The ultimate guide to Batemans Bay accommodation

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No matter what travelling style you have, there’s an accommodation for you in Batemans Bay.

In Batemans Bay, you’ll find accommodation to suit any traveller. Here’s a breakdown of the best places to stay in Batemans Bay, a delightful town on the NSW South Coast. We’ve broken it down into categories that include cosy suites designed for romance, group houses for families, luxury options for holidaymakers, pet-friendly options and digs for group getaways.

Luxury accommodation in Batemans Bay

Jackson Ranch

Bannisters have a new property and it’s hidden amid 14 hectares of natural forest near Bawley Point, just a half-hour drive from Batemans Bay.

a luxe glamping accommodation at Jackson Ranch, Batemans Bay
Opt for luxe forest glamping at Jackson Ranch.

Jackson Ranch  sleeps up to 30 guests in five newly renovated and beautifully styled cabins that stretch from bush to beach.

a man floating on the pool at Jackson Ranch, Batemans Bay
Float on the pool at Jackson Ranch.

Stay in a hideaway cabin with an outdoor bathtub, a lakeview cabin with views of Lake Willinga or the four-bedroom homestead where your four-legged friend can curl up around the fireplace.

the living room of a homestead at Jackson Ranch, Batemans Bay
Stay in a rustic but cosy homestead at Jackson Ranch.

Best for: Jackson Ranch is aimed at those who like to enjoy an unparalleled level of luxury
Address: 101 Willinga Road, Bawley Point

The Oaks Ranch

The Oaks Ranch  is all about enjoying the landscape while ensconced in boutique comfort. The boutique resort lures keen golfers and those who want to simply enjoy the amenity of overlooking the course itself.

a bedroom with a sliding door and balcony at The Oaks Ranch, Batemans Bay
Wake up to scenic views of the bushland at The Oaks Ranch. (Image: @abbie_melle)

The estate, only minutes from Mossy Point, is on a 120-hectare master-planned resort surrounded by beautiful bushland and bucolic pastures that is arrayed around a Greg Norman-designed golf course.

an outdoor pool with sun loungers at The Oaks Ranch, Batemans Bay
Sunbathe in the outdoor pool at The Oaks Ranch. (Image: @abbie_melle)

The villas blend in with the colour palette of the countryside. After a round of golf, head to Arlo , one of the best places to eat near Batemans Bay.

the property exterior of The Oaks Ranch, Batemans Bay
The Oaks Ranch is a private haven in Mossy Point. (Image: @abbie_melle)

Best for: Keen golfers and those who want to flop and drop
Address: 340 Old Mossy Point Rd

Hotels and motels in Batemans Bay

The Isla

The Isla  is all about laid-back luxury, giving guests immediate access to world-famous surf breaks, quirky cafes and unspoilt beaches.

the property exterior of The Isla, Batemans Bay accommodation
The Isla could be your next island retreat. (Image: Destination NSW)

Although you will want to spend your days exploring the surrounding attractions, you can also kick back and chill here in comfort, listening to the sound of crashing waves from the comfort of your king-sized bed in your design-led room.

a classy and contemporary exterior of The Isla, Batemans Bay accommodation
Chill out with your loved ones at The Isla. (Image: Destination NSW)

Go for the Grande Suite, which has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a plunge pool. It also made it onto our list of Australia’s best retro motels.

an outdoor pool at The Isla, Batemans Bay accommodation
Lounge and sip cocktails by the pool. (Image: Destination NSW)

Best for: Road-trippers who appreciate an eco-conscious retrofit
Address: 222 Beach Rd, Batehaven

Abode Malua Bay

Abode Malua Bay  has a range of room types to accommodate large family groups. This hotel, which has 52 simple suites, is a jumping-off point for activities such as sea kayaking and surfing and long beach walks at sunrise past stands of wind-bent trees.

an aerial view of Abode Malua Bay near the beach
The beach is just a few steps away from Abode Malua Bay. (Image: PewPew Studios)

Guests in the apartment-style hotel, which has inter-connecting rooms and pet-friendly rooms, should borrow a bike and ride along the pristine beachfront.

a beachfront accommodation at Abode Malua Bay
Settle in your humble beachfront home at Abode Malua Bay. (Image: PewPew Studios)

Best for: Families or groups who like to be beside the seaside
Address: 4 Kuppa Avenue, Malua Bay

Bay Breeze

The newly renovated Bay Breeze Motel  is another boutique option located on the waterfront in Batemans Bay. The motel has had a refresh and its light-filled rooms and views of Batemans Bay and the pristine coastal seascape have huge appeal.

a comfy bed at Bay Breeze, Batemans Bay
Drift off to your comfy bed at Bay Breeze.

But the retro motel with its breezeblocks, archways, terracotta tones and prickly pear plantings also screams romance, smacking of pared-back Palm Springs glam.

a rustic and contemporary living room interior at Bay Breeze, Batemans Bay accommodation
The accommodation comes with rustic and contemporary furniture.

Best for: Those who like the convenience of being able to wine and dine in Batemans Bay
Address:
21 Beach Road, Batemans Bay

Airbnb and holiday homes in Batemans Bay

The Coco Cabana

While this tiny house in beautiful Broulee may be a diminutive dwelling, what it lacks in size it makes up for in attention to detail.

