Eurobodalla
The Eurobodalla region of the South Coast in Southeastern New South Wales has an interesting rural/tourist mix. The area is rich in rural charm, having a strong dairy industry. Most of the coastal areas are popular tourist destinations, especially with weekend visitors from Sydney and Canberra.
Towns
Other destinations
- 1 Deua National Park – contains many pinkwood forests
- 2 Eurobodalla National Park
- 3 Montague Island – a large colony of fur seals and penguins
Understand
Historically, the Eurobodalla region of NSW's South Coast has been an area of primary production, with fishing, timber, dairy and other farming contributing to the wealth of the area. Service towns were built, and steamers connected many of the coastal towns to Sydney and to export markets.
It's also a choice for sea-changes and tree-changers. The first wave of retirees are now being followed by hobby farmers and telecommuters.
With unspoiled beaches and national parks in equal measure, Eurobodalla is a premier holiday destination. In peak holiday season (summer school holidays) the population swells to more than three times the number of long-term residents. It's ideal for road touring or a beach or bush vacation while taking in local food and wines.
80% of the Eurobodalla shire is national park or state forest with extensive stands of spotted gum forest.
The coastal region has a reputation for locals who are easygoing and friendly, environmentally conscious and are even mix between politically liberal and conservative.
Get in
You can get to the South Coast by car. Parts are also accessible by train and bus.
By car
If travelling from the Illawarra or Sydney, travel to Wollongong and join the Princes Highway. It will get you to any part of the South Coast or even deposit you in Melbourne if you go far enough.
Traffic can be very slow around Kiama, south of Wollongong, at the start and end of long weekends or school holidays.
If travelling from Canberra, take the Kings Highway from Queanbeyan to Batemans Bay via Braidwood. The Kings Highway connects to the Princes Highway for access to areas north and south of Batemans Bay.
By bus
The Premier bus does the Princes Highway route a few times a day, stopping in most major towns en route. Murrays also runs a single daily coach service from Canberra to Narooma via Batemans Bay, with brief stops at the towns along the route. The Premier and Murrays services connect at Batemans Bay.
By plane
There are regular scheduled flights to Moruya Airport (MYA IATA), or Bega Airport (QBE IATA). The latter is in the Sapphire Coast but close to Eurobodalla.
Get around
The best way to get around is to drive. The Princes Highway travels the length of the South Coast and most places aren't far from it.
See
- Before you drive down Mount Ousley pass, stop to look out over Wollongong and the ocean from the top of the Escarpment
- Hanging Rock lookout in Nowra
- Bega Valley Lookout
- Stanwell Tops
Do
- Swim at one of the region's many beaches
- Canoeing in Kangaroo Valley
- Art galleries in Berry
- Dolphin cruise in Jervis Bay
- Jambaroo Recreation Park (The largest theme park in the state)
- Bega Cheese Factory
- Mogo Zoo
- Feed the birds at Green Patch
- Minamurra Rainforest
- Visit the Beecroft Peninsula (extensive bushwalking and many pristine beaches)
Drives
- Kangaroo Valley
Eat
Drink
Sleep
Stay safe
Like virtually all of Australia, this is a safe area. However, in the larger towns, you certainly don't escape a level of alcohol-fueled violence at night. Don't let your guard down entirely.
Also, in the locale of Nowra, visitors should stay away from the areas of Junction Court and Nowra East due to higher-than-average cases of pickpocketing, muggings etc.
Beaches are usually patrolled by lifesavers, but ask locals about dangerous surf and bluebottles (aka Indo-Pacific Man o'War). Sunburn is also a risk unless you take steps to protect your skin.
Roads are busy during summer; often people will walk to beaches along the road. Caution is advised during peak periods.