Batemans Bay

Looking into the bay from the south

A very quiet and unspoiled beach on the bay

Batemans Bay is a small coastal city (population 16,000) situated at the mouth of the Clyde River. It is close to the many fine beaches of the Eurobodalla in southeastern New South Wales.

Understand

Batemans Bay is the closest ocean beach to the Australian capital, Canberra, making it a popular weekend and holiday destination for Canberrans. Many of the people who live in Batemans Bay are retired, although it is now attracting younger families looking for more affordable homes that are close to the sea.

Batemans Bay and the surrounding South Coast area boast some of the most spectacular and unspoiled coastline in New South Wales. However, the township itself is fairly unlovely.

During summer, Batemans Bay's population more than doubles from holidaying folk from inland.

Climate

Warm during summer (December-February). The weather in autumn and spring is fairly mild. Due to the coastal location winter in Batemans Bay is not too cold.

Get in

Batemans Bay is on the Princes Highway (A1), some 280 km (175 miles) south of Sydney (3–4 hrs driving time) and about 10–11 hours northeast of Melbourne.

Batemans Bay can be reached from Canberra (2–2.5 hours) by the Kings Highway (B52). Both the Kings Highway and the Princes Highway have a fairly high accident rate relative to the Australian average. They are fully paved roads, but quite busy. Apart from the occasional passing lane, it is one lane each direction, no center divider, generally 100 km/h limit. There are some very tight 20 km/h corners going down the Clyde mountain from Canberra.

For Melbourne visitors coming via Canberra and the Hume Highway is the faster route.

By bus

• Murrays Coaches Canberra - Batemans Bay
• Premier Motor Service Sydney - Batemans Bay - Melbourne
• VLine Batemans Bay - Melbourne (via Sale)
• Priors Scenic Express - Sydney - Southern Highlands - Batemans Bay

By plane

The nearest airport is at Moruya (MYA ^IATA), 27 km south of Batemans Bay, or a 20-minute drive. A rental car (arrange before you arrive) can be collected at the airport. Hertz operate at the airport terminal.

• Rex Airlines flies into Moruya from Sydney.

Get around

The local bus service is Prior's Bus Service - Ph: 02-4472 4040

The local taxi service is Batemans Bay Taxis - Ph: 131 008

See

There is an emphasis on natural attractions including national parks and beaches. The local bush is mainly spotted gums with an understory of burrawangs. While there is development around the town, the bush is nearby and quite unspoilt.

• 1 Clyde River National Park. (updated Apr 2022)

Do

Cruise up the Clyde river to Nelligen. Visit Mogo for arts and crafts, recreated gold mining village, and zoo. Visit national parks including Murramurang. The Eurobodalla Botanic Gardens explains the local flora. Most importantly visit the beaches.

Water based activities in the area include deep sea fishing to surf board, boat and jet ski hire. Just south of Batemans Bay, the Broulee Surf School offers lessons for all levels. Jetskis can be hired off Corrigans Beach close to the town on the south side of the bay.

Shop for arts and crafts in the neighbouring villages - Mogo is quite close, Tilba Tilba is further afield, south down the Princes Highway. At Tilba Tilba the ABC cheese factory sells produce.

Spend a night out on the town with first class restaurants and home town pubs with local entertainment.

Swimming

The sea temperature becomes quite pleasant as summer progresses, though at the start of summer can be quite chilly. Surprisingly there is often a brief period towards the end of spring when the sea temperature is quite mild, before getting chilly, and then warming up as summer progresses.

Most beaches in the area have times when they are patrolled by local surf life saving clubs manned by volunteers. Visitors should ensure they swim between the yellow and red flags that denote the patrolled area of the beach. Broulee South Beach is a great beach to swim at on a calm day especially for young families and it is patrolled all weekends during summer.

Buy

You can purchase small souvenirs (both commercial and unique) of Batemans Bay from the many local arts and crafts establishments and retailers. As a growing regional population center, the town is also well serviced by local shops and chains including Kmart, Coles and Woolworths.

Eat

Oysters from the Clyde River are a local speciality and are also highly praised and appreciated by a much wider audience, including Sydney restaurants and beyond. The Pearly Oyster Bar in North Street is a good place to try local produce.

• 1 Starfish, Promenade Plaza, 1 Clyde St, ☏ +61 2 4472 4880. Views over the water, pizzas and à la carte seafood menu, open each day from 9.30 for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 

Try some fresh fish and chips from any of the shops along the main street facing the bay.

• 2 Ocean Breeze Takeaway, 1/ 248 Beach Rd, Batehaven, ☏ +61 2 4472 1802. Fish and chips, burgers, drinks, snacks (updated Aug 2016)
• 3 Talay Thai Restaurant, 28 Beach Rd, ☏ +61 2 4472 4288. A Thai restaurant with waterfront views, No wheelchair access. (updated Jul 2021)
• 4 Oyster Shed on Wray Street (Wray Street Oyster Shed), 5 Wray St,, ☏ +61 2 4472 6771. Daily 9AM–5PM. Across the bridge from Batemans Bay and down a little twisty road, this bright blue no-frills shed sells their own farmed Clyde River oysters both to go and to devour on the spot. There's also a container cafe next to it serving up barista coffees and basic snacks like toasties and nachos. (updated Apr 2023)

Drink

There are a number of hotels in the town and also the Soldiers' Club.

Sleep

A range of accommodation options are available. Visitors often hire a house or an apartment from a local real estate agent or stay in the many local motels, apartments, caravan and holiday parks or bed and breakfast accommodation establishments available.

Batemans Bay and surrounds are extremely busy in December/January during the Australian Christmas holiday period, and accommodation will be extremely difficult to find at those periods unless pre-bookings are made.

Easter holidays and long weekends (including Canberra Day) are also popular, so book early.

• 1 Argyle Terrace Motor Inn, 32 Beach Rd, ☏ +61 2 4472 5022. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10AM. (updated Jul 2021)

Go next

• The town of Moruya is just south of Batemans Bay

Routes via Batemans Bay

Sydney ← Ulladulla ←

N A1 S

→ Moruya → Eden