16 Best Things To Do in Batemans Bay

Let us introduce you to the NSW South Coast town that has a little something for everyone.

From the waves that draw surfers to the oyster farm tours for foodies and wildlife attractions for families, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to finding things to do in Batemans Bay. We’ve broken it down into categories for fun, couples, families and things to do a bit further afield, if you have the time. So what are you waiting for? Get ready to dive into the best things to do in Batemans Bay.

Fun things to do in Batemans Bay

Looking for fun things to do in Batemans Bay? You can lose track of time at one of the local beaches, walk through the wilderness, enjoy some retail therapy, explore the botanic gardens or kayak along the Clyde River, known as Bhundoo to the local Yuin people.

1. Enjoy a Clyde River Oyster Tasting Kayak Tour

Join fourth-generation oyster farmers and local tour operator Region X for a taste of Australia’s Oyster Coast.

two people paddling along Batemans Bay during sunset — Witness the sunset over Batemans Bay while paddling on a canoe. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)

Paddle under the Batemans Bay Bridge to visit working oyster farms, explore the Clyde River, and spot crabs, fish, eagle rays and waterbirds. If you’d prefer to go it alone, you can choose to hire a kayak or stand-up paddleboard for an hour or an entire day.

a woman kayaking along Batemans Bay, Clyde River Oyster Tasting Kayak Tour — Join the Clyde River Oyster Tasting Kayak Tour to taste the freshest oysters in Australia. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)

2. Enjoy gourmet fish and chips on a river cruise

A cruise up the Clyde River onboard the MV Merinda in Batemans Bay is an exercise in nostalgia. Take a twilight dinner cruise or three-hour lunch cruise all the way to Nelligen on the cruise, which is one of the highlights on the self-drive Gourmet Coast Trail. Expect expert commentary and ocean-to-plate seafood from the Innes Boatshed, one of the best places for fish and chips in Batemans Bay.

the dining interior at The Innes Boatshed, Batemans Bay — Dine with your friends at The Innes Boatshed. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)

3. Batemans Bay Sculpture Walk

Immerse yourself in the local arts scene by floating along the 1.5-kilometre-long Batemans Bay Sculpture Walk. The walk carves through Batemans Bay CBD and along the breezy foreshore to the marina and rockwall, with lots of public art dotted along the pathway.

a silver ring sculpture along Batemans Bay Sculpture Walk — Walk past incredible sculptures along the seaside path in Batemans Bay. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)

Want to step it up? Bounce along the Broulee Island Nature Reserve Walk which is known for its birdlife, including the fairy wren and white-bellied sea eagle.

the Sculptures of the Clyde along Batemans Bay Sculpture Walk — Be part of the annual Sculpture for Clyde event along Batemans Bay Sculpture Walk. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)

4. Swim with seals

The Eurobodalla is known as ‘the land of many waters’. Heads are known to swivel when snorkelling or diving with fur seals on a tour with Montague Island Tours, which takes visitors to witness the largest seal colony in NSW, located just a 20 minute boat ride from Narooma on the mainland. Advanced divers will find a lot of fish and enjoy fascinating encounters with seals.

5. Wildlife encounters with penguins, whales and more

There are plenty of wildlife encounters to be had in Batemans Bay. Other than diving with seals, you can enter Montague Island Nature Reserve with Montague Island Tours to visit a Little penguin colony. In the evening, you can watch the adorable creatures waddle onto shore as they return home. When it’s whale migration season, you can head out with an experienced guide to watch the the mighty marine creatures. A pod of dolphins will likely make a cameo, too. If you’re interested in whale watching, we’ve rounded up the best places in Australia to spot whales.

whale Eurobodalla — Spot whales off Montague Island. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism; @eurobodalla)

6. Mooch around a farmers market

Access locally grown or harvested food at SAGE Farmers’ Market, a legendary local farmers’ market held every Tuesday afternoon in Moruya Riverside Park.

people shopping around Sage Farmers’ Market — Shop around SAGE Farmers’ Market in Moruya Riverside Park. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)

The Batemans Bay Sunday Market, held on the third Sunday of each month, is also worth a visit, selling everything from fresh briny oysters to bric-a-brac, second-hand clothing and wood-fired sourdough. Moruya Country Markets is held every Saturday morning at Riverside Park and features bespoke art and craft, music and food stalls.

