The sapphire waters of Batemans Bay sparkle under the Australian sun as eastern grey kangaroos graze peacefully at dawn along its shoreline. This coastal paradise, just two hours from Canberra, remains one of Australia’s best-kept secrets despite offering some of the most spectacular scenery on the New South Wales South Coast.
A natural wonderland where kangaroos roam free
Murramarang National Park borders Batemans Bay and offers a uniquely Australian experience where wild kangaroos hop alongside beachgoers. These gentle marsupials are most active during early morning and late afternoon, creating magical photo opportunities against breathtaking coastal backdrops.
“Our kangaroos are practically locals here,” explains Jenny Wilson, a park ranger. “Visitors are often stunned to see them lounging on the beach or grazing right beside picnic areas. It’s a wildlife experience you simply can’t replicate elsewhere.”
Oyster heaven: Australia’s seafood capital
Batemans Bay’s pristine estuary system provides perfect conditions for what many consider Australia’s finest oysters. The region produces over 12 million Sydney rock oysters annually, prized for their rich, briny flavor and creamy texture.
For an unforgettable experience, book an oyster tasting kayak tour where you’ll paddle through crystal-clear waters to working oyster farms before sampling the fresh catch with a glass of local wine.
Burrewarra Point: Where whales play unseen by crowds
While most tourists flock to better-known whale-watching spots, locals head to Burrewarra Point during migration season (May to November). This secluded headland, wrapped in stunning banksia forests, offers unobstructed views of humpbacks breaching offshore.
“I’ve watched whales here for 40 years,” shares Bill Thompson, a retired fisherman. “The mothers often bring their calves quite close to shore. It’s like they’re putting on a show just for you.”
Guerilla Bay: The hidden cove locals guard jealously
Just minutes from bustling Batemans Bay lies Guerilla Bay, a protected inlet where pristine waters wash against dramatic rock formations. Unlike abandoned ancient settlements elsewhere, this natural marvel remains vibrant and accessible.
The bay’s natural rock pools fill with warm water at low tide, creating perfect natural swimming holes for families. Snorkelers will discover a kaleidoscope of marine life just offshore, including colorful reef fish and graceful stingrays.
Aboriginal heritage carved in stone
The Yuin people have called this coastline home for over 20,000 years, leaving behind fascinating rock engravings and middens. Unlike medieval villages with hidden histories, Batemans Bay’s indigenous heritage remains visible in the landscape.
Guided cultural tours reveal how the Yuin lived harmoniously with this coastal environment, harvesting seafood and using natural resources sustainably for millennia.
Clyde River: Australia’s cleanest estuary
The emerald waters of the Clyde River flow through pristine forests before meeting the sea at Batemans Bay. With 108 square miles of catchment remaining largely undeveloped, it ranks among Australia’s most pristine waterways.
Rent a houseboat to explore deep into this unspoiled wilderness, where platypus play at dawn and sea eagles soar overhead. The river’s upper reaches offer spectacular fishing for bream and flathead.
Beyond the crowds: Mossy Point’s secret charm
While tourists congregate in Batemans Bay proper, discerning travelers venture 15 minutes south to Mossy Point. This sleepy fishing village offers the same spectacular scenery without the crowds, much like hidden Thai islands that sit just minutes from tourist hotspots.
The Mossy Café serves arguably the best breakfast on the coast, with locally-roasted coffee and eggs benedict topped with house-smoked salmon caught just offshore.
Batemans Bay isn’t merely another Australian coastal town—it’s a living tapestry where pristine nature, indigenous heritage, and modern pleasures intertwine. Here, wild kangaroos greet you at sunrise, oysters taste of the pure waters they grow in, and every coastal walk reveals another secret cove. This isn’t just a place to visit; it’s a place that stays with you long after you’ve left its shores.