As the summer heat gives way to cooler days and coastal air leaves a refreshing crispness, autumn reveals a more colourful side of the Eurobodalla region to discover. Nestled on the South Coast of New South Wales, coastal and inland towns — from South Durras to Central Tilba — take on a leisurely pace, giving you the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs and explore nature away from the blistering sun with some of the best Autumn activities in Eurobodalla.
Whether you’re a nature lover, adventure seeker, or just craving a relaxing escape, spending Autumn in Batemans Bay, Narooma and beyond means golden-hued bushland, milder temperatures and the perfect conditions for exploring the great outdoors without the hustle and bustle. Need a headstart on planning your trip? Our guide shares the top things to do in Eurobodalla over April, May and June to keep you entertained, relaxed and wanting more for a weekend or week-plus away.
Things to do: Outdoor adventures in Eurobodalla this April, May and beyond
Discover a different side of the region with these must-do activities:
1. Bushwalking and hiking
With a new season turning the corner, cooler days and balmy nights provide ideal conditions to experience the NSW south coast at its autumn best from scenic trails. Lace up your walking boots — Murramarang National Park allows you to slip in and out of dense forest following a visitor-favourite Eurobodalla coastal walk. From towering gum trees shading the path to expansive views across the Pacific Ocean and opportunities for snorkelling and mountain bike riding, you can easily spend a few hours or all day traversing Eurobodalla national parks.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly walk that offers a side of education, head to the Wasp Head Walking Tract near South Durras, where you can see evidence of the ice age on the local landscape. Sculpted sandstone cliffs offer a glimpse into the past, showing unique rock formations, clusters of shellfish fossils, petrified magma and pools of sedimentary conglomerate rock.
Thought animals hibernated in Autumn? Wildlife spotting in NSW rarely gets better than this. Don’t miss the Pretty Beach to Pebbly Beach walk, where you might spot kangaroos lounging by the shore. For something a little more off the beaten path, try Gulaga Mountain, a culturally significant site with lush rainforest and panoramic vistas. While it’s a more intermediate trek, it will reward you with one of the best autumn hikes in Eurobodalla.
2. Whale watching and wildlife spotting
When autumn approaches, it’s time to dust off your binoculars and keep your camera charged, as Eurobodalla is a prime location for spotting these gentle giants. The months around May mark the beginning of the whale-watching season as they begin their northern migration. Head to Bar Rock Lookout in Narooma, Toragy Point in Moruya, or the Batemans Bay coastal headlands for a good chance of seeing humpbacks on the move.
If you want a destination where you can see everything in one place, Montague Island offers the ultimate autumn wildlife spotting in NSW. From the lighthouse or its coastline, you can sit back, relax and view everything from whales to the island’s resident colonies of fur seals, penguins and a wide variety of seabirds.
3. Beach activities and coastal walks
While autumn brings a slight chill to the water, it provides a refreshing temperature to cool you down when burning a sweat while surfing, paddle boarding, and snorkelling. Plus, with fewer crowds, you may even have the beach to yourself, allowing you to swim, enjoy a Eurobodalla coastal walk or try your hand at watersports at your own pace.
Tomakin Beach is a hidden gem along the south coast, perfect for people of all swimming abilities to unwind. Nestled between Broulee and Mossy Point, this sheltered beach offers small rolling waves for bodysurfing and swimming. For people who haven’t graduated from wearing floaties, swimming vests and bands, metres away opposite the beach, the Tomaga River offers still water for infants to kick, splash and play. Keep your eye out for more wildlife spotting, with soldier crabs, stingrays and pelicans calling the area home.
For a beach day that lets you explore nature from different angles, Broulee Beach ticks every box. Located within a marine sanctuary, you can circumnavigate littoral rainforest and native plants along the island on foot and uncover ancient middens of abalone and hermit crab shells, giving you insights into the Yuin people and local Indigenous history before embarking on one of the best outdoor adventures in Eurobodalla this April, May and June. South of the island in Shark Bay, seagrass meadows, sand flats and reefs invite you to delve into spectacular snorkelling experiences, spotting stingrays, green turtles, banjo sharks, as well as the endangered weedy sea dragon and eastern blue devil fish.
If you like to live on the wild side, kite surfing with The Kite Bus will get your heart racing as you discover Eurobodalla from the water and sky. Book a tour and experience the thrills of thrashing through the ocean and the wind in your hair as you try to control the kite.
