The South Coast is best known for being one of the go-to destinations during summer, especially for Canberrans. With its pristine beaches, stunning mountains, fresh food and great weather attracting the crowds. Unfortunately, the area can be forgotten in the wintertime despite offering a range of activities to keep visitors busy, entertained and warm, even on the coldest of days. Here’s our pick of what to see and do in the region this winter.
BATEMANS BAY CYCLEWAY
Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors, so jump on your bike, head for the Batemans Bay Cycleway and soak up the beautiful surroundings. This mainly flat, 18km scenic route connects the thriving town with stunning nature. The best place to begin this family friendly bike ride is in Batehaven at Corrigans Beach where it travels into Batemans Bay, over the bridge and then onto the Cullendulla Boardwalk. You’ll enjoy views of the Clyde River foreshore and wetlands, pass by the Birdland Animal Park, and have the opportunity to stop at one of the many waterfront cafes or restaurants along the way. You can also take a break at one of the route’s great picnic spots with barbecue facilities or a park for the kids to play.
EUROBODALLA REGIONAL BOTANIC GARDEN
Take advantage of a crisp winter’s day and immerse yourself in nature at the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden. Situated 5km south of Batemans Bay, this 100-acre site is brimming with native flora, green lawns, ponds, an arboretum, electric barbeques, 8km of walking trails, as well as picnic tables peppered throughout the grounds. There’s also a fantastic play space for children to get creative with the unique and interactive play equipment. The gardens offer free, all-weather barbeques with lots of tables and seating, as well as ample green space to spread out a picnic blanket and relax with friends and family.
BATEMANS BAY HERITAGE MUSEUM
The Batemans Bay Heritage Museum, previously known as the Old Courthouse Museum, opened in 1985 when a new courthouse was built in the area. The museum’s vast collection has grown considerably over the last 37 years and includes historic photographs, antique machinery and tools, rural technology, costume, dolls, as well as memorabilia spanning maritime, military, education, geology, crime, gold, timber, domestic life, and the local community history. You won’t be disappointed with this culturally rich museum, so add it to your bucket list this winter.
“You won’t be disappointed with this culturally rich coast”
BIRDLAND ANIMAL PARK
Get up close and personal with the natural world at the Birdland Animal Park in Batemans Bay. Start your visit by wandering through the forest paths as they weave around this eight-acre waterfront location, then head to see over 100 species of native animals, birds and reptiles. For a hands-on experience this winter, try to catch the koala at feeding time, or get the adrenalin pumping as you hold a snake around your neck. There’s a fun train ride for the whole family to enjoy, then you can relax by the picnic and barbecue facilities while you watch the children have fun at the playground.
OYSTER TASTING
Batemans Bay is synonymous for its fresh seafood, and if you don’t mind an oyster (or two), then you’re in luck. A selection of reputable oyster farms are peppered along the banks of the Clyde River and offer some of the freshest and tastiest oysters you’ll find in all of the country. Most of the farms in the region grow what’s known as the Sydney Rock Oyster as well as the Angasi, also known as the Native Flat Oyster. Some of the local family-run businesses include Pearly Oyster Bar and Farm, The Wray Street Oyster Shed, Ralston Bros Oysters, and Pinnacle Oysters, so be sure to pay them a visit and feed your soul – and your stomach – with a taste of the local cuisine this winter.
