Eurobodalla is home to many beautiful townships and villages, each with their own unique character, places to explore and things to do. But whether you’re new to the coast or consider it a home away from home, it’s easy to miss some of the region’s smaller villages. These villages and micro destinations are a little off the beaten track but still pack a punch when it comes to rich history, great food, and plenty of adventure.
From north of Batemans Bay to north of Narooma, here are 6 stunning micro destinations that make the perfect base to discover the South Coast…
South Durras, coastal village
A hidden gem in Murramarang National Park
Located less than 20km north of Batemans Bay, surrounded by the spectacular Murramarang National Park, is the tiny coastal village of South Durras.
With a rich Aboriginal heritage, the area boasts pristine undeveloped coastline with an array of beaches, rivers, bushland and native wildlife to experience.
Head out to the Wasp Head picnic area before taking the Wasp Head walk through a casuarina forest, past the rocky cove of Wobbegong Bay, and out to the coastline with a full view of Wasp Island.
You can also head north to Durras Lake for the day where you can rent a kayak, fish for whiting and flathead, walk the Durras Lake Discovery Trail, and see ancient rock formations dating back millions of years.
There are plenty of places to stay in South Durras, including Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort, South Durras Holiday Park, and Lakesea Caravan Park.
Nelligen, riverside village
Living history on the banks of the Clyde River
Situated just a few kilometres north-west of Batemans Bay is Nelligen: a friendly and picturesque village on the Clyde River.
Nelligen’s history pre-dates Batemans Bay as one of the oldest ports servicing Braidwood’s farming district and the Araluen goldfields. From the 1850s to the 1950s it collected cargo for shipping to Sydney, with historic Braidwood Street still home to many of the heritage buildings from that period.
A river cruise operates every day from Batemans Bay to Nelligen and showcases the region’s history, with stop overs at significant sites and a delicious seafood meal onboard.
If you want to stay in Nelligen, you’ll find accommodation at the Steampacket Hotel on the Kings Highway, or waterfront holiday resorts at the Big 4 Nelligen and Clyde River Cottage.
South Head Moruya
Where the river meets the sea
Adjoining the Moruya River across from Moruya Airport, South Head is a stunning coastal village and the home of Shelly Beach – a popular family destination with great fishing spots and a picnic area right on the waterfront.
Head east from Shelly Beach to Toragy Point where you’ll find Moruya Heads Lookout for splendid views up and down the coast. There is also a historic graveyard at the headland where 20 burials took place from 1858.
Big4 at Moruya Heads offers a range of accommodation options if you’re keen to stay in the heart of the village.
Congo, micro destination
A tiny village on an ancient indigenous track
Just south of Moruya Heads is Congo, a small village right on the coast surrounded by Eurobodalla National Park and home to Congo Beach, a popular surfing spot.
The park’s campground is a great place to stay as it overlooks Congo Creek and is just a short walk from the beach.
From the campground you can walk the 14km Bingi Dreaming Track which follows part of the dreaming track used by the Brinja-Yuin people. Soak in the serenity of the eucalypt forest and marvel at the native flora and fauna. The headland also offers a great vantage point for whale watching in spring.
During your stay, be sure to check out Congo Crafts Gallery where local Jim Simms creates and sells his unique stoneware ceramics and paintings.
Potato Point
A micro destination with massive appeal
Take the family on a holiday they’ll remember forever in a natural bushland setting bursting at the seams with native wildlife including emus, wallabies and kangaroos.
Bordering the Eurobodalla National Park and Lake Brou, Potato Point is the perfect place to escape the grind and get back to nature.
Accommodation is available at the Beachcomber Holiday Park which has ocean views and a direct walking track to the beach. You can follow the sands down to Potato Point beach and out to Potato Point lookout which is another great place to spot whales during migration season.
Tuross Head, seaside village
Rivers, lakes and oceans
Tuross Head is a seaside village between Moruya and Narooma, with several lakes and rivers where you can enjoy boating, kayaking, fishing, and much more. Boats and other gear are available for hire at Tuross Boatshed on Trafalgar Road.
Head to One Tree Point Lookout for a spot of whale watching and a picnic, before playing a round of golf at Club Tuross. The country club also has a fabulous restaurant with 180 degree views of the lake and ocean, or book a table at The Pickled Octopus for fresh caught seafood and authentic Thai dishes.
Tuross Beach Cabins and Campsites offers a variety of accommodation options right on the waterfront.
