The NSW South Coast stretches from Jervis Bay down to the Victorian border, and it's one of Australia's most beautiful and unspoiled coastal regions. The further south you go, the fewer the crowds and the more spectacular the scenery. The stretch from Batemans Bay through Narooma to the Sapphire Coast around Merimbula and Eden is particularly stunning, with pristine beaches, ancient forests, charming villages, and extraordinary wildlife encounters.
Getting There
Batemans Bay is about 280 kilometres south of Sydney (roughly 3.5 hours via the Kings Highway from Canberra or the Princes Highway from Sydney). Narooma is about 4.5 hours from Sydney. The region is best explored by car as public transport is limited. Many visitors combine the South Coast with a Canberra visit, as the capital is just 1.5 hours from Batemans Bay.
Batemans Bay
Batemans Bay sits at the mouth of the Clyde River and is the gateway to the South Coast. The town itself is a working fishing port with good restaurants, nice beaches, and excellent oyster farms.
- Clyde River Oysters: The Clyde River produces some of Australia's finest Sydney Rock Oysters. Visit the Oyster Shed or take a river cruise with oyster tasting.
- Beaches: Malua Bay, Broulee, and Surf Beach are all within a short drive and offer excellent swimming and surfing with minimal crowds.
- Murramarang National Park: Just south of Batemans Bay, this park has kangaroos that literally hop on the beach. Pebbly Beach is the most famous spot for this, but Depot Beach and Pretty Beach are equally lovely.
Narooma
Narooma is a gem of a town perched on a headland with stunning ocean views. The water here is an incredible shade of blue that rivals tropical destinations.
- Australia Rock: A natural rock formation with a hole in the shape of Australia, located on the Narooma Breakwall walk. It's become an Instagram sensation.
- Narooma Bar: The bar crossing is famous among fishers and is stunning to watch on a big swell day.
- Montague Island: The jewel of the South Coast. This island nature reserve, a 30-minute boat ride from Narooma, is home to thousands of penguins, hundreds of fur seals, and incredible marine life. Guided tours include daytime seal snorkelling (swimming alongside playful seals is extraordinary), penguin viewing tours at dusk, and lighthouse tours. Whale encounters are possible from May to November. Booking essential - this is a genuinely world-class wildlife experience.
Central Tilba & Tilba Tilba
These two tiny heritage villages in the hinterland behind Narooma are absolutely enchanting. Central Tilba has a main street that looks like it hasn't changed since the 1890s, lined with heritage buildings housing artisan cheese makers, leather workers, woodworkers, and a general store. The ABC Cheese Factory makes excellent cheese from local milk. Tilba Tilba is even smaller and sits at the base of Mount Gulaga, sacred to the Yuin people.
Sapphire Coast: Merimbula & Eden
Further south, the Sapphire Coast around Merimbula and Eden is spectacular:
- Merimbula: A popular holiday town with a beautiful lake, great beaches, and excellent oyster farms. The Merimbula Aquarium is worth a visit.
- Eden: A historic whaling town (whaling ended in 1930) on Twofold Bay. The Eden Killer Whale Museum tells the remarkable story of Old Tom, a killer whale that helped local whalers for decades. Eden is now a whale-watching hotspot, and humpbacks and orcas are regularly spotted.
- Ben Boyd National Park: Both the north and south sections of this park offer stunning coastal scenery. The Pinnacles (eroded red and white clay formations) and Boyd's Tower (a historic lighthouse-like structure) are highlights.
Where to Eat
- The Oyster Shed: (Batemans Bay): Fresh local oysters and seafood right on the Clyde River. A must-visit.
- Sam's Pizzeria: (Narooma): Beloved local Italian. Great pizzas and pasta. Mains $18-28.
- Quarterdeck: (Narooma): Waterfront dining with excellent seafood and regional wines. Mains $30-42.
- Wheelers Seafood Restaurant: (Merimbula): Outstanding oysters and seafood in the heart of town. Mains $28-40.
- Tilba Valley Winery: A small winery with a restaurant and regular live music in a stunning setting. Great for a leisurely lunch.
Where to Stay
- Budget: Surf Beach Holiday Park (Batemans Bay), Narooma Easts Holiday Park, camping in Murramarang NP.
- Mid-Range: Lincoln Downs Resort (Batemans Bay), The Whale Motor Inn (Narooma).
- Luxury: Discovery Parks – Eden (glamping pods with ocean views), or rent a private holiday house overlooking the coast.
Getting Around
The South Coast is best explored by car - distances are significant and public transport is limited to occasional coach services. The Princes Highway is the main route and is well-sealed throughout. Allow plenty of time between stops, as the scenery rewards slower driving and there are many small towns and lookouts worth stopping at. Fuel up in Batemans Bay, Narooma, and Merimbula, as service stations become less frequent in between.
Practical Tips
- Best Time: Autumn (March-May) is arguably the best time to visit. The weather is still warm, summer crowds have left, the water is at its warmest, and the colours along the coast are beautiful. Winter is mild on the coast and a great time for whale watching. - Wildlife: The South Coast is rich with wildlife. Kangaroos on the beach at Pebbly Beach, penguins and seals at Montague Island, whales from headlands, wombats at dusk along forest roads, and echidnas in the national parks. - Canberra Day Trip: Batemans Bay is just 1.5 hours from Canberra via the Kings Highway, making it easy to combine a beach holiday with a visit to Australia's capital. The drive through the escarpment is scenic and dramatic. - Oyster Trail: The South Coast has several world-class oyster farms. Follow the Oyster Trail from the Clyde River (Batemans Bay) through Pambula and Merimbula Lake for some of the freshest Sydney Rock Oysters you'll ever taste. - Eurobodalla Botanic Gardens: Between Batemans Bay and Narooma, these beautiful gardens showcase the local flora and include a rainforest walk, wetland habitat, and Indigenous plant use displays. Free entry.
AUBIS Tip
: The NSW South Coast is one of Australia's ultimate road trip destinations. Use AUBIS to plan a week-long route from Sydney through Jervis Bay, Batemans Bay, Narooma, and down to Eden. Add the Montague Island tour, a Clyde River oyster cruise, the Oyster Trail, and a Tilba cheese tasting to your itinerary. The platform helps you balance driving time with experiences so you don't miss any of the magic.