Explore on foot
I am told that walking across the bridge in Batemans Bay is obligatory for any visit to the area . One to follow orders , I wander over to the north side stopping to marvel at giant jelly fish and a shoreline full of people beach fishing . For a longer walk keep heading to Surfside and Cullendulla Creek Nature Reserve to wander through the wetlands and view ancient mangroves .
Back in town take an easy 4km stroll east along the bay to Batehaven . Runners might want to join in the weekly Saturday Parkrun that does a double loop from the Marina to The Esplanade Hotel .
North of Mossy Point , the Banksia Walk at Burrewarra Point is an easy 1.5km walk through a Banksia forest . At the start of the walk look north over Guerilla Bay , a popular snorkelling spot , and once at the light station you can see up and down the coast . Although I don ’ t spot any whales , I do see pods of dolphins and a few playful seals frollicking in the calm seas . Further south walk out to Broulee Island , which is accessible by a sandbar from the mainland , and an even better vantage point to see migrating whales .
For a true wilderness experience venture into Deua National Park that ’ s accessible west of Moruya . There aren ’ t many marked walks , but just being in the forest and visiting a few lookouts along the way is enough to fill the lungs . More strenuous walks to try are the 13.5km ( one-way ) Bingi Dreaming Track in Eurobodalla National Park , Mount Gulaga ( Mount Dromedary ) walk in Mt Gulaga National Park , or one of the many coastal walks in Murramarang National Park further north .
Animal encounters
Mogo Zoo is more than a delightful diversion for animal lovers . This intimate and privately owned zoo offers many opportunities to get up-close-andpersonal to primates , big cats , pandas and the adorable meerkats . Better still , become a zookeeper for a day and venture behind the scenes for an insight into zoo life . Make use of the animal talks presented by the zookeepers as they are not only interesting but introduces you to the quirks of the individual animal and their life journey . Before you leave Mogo , wander around the village . It ’ s on the kitsch side but pleasant nonetheless .
TRIP NOTES
Getting there : Batemans Bay is four hours drive from Sydney and two hours from Canberra .
Stay : The region offers a range of accommodation options including rustic camping in National Parks to the more plush ensuite cabins in holiday parks . The recently refurbished The Esplanade Motel in Batemans Bay is centrally located and has uninterrupted views of the Clyde River . Check for off-peak accommodation deals .
Dining : For stunning locations , you can ’ t beat On The Pier and JJs at the Marina in Batemans Bay , or The River Moruya in Moruya . For fresh oysters visit Wray Street Oyster Shed or Farmgate at Batemans Bay Marina .
For more information visit :
• eurobodalla . com . au
• southcoastseaplanes . com . au
• skydiveoz . com . au / skydive-batemansbay
• brouleesurfschool . com . au
• region . com . au
• mogozoo . com . au
OH ! MAGAZINE ( SEPT 2017 ) 27