people buying local fruits and veggies at Sage Farmers’ Market — Fill your baskets with local produce at Sage Farmers’ Market. (Image: J Griffiths Photography)

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

7. Meet creative types at the Mogo Collective

The Mogo Collective stands out for its dedication to supporting local artists. The colourful collective is packed with everything from Indigenous artworks to paintings and property, knitwear, delicate jewellery, antique suitcases, furniture and food. Visit local artist Grace Paleg at her studio gallery in Batemans Bay where you can also purchase one of her pretty pastel artworks.

the exterior of the Mogo Collective — Find new and old treasures at Mogo Collective. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)

8. Enjoy brunch at The Mossy Cafe

Service is sparkly-eyed and charming at The Mossy Cafe, which you will find at Mossy Point along the coast road south from Batemans Bay to Broulee.

the cafe exterior of Mossy Point — Order a smoothie at Mossy Point.

The menu options can be overwhelming here so, to aid in your planning, we’ve done the research: order beans and cheese jaffles and Grinch smoothies for the kids and a Middle Eastern brunch bowl for the grown-ups. Check out some of Batemans Bay’s top restaurants while you’re here.

a plate of burger and fries at Mossy Point — Grab a bite of burger and fries at Mossy Point.

Things to do for couples in Batemans Bay

Want to impress your Bumble date while in Batemans Bay? Sidestep around the obvious and lean into less-hyped experiences designed to surprise and delight.

9. Follow a local food trail

The recommendations dotted along the Eurobodalla Food Trail have been mapped out with foodies in mind. Inspired highlights on the self-drive itinerary include farmers’ markets, ocean-to-plate experiences and visits to coffee roasters that will please connoisseurs.

a close-up photo of bee harvesting during the Eurobodalla Food Trail — Learn sustainable bee farming practices during the Eurobodalla Food Trail. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)

Pack a hamper so you can source local produce and curate your own feast. The Gourmet Coast Trail also makes food the focus of its bespoke Batemans Bay itinerary.

a guy cooking food during the Eurobodalla Food Trail — Sign up for a gastronomic escapade at Eurobodalla Food Trail.

10. Ride an e-bike along the riverside

Discover the Eurobodalla by looping around an extensive range of paths, trails and signposted routes. There are almost 400 kilometres of pathways and trails that snake along the coast. Take a guided tour or hire an e-bike from Bateman’s Bay Cycles for an easier ride. Cruise Bateman’s Bay’s foreshore, cycle to a manicured park to find a place to picnic, or spot whales during the migration season.

Batemans Bay Cycles in Batemans Bay, NSW — Join a cycling tour with Batemans Bay Cycles.

11. Enjoy a dozen oysters at The Wray St Oyster Shed in Batemans Bay

The Clyde River is surrounded by national parks and is itself part of the area’s marine park. This translates to fabulous farm-fresh oysters; go shuck yourself at The Oyster Shed on Wray Street or order a freshly opened dozen to slurp down on the deck outside the rustic blue shed overlooking the oyster leases.

farmers returning to Wray Street Oyster Shed, Batemans Bay with fresh oysters — Farmers harvest fresh oysters at Batemans Bay. (Image: Destination NSW)

Seeing the stingrays being fed near the oyster shed is also an in-the-know attraction.
a farmer holding an opened fresh oyster at The Oyster Shed, Batemans Bay

Slurp down newly harvested shellfish at The Oyster Shed. (Image: Destination NSW)

Things to do for families in Batemans Bay

Batemans Bay for families is all about getting out and about amid the national parks and marine reserves, kayaking, walking, wildlife and camping. Here are a few more ideas for families.