Every square inch of Coco Cabana  has been outfitted in style, from the oversized deck to the creature comforts such as the beautiful bed linen, private outdoor shower and big-picture windows overlooking tropical plantings.

coco cabana Batemans Bay
Shack up by the beach at Coco Cabana.

Best for: Surfers who want to take advantage of the tiny home’s proximity to the beach
Address:
A stone’s throw away from the beach in North Broulee

Jaguar Stay

Canberrans cottoned onto the joys of a break in Batemans Bay decades ago. And ACT residents lucky enough to have jagged a weekend at Jaguar Stay  probably want to keep these five-star architecturally designed and accessible villas to themselves. Oh well.

Located on a 50-hectare working cattle farm, the property has ambulant access and a swimming pool and is next to Mogo Zoo. The six one-bedroom villas all have plunge pools and polished interiors, and an outlook of green grass and gums.

Enjoy a luxurious stay in a private villa on a working cattle farm.

Best for: Romantics who want a luxe retreat near to nature
Address:
312 Tomakin Rd, just minutes from the village of Mogo

Caravan parks, camping and glamping in Batemans Bay

NRMA Batemans Bay Holiday Resort

You can forget about roughing it during your stay at the NRMA Batemans Bay Holiday Resort , where the luxury comes from the provision of facilities that will keep kids entertained for hours.

The NRMA Batemans Bay Holiday Resort has flipped the concept of campground and rebranded it as a resort with all the bells and whistles. In addition to the two-storey cabins, and pet-friendly deluxe digs, there are studio rooms, powered and unpowered tent and slab sites. It’s one of the best places to camp on the NSW South Coast.

the exterior of cabins with balconies at NRMA Batemans Bay Holiday Resort
Sleep in a cabin with a balcony at NRMA Batemans Bay Holiday Resort. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)

Best for: Families and those who want a camping holiday near nature on NSW South Coast
Address: 51 Beach Road, Batemans Bay, overlooking Corrigan’s Beach

NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort

This South Durras resort recently underwent significant upgrades with the entire park receiving a million-dollar makeover.

friends relaxing on the balcony of a cabin overlooking the beach at Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort in South Durras
Sip coffee by your front porch at NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort. (Image: Destination NSW)

You can choose to stay in a refreshed guest cabin or villa, pull up in your caravan or sleep under canvas at the new-look NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort , which has added a new bistro, bar and takeaway to make life even easier at basecamp. The facilities also include a kids’ club, e-mountain bikes, a lagoon-style pool and BBQ areas.

friends preparing for a surf surrounded by kangaroos at Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort in South Durras
You’ll be surrounded by kangaroos at NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort. (Image: Destination NSW)

Best for: Families who like to camp in comfort on the NSW South Coast
Address: Mill Beach, Banyanda St, South Durras

Houseboats in Batemans Bay

Clyde River Houseboats

Become a boatie during your short break in Batemans Bay and chug along the twists and turns of the Clyde River. Enjoy watching the scenery change onboard Clyde River Houseboats  where you will see shifting vignettes, from kangaroos feeding on the shoreline to oyster farmers checking their leases, to kids in dinghies riding the chop of the passing boats. Drop anchor off your Rivergum houseboat (8-10 berth) and cook the day’s catch. A houseboat holiday is one of the best ways to see the NSW South Coast.

Best for: Keen fisher folk, romantics, and those who like to fall asleep on an undulating waterway
Address:
29 Wray Street, North Batemans Bay

Carla Grossetti
Carla Grossetti avoided accruing a HECS debt by accepting a cadetship with News Corp. at the age of 18. After completing her cadetship at The Cairns Post Carla moved south to accept a position at The Canberra Times before heading off on a jaunt around Canada, the US, Mexico and Central America. During her career as a journalist, Carla has successfully combined her two loves – of writing and travel – and has more than two decades experience switch-footing between digital and print media. Carla’s CV also includes stints at delicious., The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Australian, where she specialises in food and travel. Carla also based herself in the UK where she worked at Conde Nast Traveller, and The Sunday Times’ Travel section before accepting a fulltime role as part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK. Carla and has been freelancing for Australian Traveller for more than a decade, where she works as both a writer and a sub editor.
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Where to eat, sleep and visit on Grand Pacific Drive, and beyond

The ultimate road trip begins and ends on NSW’s stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Whales, charming villages, fine wine and stunning natural vistas: there’s a lot to love about a road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales. Winding from the Royal National Park through Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven before heading inland to the Southern Highlands, this scenic drive makes for an unforgettable road trip.

But like all great road trips, it’s not just about the drive but the stops made along the way. From incredible farm-to-plate (and grape-to-glass) dining options to unbeatable natural vistas and quaint towns with beautiful accommodation, there’s plenty to explore en route.

Shellharbour Marina
Spend time in Shellharbour Marina.

Where to eat

What is a road trip without incredible food? Whether you’re after fresh seafood, slow-cooked paddock-to-plate feasts or delicious wines, you’ll find something around every bend along Grand Pacific Drive.

