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.

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney. The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.

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