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12. Visit Mogo Wildlife Park

Gorillas, rhinos, gibbons, Bolivian squirrel monkeys, giraffe, zebra, meerkats, cotton-top tamarins, snow leopards, Sumatran tigers, red pandas, ring-tailed lemurs, otters, siamangs and white lions are just a few of the 250 animals housed at Mogo Wildlife Park, which is committed to the conservation of endangered species. Mogo Zoo is located just outside Batemans Bay.

the entrance of Mogo Wildlife Park — Get a chance to see local wildlife up close at Mogo Wildlife Park. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)

13. Catch a wave around Batemans Bay

Sign up for a surf lesson at Broulee Surf School near Batemans Bay to learn the basics or perfect more intermediate moves.

kids holding surfboards at Broulee Surf School — Get your surfboards ready. (Image: Destination NSW)

Founded in the 1990s by local surfing legend Kel Wehner, who pioneered the local surf scene, the accredited instructors at the family-run surf school know all the best breaks, regardless of whether you are new to surfing or want to level up to intermediate.

kids learning how to surf at Broulee Surf School, Batemans Bay — Learn how to stand-up paddle and surf at Broulee Surf School. (Image: Destination NSW)

14. Sunset Pizza Paddle

Incentivise your children to get off their screens and do something oarsome with local tour operator Region X. As well as providing opportunities to drop in a few dad jokes, you will enjoy some quality time together on your float and feast tour through the Clyde River National Park. Float like a leaf in the river while you enjoy fresh pizza delivered to your kayak while watching the setting sun paint the sky.

Free things to do around Batemans Bay

Some of the best things to do in and Batemans Bay are free. Basically, the top things to do in Batemans Bay revolve around nature. From visiting the botanical garden to hiking the Mt Budawang Trail or spending a day at the beach, here’s how to have fun without spending a penny.

15. Visit the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens

Thinking about rewilding your garden? Becoming a guerrilla gardener? Or simply indulging in some wilderness therapy? The Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens are a great place to start.

Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden in Mogo, NSW — Discover the flora and fauna of the Eurobodalla region. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)

Being outdoors is something that everyone in the family will enjoy as there are lots of plants and flowers here to appreciate. Regardless of the time of year, there will be surging displays of wildflowers and plants that hold their colour year-round. Kids will love exploring the feature gardens.

16. Take a hike or bushwalk

Lace up your boots and get a wriggle on. Mt Budawang Trail is only four kilometres long. But it punches up 430 metres to the summit along a route that can be rocky and rather hectic. Switch your photo format to panoramic so you can best capture the 360-degree view. Pack plenty of water as the trail, which threads through a diverse range of environments – from grassy woodland to wet gullies – will take a full day.

17. Spend the day soaking up the sun

There are a lot of beautiful beaches in Batemans Bay. But staking your claim to a patch of sand will depend on whether you’ve come to Batemans Bay to swim, soak up the sun, or surf.

a scenic view of Denhams Beach, Batemans Bay — Hear the sound of the gentle waves crashing on Denhams Beach.

You can check out every crescent of sand while on a road trip along the NSW South Coast. Or be a bit more strategic. Surfers will want to rise before the sun to get to South Broulee Beach when its breaking, while families might opt for Denhams Beach, where the bush abuts the sand. These are a few of the best beaches in and around Batemans Bay.

an overhead shot of the seascape at Denhams Beach — Denhams Beach lies on the Tasman Sea coast, southeast of Batemans Bay.

A great night out doesn’t need a road trip, just the right bar. Swap the long drive for an evening at these standout Sydney venues.

If you’re thinking of a staycation or a long weekend (with foodie benefits), you can’t get much better than the bright lights and beautiful vistas of Sydney. From tucked-away bars to late-night hidden hangs, Australia’s (unofficial) favourite city is packed full of venues that make staying local feel like an adventure.

1. El Vista, Circular Quay

bar tender at El Vista, Circular Quay sydney hotel bars — Enjoy tasty cocktails and gorgeous Sydney views. (Credit: Mario Francisco)

This welcoming bar by the Maybe Sammy team offers a fun buzz and jaw-dropping harbour views. Part of the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour, this lounge bar sits above Circular Quay with the harbour on one side and the Botanical Gardens on the other. You may start here for pre-dinner drinks, but you won’t want to leave before the early hours. If the 1960s Acapulco vibe isn’t enough, the views will be – the Sydney Harbour Bridge is so close it hardly fits in the window, while ferries glide by all night.

2. Bar Allora, CBD

Bar Allora, CBD Sydney hotel bars — Settle in for a taste of Italy.

