10 best things to do in Batemans Bay

If you haven’t already discovered Batemans Bay, let us introduce you to this NSW coastal town that has a little something for everyone.

From the waves that draw surfers and oyster farm tours for foodies to the creative community arts hubs and new Gourmet Coast Trail; you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do in Batemans Bay.

The seaside town of Batemans Bay boasts a variety of itinerary fillers. (Image: Destination NSW)

1. 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. 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.

The Gourmet Coast trail is an immersive new way to experience the South Coast through food. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)

2. 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.

Take in the sights by cycling the trails that snake along the coast. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)

3. Enjoy a dozen oysters at The Oyster Shed, Bateman’s 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. Seeing the stingrays being fed near the oyster shed is also an in-the-know attraction.

Get this mouthwatering plate of freshly shucked oysters at The Oyster Shed. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)

4. 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 Bateman’s Bay.

Support the conservation of endangered animals by stopping by Mogo Wildlife Park. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)

5. 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. 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.

Kayaking down the Clyde River is one of the more adventurous ways to sightsee in the bay. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)

6. Snorkel 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 Batemans Bay Dive Adventures, a local tour operator that has a permit to explore the pristine waters of Batemans Marine Park. Advanced divers will find a lot of fish life, nudibranches, fans and sponges at renowned sites such as The Chimney, The Maze and The Tunnel.

Batemans Bay is even more impressive underwater. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)

7. Enjoy brunch at The Mossy Café

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 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. Set aside some time to make your way through Batemans Bay’s top restaurants while you’re here.

The charming, rustic exterior of the Mossy Cafe. (Image: The Mossy Cafe)

8. 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.

Support local art and artists when you visit the Mogo Collective. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)

9. 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. 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.

The SAGE Farmers’ Market is held every Tuesday afternoon in Moruya Riverside Park. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)

10. 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. 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.

The breaks at Broulee are excellent whether you’re a beginner or an advanced surfer. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)