Situated on the stunning South Coast of New South Wales, Eurobodalla is one of Australia’s best kept secrets. It boasts an exceptional climate with mild winters and warm summers, making it the ultimate road trip destination away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Despite being about an hour drive top to bottom, Eurobodalla is best experienced over the course of a few days to truly let you take in the beauty of the region.
Here you can explore pristine beaches, quaint towns, majestic national parks and hidden bays, or simply swap busy city life for laid back vibes on Australia’s most beautiful coastline. With so much to see and do, Eurobodalla is a holiday paradise offering plenty of unique experiences. Whether you want to surf epic waves, take a whale-watching cruise or sample local seafood delicacies, there’s something for everyone in this stunning region!
Trip Distance: 110km
Where: Eurobodalla on the south coast of New South Wales
Distance from Sydney: 4 hours/275km via Princes Highway A1/M1
Distance from Canberra: 2 hours/150km via Kings Highway B52
Duration: 1 week
Key Stops:
Getting there
Batemans Bay
Every South Coast road trip calls for a stop at Batemans Bay. There’s so much to love about this beautiful coastal town, from its stunning coastline and boardwalk to its thriving food scene and beyond. Start your time in Eurobodalla by stopping by the Batemans Bay Heritage Museum, learning the history of the iconic area. On those days when the weather’s great, take a trip to the must-see Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden, with its vast array of native flora that really thrive in spring and summer. To wrap up a busy day, fish from the wharf, visit historic landmarks, explore nearby beaches and wetlands or just relax and take in the atmosphere with friends and family. With a range of delicious local food available, you’ll be spoiled for choice for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Mogo
Brimming with beauty and charm, you’ll want to take the time to explore everything in the historic town of Mogo, from the hidden treasures of the shopping precinct to the incredible animal displays at Mogo Wildlife Park. While you’re there, explore the historic gold mining sites on Mogo Hill and pick up some sweets from The Mogo Lolly Shop or Mogo Fudge & Ice Cream. Head back up to Batemans Bay for the night or enjoy a stay at one of the many accommodation options in Mogo.
Day 2: The Coast Road
Take the scenic route to your next gorgeous destination, following the gorgeous coastline from Batemans Bay via Beach Road. Tourist Drive 7 (George Bass Drive, lovingly nicknamed “The Coast Road”) is an essential leg of any road trip—a quaint alternative to the Princes Highway. Enjoy some gorgeous ocean views and quiet localities, making sure to stop by some of the best little towns in the region.
Batehaven
Start your day at Corrigans Beach, with its crystal clear waters and golden sand. If you dare, take a plunge into the sea for that perfect early morning wake-up call. Get your daily dose of caffeine by following Beach Road south into the centre of Batehaven, where you have your choice of local cafes. Follow up your meal with a leisurely 10 minute stroll to Observation Point, where sweeping views overlook the bay, Caseys Beach and beyond.
Malua Bay
Head south down George Bay Drive and down to Malua Bay, passing beautiful Sunshine Bay and stopping in at Surf Beach for lunch (or, as the name suggests, a surf). If you’re up for a swim, take your pick of stunning beaches situated perfectly on the coast. We recommend making your way to Malua Bay and taking a dip in the gorgeous Malua Bay Beach, with golden sands and shimmering water that’s perfect for the whole family. Get your steps in by taking an easy 20-minute walk up to Pretty Point, enjoying the serene view over Pretty Point Beach and Mackenzies Beach.
Guerilla Bay
On your way down to Tomakin, take a small detour off The Coast Road and into Guerilla Bay. One of the best kept secrets in New South Wales, Guerilla Bay is home to a series of stunning headlands, coves, beaches and ancient rock formations. From Burrewarra Point Lookout, you’ll be privy to stunning views over the ocean and Jimmies Island. In spring, you might just be lucky enough to see humpback whales and their calves heading south on their annual migration. From the lookout, take a few minutes to explore the Banksia Walk which meanders through the native forest and out to the rugged cliff face of the headland.
Tomakin
When in Tomakin, take a trip over the Melville Point or Mossy Point lookout, enjoying the beautiful water views of the south coast. If you’re up for a quick feed, drop into Mossy On Pacific for a classic cafe-style meal or coffee. For something meatier, go over to Smokey Dan’s Bar & Grill, with the option of smoked brisket, pulled pork burger, blazed chook pizza and more.
Broulee
This quintessential town embodies everything you love about summer holidays, with beautiful beaches, amazing surf and stunning blue waters. Broulee Headland lookout is a must-visit spot, with a broad rock platform that overlooks the water perfectly. If you’re lucky, you might even see the migrating whales in spring. Follow the platform and you’ll find a beach, quietly hidden away from the masses. From there, continue along to Broulee Island Nature reserve. Take your time to explore it as you please, checking out hotel and railway ruins which have been taken back by the local wildlife.
Head into Moruya for the night, or spend the night at one of the hotels, cottages or holiday parks in Broulee.
Day 3: Moruya & Bodalla
Moruya
The small yet bustling town of Moruya will make your adventure one to remember. Just 20 minutes south of Batemans Bay, this serene locale is perfectly situated on the banks of the Moruya River and is known for its relaxed way of life. To really experience the beauty of Moruya, wake up early and head into town for breakfast at one of the nearby cafes. If you’re there on a Saturday, you won’t want to miss the Country Market, where you can browse over 140 stalls, offering fresh produce and locally-made arts and crafts from talented artisans. While in town, notice the historic buildings from the late 18th and early 19th centuries, many of which remain unchanged. If you’re up for something new, take in the beauty of the coast from way up above with a scenic flight from South Coast Seaplanes.
