Nelligen
The historic port village of Nelligen lies on a sweeping bend of the majestic Clyde River, 10kms west of Batemans Bay.
The picturesque riverside village of Nelligen is the first place to greet visitors arriving in Eurobodalla from the west via the Kings Highway.
A scenic drive just a few minutes from Batemans Bay on the South Coast of New South Wales, the town has signalled the start of a beach and bush holiday for generations of Australians.
Things To Do in Nelligen
The waterfront area along Wharf Street is a great place to relax and take in the peaceful qualities of the riverside village. Here, a wide grassy bank on the river makes a perfect place to picnic. Fish and chips and other takeaways are nearby.
Fishing is easy at Nelligen. You can throw a line in right from your picnic spot or from the jetty next to the boat ramp. Nelligen fishes well, with bream and flathead common, and huge mulloway lurking for the very lucky or very experienced.
Surrounded by forests, the Clyde River is remarkably pristine and undeveloped. Explore by boat or kayak to find islands, sandy beaches and numerous small tributaries. It’s very easy to find a place that feels like a remote wilderness, and a few hours among the forest-lined river can be transformative.
Steampacket Hotel Nelligen
Stop by the Steampacket hotel for a casual outing in Nelligen. With a pub, informal bistro and regular live acts, it’s a great way to while away a lazy afternoon.
Nelligen Cycling
Gravel roads that will take you through spectacular forest, rolling rural landscapes, riverside roads and hinterland climbs across Eurobodalla.
There are some great gravel rides from Nelligen which take riders out to Shallow Crossing and beyond to Big Bit Lookout.
Cruise or kayak
Kayaking is a very popular way to explore the waterways around Nelligen.
Hire a kayak from Nelligen Kayak Hire or take a guided tour from Batemans Bay with Merinda Cruises to see the oyster farms of the lower reaches of the Clyde River.
The Merinda Cruise departs daily from the Boatshed in Batemans Bay and takes a scenic trip up the Clyde River to Nelligen and return. Enjoy an optional fish, chips and salad lunch on board.
Boats are a regular site on the river and if you have your own you can launch it at Nelligen for the boat ramp on the western side of the river. Boat hire is available from Batemans Bay.
History
Nelligen is a tranquil place, and sits on the edge of the Clyde River as if watching over the past. The town’s history is rich and fascinating with gold prospectors, bushrangers and steam ships having all called Nelligen home.
The once bustling streets are now quiet and serene – the soothing tranquility of the river matched only by the silence of the surrounding forests.
Nelligen was once a busy port servicing Braidwood’s farming district and the Araluen goldfields. It pre-dates Batemans Bay.
A track over the Clyde Mountain was built mid 1850’s. Ships landed passengers and supplies and returned with cargoes of wool, gold, timber and produce for Sydney. By 1860 Nelligen boasted a large warehouse, four hotels, two stores, two blacksmiths, baker and a police watchhouse. As gold mining waned, timber dominated Nelligen’s shipping. Its days as a port ended in the early 1950’s.
Nelligen accommodation
BIG4 Nelligen Holiday Park
Why not set yourself up right on the edge of the Clyde River at the local BIG4 Nelligen caravan park? Whether you’ve come to camp, park your RV or relax in a cosy cabin, BIG4 has got you covered. On the Kings Highway and just minutes from the busy town of Batemans Bay, the park facilities will keep the whole family entertained with a heated pool, BBQ’s, a tennis court, kids game room and many more attractions, it’s hard to stay idle for long.
Clyde River Cottage
Are you a couple looking for something a bit more intimate? Then the Clyde River Cottage may be the perfect pick. Enjoy the solitude of your own one-bedroom cottage and private jetty with the Clyde River right at your doorstep and just minutes from Batemans Bay.
