Even though Captain Cook first visited this area in 1770, it took settlers 100 years to realize the area’s beauty. Today, the laid back Batemans Bay retains its small town feel—despite being the largest town along the stretch of coast.
For residents of Australia’s capital, Canberra, Batemans Bay is the closest place to escape for a trip to the beach, or kayak along the Clyde River that winds its way through town. In fact, kayaking is one of the best ways to explore the Batemans Bay region, whether it’s fishing from kayaks, searching for oysters, or cruising the caves and sandy coves that line the picturesque coast. The area is also notable for its fishing, and surfers scour the miles of beaches for perfect, uncrowded lineups. To explore the Batemans region on foot, hiking trails in the hinterlands are less than an hour away, and offer views of the Clyde River and big blue ocean beyond.
Practical Info
Batemans Bay is 2 hours from Canberra and 4 hours south of Sydney. It’s a popular stop on the coastal road when traveling between Sydney and Melbourne, or you can also fly into Moruya airport, just 25 minutes from town.
Did You Know? The South Head of Batemans Bay is a perfect place to spot whales from land from the months of September through November.
