EV road trip: Mittagong to Batemans Bay

For a long time Mittagong has been the Cinderella of the Southern Highlands. Known as the ‘Gateway to the Highlands’ – it might not have the chic charm of Bowral or the historic integrity of Berrima, but it is as picturesque as it is peaceful. Home to tranquil vineyards and fine colonial sandstone buildings, here you can breathe in fresh country air, and explore gorgeous gardens and parks.

But before you venture off, don't forget to charge up at the NRMA fast charging station located at the Mittagong RSL. 

The area’s rich soil and high altitude are ideal for wine growing. Visit cellars doors in the hills and valleys around Mittagong, including Artemis Wines and Tertini Wines – or you could try local wines matched with a sumptuous degustation menu at the restaurant of the 1830s-built Fitzroy Inn.

Famous for its blow holes, the gorgeous lighthouse view and, of course Jamberoo Action Park (where you control the action), Kiama has been known as the Illawarra’s primo destination for more than one reason.

Make your first stop the Blowhole and for the most powerful action, swing by when the tide’s high and the swell is rolling in. You’ll get beautiful coastal views and if you’re keen for a dip, there’s a rockpool close by.

If you’re after a touch of ‘The Hamptons’ in Kiama, head to Bellevue Accommodation. A Heritage building located on the town square, it offers six one-bedroom, fully self-contained individually designed contemporary apartments with a separate living and dining area – all opening onto wrap around balconies with beautiful views of the gardens.

Head twenty minutes south of Kiama along the coastline and you’ll bump into Berry, a stylish country town with an abundance of warmth and charm.

Pick up delicious cinnamon doughnuts from the Berry Donut Van, a local institution found on Queen Street, and if you’re there in December, head along to the Fairgrounds Festival for two days of artisan food, markets and music.

At Berry Produce Markets, you can stock up on the freshest, community-grown produce. Local growers, producers and providores are at these popular markets every second Saturday and Fourth Sunday of the month. Otherwise, drop into South Coast Providores for your gourmet food fix.

A quadruple treat, the Silos Estate makes wine, farms alpacas and has a restaurant and country-style accommodation. Nestled amongst sprawling vineyards and landscaped grounds, the accommodation at Silos Estate offers magnificent views of rolling green hills, the Great Dividing Range escarpment and of course, the vines.

At the sparkling entrance of the Clyde River, an estuary famous for oysters, sits Batemans Bay. Well known for its coastline dotted with beautiful beaches and mangroves, it’s a great place to throw in a fishing lines – or head out to sea on a fishing charter – go kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding or sailing.

The playground at Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens (seven kilometres south of Batemans Bay, just before you get to Mogo) is also worth a visit if you're travelling with kids. It's the perfect place to let them burn off some energy on a road trip.

Don't leave Mogo without visiting Mogo Zoo — the collection includes Nepalese red pandas, white lions, snow leopards, bears and tigers. They have a range of animal encounters and you can go behind the scenes and become a keeper for the day. Alternatively, if you prefer to see Australian animals in the wild, head to Murramarang National Park, where you can often see kangaroos on the beaches and around the picnic areas.

Popular with locals, Sam's Pizzeria does good food and has good water views and some of the best food in town. Also on the waterfront, Boatshed, open daily, is the place to go for fish and chips.

Murramarang Beachfront Nature Resort has one- and two-bedroom villas right on the edge of the sand, as well as powered caravan sites, a licensed restaurant, playground and swimming pool. An added attraction is the resident mob of kangaroos that call the resort home. If your kids have never had the chance to see a wild kangaroo up close, this is the perfect place.

Before you make your way home, don’t forget to charge your electric vehicle at the NRMA Batemans Bay fast charger. It's The station has located in the car park at the Batemans Bay Visitor’s Centre