Bodalla
After a busy morning in Moruya, take the Princes Highway down to Bodalla for a relaxing afternoon. A stop at the Dairy Shed is essential when passing through this dairying hub, offering locally made milk, gourmet cheese, milkshakes, ice cream and more. With some free time in the afternoon, drop by the variety of quirky boutiques that Bodalla has to offer: Bodalla Lavender Shop, Not A Bad Shop Bodalla and Artisans Nest. An easy walk or drive through this gorgeous locale will showcase its heritage charm, with churches and gardens that shouldn’t be missed. Wrap up your evening by enjoying a feed at Bodalla Pub before heading to bed at one of the many accommodation options (including the Dairy Shed itself).
Days 4 & 5: Narooma
Just 20 minutes south from Bodalla is beautiful Narooma. With so much to do and see, Narooma is the perfect place to call home for a couple of nights.
Narooma
Enchanted with captivating blue hues of lakes, rivers and the ocean, Narooma is a natural wonder in its own right. This small yet serene town is located at the mouth of the gorgeous Wagonga Inlet, with sweeping bends that allow you to fully absorb its beauty. We recommend taking a leisurely drive through Narooma, straying from the Princes Highway and instead following the beautiful waterfront views. Stop where your heart desires; from Mill Bay Boardwalk to Australia Rock, there’s no short of incredible things to see and explore. On sunny days, you might be lucky enough to spot some seals, rays or dolphins frolicking in the shallow waters around Mill Bay.
If you’re up for some activity, enjoy the dense greenery of the Box Cutting Rainforest walk. This easy 35 minute walk is brimming with gorgeous flora and fauna, from glowing fungi and thriving mosses to beautiful bowerbirds, lyrebirds and crimson rosellas. For something more scenic, you can’t go past Glasshouse Rocks. Accessed from Narooma surfbeach at low tide, the easy walk leads to unparalleled views of the Glasshouse Rocks—one of the east coast’s most popular natural landmarks.
As for food, the world is your oyster! Fresh local seafood, meat and produce is available across all of Eurobodalla, and Narooma is no exception. Head to any of the nearby cafes or restaurants to experience delicious meals that have been lovingly crafted by Narooma locals. If you time your trip right, you can even experience the finest cuisines on offer at the annual Narooma Oyster Festival in May.
Day 6: Barunguba Montague Island
Located just a 20 minute boat ride from Narooma, Barunguba Montague Island is a nature lover’s paradise and a must-visit destination. Accessible only by NSW National Parks & Wildlife contracted commercial operators, you can enjoy the beauty of the island with one of the many guided tours available.
Barunguba Montague Island
Bustling with unforgettable sights and sounds, Barunguba Montague Island will envelope you in captivating ocean vistas, wildlife and pristine beaches from the moment you arrive.
Step off the boat and onto the thriving island, with native flora and fauna that are nothing short of stunning. Several different tour options are available, meaning you can pick the experience that best suits you.
Take a whale watching tour to experience the beauty of their annual migration in spring, or embrace your inner thrill-seeker with an incredible shark dive. For something more grounded, enjoy the many tours of the island, letting you see the beautiful fur seals, little penguins and dolphins that call Montague Island home.
Why head back to the mainland after your tour when you can take your holiday to the next level? Stay a night at the lighthouse keeper’s cottage, with vintage decor and a captivating history that will make this a stay to remember. Fully equipped with modern appliances and amenities, this heritage cottage is the perfect springtime getaway. If you’d prefer to head back to shore for the evening, stay at one of the many accommodation options in Narooma.
Day 7: Tilba District
A mere 20 minute drive south of Narooma, the Tilba District is the crossroad of the hills and the coast. Like the rest of Eurobodalla, Tilba is home to countless beautiful beaches and lookouts that showcase the stunning coastline. Uniquely, Tilba is also the host of a forested ancient volcano, with this beautiful mountain forever overlooking the district. Significant to the Yuin people on the south coast, Gulaga Mountain is one native landmark that shouldn’t be missed.
Tilba
Rich with Indigenous cultural history, Tilba is one of the best heritage areas in Australia. To experience the beauty and heritage of the land, take in the greenery of Gulaga Mountain (Dromedary) up close and personal. The Gulaga Mountain Walk in Gulaga National Park is not for the faint of heart, with a challenging 14km walk that’s like no other. Despite the difficulty, this trek is worth it, immersing you in the history that the Yuin people valued so deeply. Described by Indigenous people as the place of ancestral origin for the Yuin nation, acting as a basis for their spiritual identity.
Preserved architecture and the postcard countryside may feel untouched by time. Take a guided walking tours to learn how this incredible area has changed over the years. These days, Tilba is the home of delicious cheeses like those produced by the ABC Cheese Factory (now trading as Tilba Dairy). A perfect stop for any cheese lover. Follow up with a meal at the historic Dromedary Hotel and collect some wine from Tilba Valley Winery. Select from one of the many luxurious cottages or bed and breakfasts to call it a night.
What’s Next?
Looking to continue your road trip? Head down south to the Sapphire Coast, stopping by Ben Boyd National Park and all the beautiful sights as you head south towards Melbourne. If you’re coming back up north and continuing your road trip further, why not take a detour through Canberra, checking out all the natural and man-made beauties of the ACT. Before you retire back home in Sydney, make sure to drop by a sunny Sydney beach and the Royal National Park before wrapping up your trip.
