Park yourself in a park

Things to do in Nelligen

Nelligen may be small, but this tiny community on the Clyde River offers plenty for a family-friendly outing.  The playground and picnic area on the waterfront are long time favourites of visitors coming from Canberra and Braidwood, and the boat-shaped play equipment offers a perfect chance for young kids to stretch their legs after being in the car. 

The River Café at 1 Wharf Street, directly opposite the playground, makes this an easy spot to grab a bite or a coffee as the kids play.

Feeling fit? Although Nelligen is still classified as a port, the busiest water traffic may be from the canoes and kayaks available for hire less than 100m away from the playground at Nelligen Kayak Hire; an excellent way to enjoy Nelligen’s relaxing surrounds from the water. Nelligen is also a good spot for fishing.

Corrigans Beach Reserve Park

and Accessible Playground

Just four kilometres south of Batemans Bay, Corrigan’s Beach Reserve and Accessible Playground is even better than the name suggests. Yes, this is a top beachside location with a large accessible playground and some big trees for shade, but it’s also handily located next to a cycleway. There are spectacular ocean views from Observation Point just one kilometre down the road.

If all that isn’t enough of a drawcard, parents hoping to fit in a spot of local browsing while the kids play will be interested to hear that the region’s creative hub, Edward Road Market Place houses a gallery (Market Gallery on Edward, a collaborative of 8 local artists), a food/coffee van, fruit and vege offerings and local events, including a regular market.

Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden

For families looking for a one-stop outing involving play, nature and the all important third component of many successful family outings (coffee!) the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden hits all the right notes.

The 103-acre site tucked in the Mogo State Forest is just five kilometres south of Batemans Bay. Offers wide open spaces; educational activities in the visitors centre (unaffected by last year’s bushfires); and a lovely playground with options for young children to climb, swing or spin away the hours before or after a short walk on one of the site’s pram-friendly trails. While the Botanic Garden was hit hard in the 2019 fires, many visitors comment on the obvious work that has gone into the site as part of the recovery efforts.

For many adults the tranquility of the shady verandah at the Gardens Cafe alone is worth the trip. It’s open every day during school holidays or 10am-4pm Wednesday to Sunday outside of school holidays. Homemade soup, beef pot pie and toasties all feature on the menu.

Apex Park, Narooma

At the end of Narooma’s wonderful Mill Bay Boardwalk, and just a stone’s throw from the kid friendly snorkelling haven of Bar Beach South, Apex Park and Wagonga Playground offer a peaceful diversion for families with young children. 

A table and BBQ under shade make this a good lunch or picnic spot, while a netted beach off the park is perfect for splashing around. Hang out near the fish cleaning tables at the start of the boardwalk for a good chance of spotting seals and stingrays.

Quota Park, Narooma

This quiet park on Riverside Drive is known as an idyllic spot to eat fish and chips bought from The Inlet or sit in for lunch at the Quarterdeck, conveniently located past the edge of the park.  While you wait, kids will enjoy the playground, or if you’re feeling active, make use of the attached cycleway or try renting a water bike.

Riverside Park, Moruya

With swings, slides, climbing structures and flying foxes, it’s no wonder the playground at Riverside Park is a popular spot. 

The home of Moruya’s Saturday markets and the award winning SAGE farmers market, Riverside Park boasts BBQ and picnic facilities as well as plenty of areas for a waterfront walk.

If you’re having a day off from the beach, the public pool (The Moruya War Memorial Swimming Centre) is also onsite.