Restaurant Santino is a local Wollongong secret we can’t keep quiet any longer. With a fresh take on Italian cuisine, servings are hearty and flavours are comforting. The chitarra with blue swimmer crab, garlic, chilli, parsley and crustacean oil is a crowd favourite.

Keep it local in Shellharbour with a menu all about fresh local produce at Relish on Addison . From South Coast oysters and blue swimmer crab linguine to crispy pork belly, surf and turf takes on an elevated meaning here.

Kiama’s neighbourhood wine and cocktail bar, Little Betty’s , is just as good for a tasty share plate as it is for creative cocktails. The signature Grilled Octopus with burnt honey, garlic confit and sautéed Asian greens is worth a trip on its own.

Only the best will do in Shoalhaven, where multi-award-winning Bangalay Dining uses native Australian ingredients to bring its dishes to life. Start with the Smoked trout croquette before moving on to the sautéed potato gnocchi. Don’t forget the white chocolate mousse for dessert.

Meanwhile, the Southern Highlands are full of culinary highlights. From dining on incredibly fresh, local fare (we’re talking ingredients plucked from the team’s on-site kitchen garden or sourced through local producers) at Eschalot Restaurant in Berrima to creating gin blends at Millsheds Distillery .

bangalay dining shoalhaven
Taste native flavours at Bangalay Dining.

Exploring nature

Scenery is everything when hitting the road, and Grand Pacific Drive serves it up in spades. Drivers don’t even have to leave the car to enjoy the iconic ocean views from Seacliff Bridge (but several lookouts make it easy to stop).

Seaside Kiama boasts stunning beaches and famous blowholes. But travellers can also swap ocean for rainforest when taking the Minnamurra Rainforest walk, culminating in a picturesque waterfall. Or soar overhead at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures .

The scenic coastal drive along Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton.
Cruise along the stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Between May and November, 30,000 whales make their way passed the South Coast between May and November. Spot them from the coastal shores or join a whale-watching cruise from Shellharbour Marina or Jervis Bay. Dive in with Woebegone Freedive .

Shellharbour’s Killalea Regional Park is home to a traditional bush tucker and medicine walk with Aboriginal tour group, Gumaraa . Learn Indigenous healing practices and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and wisdom of the land’s Traditional Owners.

Wollongong is the perfect place for hikers, with the 6.5-kilometre Wodi Wodi track serving up views, settler history and a variety of landscapes in one loop. If you prefer, skip the walk and pull up at Bald Hill Lookout for expansive views south towards Wollongong (and a hang-glider or two).

For something truly unique, join the Highland Cow experience at The Swallow’s Nest in the Southern Highlands. In a brand-new offering, get a taste of farm life and help groom and feed these gorgeous creatures.

kiama coast walk people with dog
Wander the Kiama Coast Walk.

Unique experiences

No need to choose between an adrenaline rush or a culture fix, Grand Pacific Drive serves up both.

Soar into aviation history at Shellharbour’s HARS Aviation Museum .  Tour the museum, then join a guided walk onto the wing of the record-breaking Qantas Boeing 747 and see the significant historic aircraft up close.

If ever there was a place to skydive, it’s in Wollongong. Dive from 15,000 feet (tandem, of course) with Sky Dive Wollongong and see the coastal beauty of this region from above.

Shoalhaven’s Bundanon Art Museum has to be one of the most unique offerings in the country. The legacy of artist Arthur Boyd and more than just a gallery, find eco-accommodation, fine dining, award-winning architecture and community here.

Kiama’s Crooked River Estate is about more than just delicious wine.  Grab a picnic blanket and enjoy casual food and drinks with live music at Kick Back Fridays , every week.

Between June and August, the Southern Highlands’ Robertson attracts novice truffle hunters. Join the hunt at family-owned and operated Robertson Truffles (alternatively, you can order truffle treats online, if your sense of adventure isn’t up for it).

Freshly dug truffles at Terra Preta Truffles, Braidwood.
Discover hidden gems beneath the soil in the Southern Highlands. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where to stay

Road trips are the ultimate promotion for slow travel, encouraging visitors to take their time, enjoy the journey and stop along the way to really immerse themselves in local towns.

Find history and elegance at Berida Hotel in the Southern Highlands. Intimately set amongst gardens, but still close to the main street of Bowral, this 1920s private residence turned boutique hotel is the perfect stay.

Stay in one of Barranca’s private villas with views of rolling farmland overlooking the dramatic escarpment at Kangaroo Valley or be surrounded by native bushland (a short walk from the beach) in Jervis Bay.

Speaking of beachside escapes, Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach delivers unrivalled access to Wollongong’s beaches. These serviced apartments enjoy coastal views from spacious balconies.

For something completely different again, check in at Cicada Luxury Camping . Stay in safari-style or large bell tents, each with a private fire pit and top-notch kitchen facilities. Outside, enjoy spectacular countryside views.

Cicada Luxury Camping
Unwind at Cicada Luxury Camping. (Image: DNSW)

Discover more and plan your ultimate road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive and beyond at grandpacificdrive.com.au/grand.