Things to do in South Durras
South Durras is the northern gateway to Eurobodalla, about four hours’ drive south of Sydney. The region is home to family holiday favourites like Batemans Bay and Narooma as well as lush farmland, historic villages and rugged national park. The whole area is surrounded by water, with more than 80 beaches, 16 lakes and numerous rivers winding their way into the surrounding countryside. Eat fresh oysters, snorkel with fur seals or just cruise along the coast on two wheels.
Where to eat
The Mossy Café in the small town of Mossy Point, just south of Bateman’s Bay, has been a local favourite for years and has just undergone a major refresh. As well as breakfast and lunch, they now serve tapas style dinners on Friday and Saturday using local produce like Moonlight Flat oysters and grass fed lamb from Moruya.
Set in a restored turn of the century cheese factory in the tiny village of Woodstock, Milk Haus is a wholefoods, farm to table cafe that’s something of a local legend. The menu changes seasonally, but always features vibrant salads, local fish, creamy curries and sticky puddings. It’s open Thursday to Monday for breakfast and lunch, and most of the fresh produce is grown in the garden out the front.
Read more: Sydney to South Coast
Where to play
One of the best ways to get around Eurobodalla is on two wheels, with more than 400km of cycle trails along the coast. The Eurobodalla Bicycle User Group organises free escorted group rides at 9am every Monday and Wednesday morning. The rides are about 30km to 40km, although easier options are available. Check the calendar of rides here. Bring your own bicycle or hire one in Batemans Bay.
Montague Island is just 9km off the coast of Narooma and home to the largest colony of Australian fur seals in the state. Depending on the season, you can find up to 1000 of them lolling about on the rocks and diving into the water. Don a wetsuit and snorkel and swim with them yourself. The seals are friendly and inquisitive, and many will swim right up to you in the crystal clear waters. Montague Island is a nature reserve, so you’ll need to take a guided tour like those offered by Island Charters Narooma.
The historic town of Tilba was made famous by the series River Cottage Australia and the town is a must for foodies. Head to the Tilba Growers Market, held in the Big Hall every Saturday from 8am and stock up on all kinds of local produce.
If you'd prefer the slower route, to experience the twists and turns of the Clyde River and beautiful Durras Lake, be sure to visit Bay and Beyond Sea Kayak Tours, a family run tour and rental company. Lessons are also available as well as guided ocean tours too, passing rugged coastal cliffs, headlands and secluded beaches. Keep a look out for penguins, turtles and even whales as you take in the natural beauty the South Coast has to offer.
Read more: Meet the Bay and Beyond Sea Kayak Tours
Where to splurge
This part of the South Coast is known as the "Humpback Highway". There are many great lookouts along the coast to watch whales, but why not take things up a notch? South Coast Seaplanes offers scenic whale watching flights where you can cruise right above the migrating creatures, watching their every move. The season runs from September to November and whales are frequently seen close to the coast and Montague Island, often with young calves in tow. Your pilot will plan a flight that gives you the best chance of seeing the whales and the planes generally fly no higher than 300m, making for spectacular views.
Where to stay
Sitting on the waterfront at South Durras surrounded by national park, the NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Nature Resort looks out over the sparkling waters of Beagle Bay. Accommodation ranges from powered and unpowered camp sites, caravan sites with a freestanding ensuite bathroom, stylish villas (some with luxurious spa baths), even a spacious beach house. Grab a snack at Skippy’s Takeaway or dinner at the Beach Bistro, have a drink in the Wasphead Pool Bar, swim in the pool, splash around in the water park or hire one of the bicycles and explore the surrounding area.
