a working C19th goldmining village.

Grown in an environment that is cherished for its pristine quality, the produce of the South Coast is exceptional. Flavoursome tomatoes, tasty fruits and vegetables, fresh herbs, homemade sauces and hand-made goods are some of the delicious foods available.

Seafood is another specialty. The clean waterways are home to a thriving oyster industry and the local waters are teeming with prawns. You can enjoy the freshest of seafood including some of the best-tasting fish and you’ll be delighted by the price – on the South Coast fresh fish is as cheap as chips.

You can shop for bargains at one of the many local weekend markets, buy goods – including smoked meats and fish - from gourmet butchers and savour fabulous fresh bread, tasty pies and sweet pastries from artisan bakers. Of course you can also dine in. You’ll find lovely cafes and restaurants scattered along the coast with menus that range from sophisticated fine dining to casual, but tasty, quick bites to eat.