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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The tastiest new players on Newcastle’s dining scene you need to try

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw
Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle
Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB,  the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw
Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths
Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle
Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw
Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.