Locations to Visit

Batemans Bay Sculpture Walk

Murramarang National Park

Snorkelling Tomakin Cove

Melville Point Lookout

Nelligen Kayak Hire

Batehaven

Bay and Beyond Sea Kayak Tours

Kayaking Batehaven to Mossy Point

Corrigans Beach Reserve Park and Accessible Playground

Kayaking the Upper Clyde River - Shallow Crossing

South Durras to Batemans Bay - Kayaking in the Batemans Marine Park

Cookies Beach Picnic Area - South Durras

Batemans Bay Cycleway

Bay Pavilions

Batemans Bay Heritage Museum

South Durras

The picturesque riverside village of Nelligen is the first place to greet visitors arriving from the winding forest highway to Eurobodalla’s west. Just 10 minutes from Batemans Bay, the town has signalled the start of a beach and bush holiday for generations of Australians.

It’s a tranquil place, and sits on the edge of the Clyde River as if watching over the past. The town’s history is rich and fascinating with gold prospectors, bushrangers and steam ships having all called Nelligen home. The once bustling streets are now quiet and serene – the soothing tranquillity of the river matched only by the silence of the surrounding forests.

The waterfront area along Wharf Street is a great place to relax and take it in. Here, a wide grassy bank makes a perfect place to picnic. Fish and chips and other takeaway’s are nearby. You can fish right from your picnic spot or from the jetty next to the boat ramp.

Surrounded by forests, the Clyde River is remarkably pristine and undeveloped. Exploring it by boat or kayak reveals islands, sandy beaches and numerous small tributaries. It’s very easy to find a place that feels like the most remote wilderness, and a few hours among the river-forests can be transformative. Nelligen fishes well, with bream and flathead common, and huge mulloway lurking for the very lucky or very experienced.

There is a choice of quality accommodation in Nelligen. Popular with families, the Nelligen Holiday Park is surrounded by water, allowing families to park their boats and kayaks on the banks near their camp spots, or throw a line into the river from a caravan-side camp chair or waterfront balcony. For the ultimate river stay, the estuary between Nelligen and Batemans Bay is a haven for houseboats. A few days relaxed living under big skies on the forested waters, with fishing, swimming and sunsets right off your bow, is an experience like no other.

Nelligen

Jack Buckley Memorial Park and Picnic Area - Tomakin

Tomakin Sports and Social Club

Nelligen Heritage Area

Observation Point - Batehaven

Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden

Mogo Wildlife Park

Tomakin sits on one of the most stunning little patches of coast in New South Wales.

Head to Melville Point Lookout for sweeping views in either direction and to help decide where to go next. To the north are the wide soft sands of Barlings Beach, which curves gently up the coast to Barlings Island. This small rocky island protects the far end of the beach, creating an idyllic place to swim, picnic and snorkel.

At the bottom of the lookout to the south is Tomakin Cove, one of the prettiest little beaches anywhere. Sheltered on both sides, the water here is calm and almost always crystal clear. It’s a fantastic spot to swim and snorkel. The cove leads on to the larger Tomakin Beach, which runs to the mouth of the Tomaga River. The entire area is flanked by stunning rocky outcrops which change colour as the sun moves across the sky, and sit in deep contrast to the clear blues of the surrounding water. The wooden jetties of Mossy Point project temptingly across the river, and often call the more adventurous for a quick swim across.

Tomaga River itself is sandy-banked, clean and inviting. Towards its mouth the running tide carves small drop-offs, ideal for jumping from the banks into the water (check the depth first). At low tide, thousands of soldier crabs can be found feeding along the wide sandy flats. From its opening into the sea, the river curls back behind the beaches making an interesting and scenic walk. Pelicans and large stingrays are often around the ramp, and the river shore in this area is a popular place to swim and fish.

Tomakin doesn’t have a shopping strip however, the Rivermouth General Store (cafe) is within walking distance of the beaches and has a great surf vibe. There is an IGA supermarket and bottle shop on George Bass Drive. Dining options include Smokey Dan's Restaurant, Bar and Grill which has a relaxed eclectic feel, and the Tomakin Sports and Social Club. Both of these offer entertainment and dining, particularly during holidays.

Tomakin

Shallow Crossing

Mogo Trails - Mogo Mountain Biking Trails

From families looking for calm bay beaches to enjoy a leisurely dip, to fishing enthusiasts who like estuary, beach or rock fishing. The coastline around Batemans Bay is stunning with a string of golden beaches, mangroves and oyster flats, and sheltered coves that offer numerous activities; fishing, diving, snorkelling, kayaking, boating and more. Enjoy the Clyde River on a lunchtime cruise; if you enjoy oysters, buy some succulent Clyde River oysters.

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Few places offer as many unspoilt landscapes so close to a town centre. The Clyde is one of the cleanest estuaries on Australia’s east coast. A short walk from the town’s cafe strip and across the bridge will have you on its sandy northern beaches - ideal for swimming, fishing or picnicking.

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National parks and marine sanctuaries, secluded headlands and rock pools, sandy creeks and riverbanks, and bay and ocean beaches are all within minutes of the town centre (these are easily found, mostly by following your instincts).

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This diverse and unspoilt environment is reflected in the quality of the local food, with the region blossoming as a centre for sustainable agriculture and distinctive regional produce. Clyde River oysters are widely regarded as Australia’s finest, and fresh local seafood is easy to find in shops and on menus. Dining options range from formal to relaxed, from innovative modern cuisine to old-school beachside takeaways.

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There are plenty of things to do around Batemans Bay. Drive south along Beach Road, stopping at a string of picturesque coves, lookouts and beaches. Drop in a line from any number of good spots and you could hook a bream, flathead or mulloway. If golf is more your game, a round on the 27-hole Catalina Country Club, rated one of the finest courses on the South Coast.