Must-see outdoor events in Eurobodalla this April and May
From coastal festivals to country markets and cultural celebrations, soak up the region’s vibrant community spirit and natural charm with a full roster of events to fill your calendar. You need to add these events to your itinerary:
18th April to 18th May: Tilba Australian Heritage Festival
Step back in time with the Australian Heritage Festival in Tilba, running throughout April and May. This year’s theme, Connections, is brought to life through roving theatre performances, poetry readings and crafts demonstrations that immerse you in the stories that have shaped Tilba’s charming heritage village. (Ticketed)
2-4th May: Narooma Oyster Festival
Seafood lovers, save your appetite for the Narooma Oyster Festival. Over four days, Quota Park celebrates coastal living with a weekend of food, live music and shucking competitions. Sample award-winning oysters straight from the source, enjoy cooking demonstrations by top chefs and dance along to live entertainment — all with breathtaking views of Wagonga Inlet. (Ticketed)
Various dates: Come and Try Golf for the Disabled
Catalina Country Club is hosting a Come and Try Golf Day for people with disabilities. In an inclusive event, people of all abilities can try their hand at golf, meet others and have fun on the green. Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned pro, book your tickets and try not to pick the wrong club! (Free, Ticketed)Every Saturday: Moruya Country Market
Held every Saturday morning on the banks of the Moruya River, the Moruya Country Market is a lively celebration of local life. Browse dozens of stalls offering fresh produce, handmade goods, delicious treats, and live music under the gums.
Planning your autumn Eurobodalla visit
Before you head off on your autumn escape to Eurobodalla, here are a few essential things to know to help you make the most of your trip.
Getting here
The Eurobodalla region is easily accessible from both Sydney and Canberra, making it a convenient getaway for a long weekend or extended break. While there are multiple bus and train services from either city, travelling by car is the easiest option for visiting multiple towns and exploring nature in Eurobodalla national parks.
- From Sydney: The scenic drive from Sydney to Batemans Bay, Narooma and Moruya takes around four and a half hours via the Princes Highway. It’s a relaxing road trip with plenty of great spots to take a break with a coffee or meal surrounded by nature. Bus services also run from Sydney to Batemans Bay and Moruya, with regional connections available through Premier Motor Service and NSW TrainLink.
- From Canberra: You can reach the NSW South Coast in just under two hours, meaning there are no excuses not to join in on the many autumn activities in Eurobodalla. The Kings Highway connects the ACT to Batemans Bay, and the drive offers beautiful views as you descend from the mountains to the coast. For those without a car, daily bus services operate between Canberra and key Eurobodalla towns through Murray Coaches, Priors Bus Services and Rixons Shuttle Services.
What to wear
Autumn in Eurobodalla brings milder days and cooler evenings, so it’s best to pack for all weather scenarios. Look for clothes you can easily layer, outfits suitable for visiting restaurants at night, and enclosed walking shoes to support your feet while touring towns and bushwalking. Don’t forget your swimmers and goggles too.
Where to stay
Eurobodalla offers a wide range of accommodation options, from deluxe hotels to cosy coastal cabins, beachside holiday parks and boutique B&Bs. Popular towns like Batemans Bay, Narooma, Moruya, and Tilba all provide excellent options depending on your preferred pace and style of travel. For nature lovers, there are also campgrounds and eco-accommodation nestled in or near Eurobodalla national parks.
Book a tour
Want to see the best of Eurobodalla without the stress of planning every detail? A guided tour is a fantastic way to explore the region’s natural beauty, unique wildlife, and cultural heritage with the insight of a local. From options that take you through unique natural landscapes to surfing lessons and chartered scenic flights and boat trips, you can find tours for half-day, full-day, and multi-day trips for one person or your entire family. Book a tour today to experience the ultimate outdoor adventure in Eurobodalla this April and May.
Visit Eurobodalla and experience the region at its autumn best
From coastal walks and vibrant markets to food festivals, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences — Eurobodalla is the perfect destination to unwind, explore and reconnect with nature this autumn. With fewer crowds, breathtaking scenery, and a packed calendar of outdoor events — there’s never been a better time to visit.
So why wait? Start planning your Eurobodalla getaway today and discover everything the region has to offer.