Inspired by Milan in the 1980s, Bar Allora brings Italian style and culture to the CBD. Although it’s officially part of the Mantra 2 Bond Street hotel, it’s designed to look and feel like you’ve travelled to Italy for all-day dining. Think espresso in the morning, aperitivo in the afternoon and Negronis late into the night. Accompany your liquid diet with Italian-style small plates and pastas with a modern twist.

3. Percy, Pyrmont

Percy Sydney hotel bars — Spanish-style tapas and wine is the name of the game. (Credit: Steven Woodburn)

Taking centre stage in the luxe foyer of the Woolstore 1888 Hotel in Pyrmont, Percy is a popular Spanish-style tapas and wine bar serving food that makes you want to linger. The restored 138-year-old wool store creates an atmospheric backdrop to your glass of merlot with exposed timber beams, brick and the echoes of Sydney’s past. With an air of Barcelona, expect low conversations, creative dining and the city moments away.

4. The Crudo Bar at Flaminia, CBD

The Crudo Bar at Flaminia, CBD Sydney hotel bars — Seafood lovers should head to The Crudo Bar. (Credit: Nikki To)

Grab a seat at the beautifully designed crudo bar, taking centre stage in Giovanni Pilu’s latest CBD restaurant, Flaminia. Enjoy a glass of chilled Vermentino from Sardinia or prosecco from the hills of Treviso, matched with freshly shucked oysters. Complement your seafood with a range of special dressings, influenced by iconic Italian port cities. It’s the perfect spot for a pre- or post- glass of wine before visiting the Sydney Opera House.

5. Mee So, Sydney Central

For something a little different, Mee So is a modern, neon-lit Japanese-influenced bar in the Ibis Sydney Central. Serving bold flavours and umami-heavy dishes alongside sake and yuzu-infused cocktails, this Tokyo-esque venue offers an escape from the busy streets outside. Order steaming ramen, a Japanese whisky, and make a corner of Mee So yours for the night.

6. Bar Morris, Haymarket

Bar Morris sydney — Settle into old-world European glamour.

Housed in a 1929 heritage-listed building, Bar Morris brings old-world European glamour to the Hotel Morris Sydney, part of Accor’s Handwritten Collection. More of a destination than a pitstop, this bar leans into its Art Deco past with velvet features, intimate lighting and bold brass finishes. Here you can order smaller plates like burrata, cured meats, and seasonal seafood to match your martini.

7. Pumphouse, Darling Harbour

Pumphouse sydney — Enjoy a tipple inside a building from the 1880s.

When you first walk into Pumphouse, you’ll quickly notice the high ceilings, exposed brick and industrial-style decor. Officially part of the busy Novotel Darling Square, this busy local hang doesn’t feel like it; it’s housed inside a former hydraulic pumping station from the 1880s – hence the name – and is a local institution. Grab a seat if you can and order off the classic modern Australian menu, before trying one of the many craft beers on tap to wash it down.

8. Wentworth Bar, CBD

Wentworth Bar sydney hotel bars — Drink where the celebrities once did.

Designed for big groups and late-night cocktails, this open-air terrace bar is part of the Sydney Sofitel Wentworth – one of Sydney’s most iconic hotels. Once the watering hole of royals and celebrities, this mid-century building has recently been refurbished to be sleek, modern and inviting. The stunning rooftop bar attracts Sydneysiders who love to watch the sunset with a table full of Vietnamese and French-inspired dishes.

9. Monica Rooftop Bar, Paddington

Monica Rooftop Bar, Paddington sydney — See the city skyline, drink in hand.

Sitting pretty on top of a restored 110-year-old theatre, Monica is a Hollywood-style rooftop bar with views across Paddington and the city skyline. Part of the 25hrs The Olympia hotel, this isn’t a quick drink kind of place; it’s a ‘let’s stay all night’ kind of venue. Weekend DJs will take you from sunset to late-night conversations, while you graze on ceviche, grilled meats or sharing plates.

For more information on how to enjoy Sydney for a long weekend, visit ALL.com.

The 16 best things to do in Batemans Bay

Let us introduce you to the NSW South Coast town that has a little something for everyone.

Fun things to do in Batemans Bay

1. Enjoy a Clyde River Oyster Tasting Kayak Tour