Eurobodalla Oyster Hunting
- The WEST Journal
- Jun 2
- 5 min read
Narooma is a picturesque seaside town located on the South Coast of NSW. The traditional custodians of the land are the people of the Yuin Nation, with the traditional owners of the Narooma area part of the Walbunga clan. Named after the Aboriginal word for “clear, blue water”, Narooma lives up to its name by being surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Wagonga Inlet. Known for its ocean and inlet fishing, excellent whale watching and fresh seafood, it is an idyllic and inviting destination in the Eurobodalla region.
Travelling down the Eurobodalla coast to Narooma offers a wonderful opportunity to visit small townships full of character and regional charm, whilst connecting with local communities and experiencing the local way of life. Start your South Coast trip by making your way to the historic village of Berry. Voted best small tourism town in NSW for three years running, it is easy to see why. Taking the time to stroll along the tree-lined main street, the town feels unhurried, inviting you to slow down. Looking up, you are surrounded by colourful, heritage buildings, showcasing the town’s history dating back to its settlement roots in 1825. There is a great opportunity to learn the history of these buildings, with a self-guided walk on the Berry Historical Walking Trail or with a visit to Berry Museum, located on Queen Street. From its original name of Broughton Creek to its timber milling and dairy farming roots, there’s some fascinating history to be learned.
Re-joining the main street, take your time to peruse boutique shops, buy some local produce from the gourmet grocery store Flavours Berry, and if you’ve timed it well, spend the morning at one of Berry’s three village markets. This is such a great way to meet the locals and see what makes the town tick. For delicious baked treats, stop at Milkwood Bakery, grab yourself a freshly baked pastry and a seat outside and do as the locals do, slow down and watch the world go by. Before leaving town, be sure to swing by the infamous Berry Donut Van. Making donuts since 1974, we love their signature fresh, warm cinnamon donuts.
Upon leaving Berry, the drive south along the Princes Highway is spectacular, taking in lush, green hills, shimmering ocean views and winding towering trees. Passing through small towns and alongside national parks, there are a multitude of options for side trips and adventures, it makes you want to stop and explore each one! Some of the South Coast’s most beautiful beaches can be found along the way (including the incredibly clear waters of Hyams Beach), as well as small towns full of unique offerings and character. For some of these inspiring South Coast getaway ideas, our South Coast Wanderings article will be sure to have you covered.
Arriving into the coastal town of Batemans Bay, it’s considered a central hub in the Eurobodalla region so it’s an ideal place to base yourself when exploring the town and surrounding villages. There are options for every kind of traveller, whether you love the water, land or sky. Spend time exploring the Batemans Bay Snorkelling Trail, take in a leisurely kayak or paddle board along the Clyde River (including oyster tasting kayak tours!), enjoy a leisurely lunch river cruise or slowly meander through town and along the waterfront feeling connected to the relaxed lifestyle. Or perhaps for a truly luxurious special memory, book yourself a seaplane over the South Coast shoreline with a tour of a working oyster farm, what a treat! This is sure to be a very special experience and one that will be a talking point for years to come. The variety of memorable things to do, see and experience is what the South Coast lifestyle is all about.
When heading out from Batemans Bay to Narooma, be sure to discover the historic gold mining town of Mogo. Brimming with small town charm and artisan shops, Mogo was home to a gold rush in the 1850s. Subtle references to its history can be found in the reproduction of old miner’s cottages, repurposed into shops, galleries and cafes. For a personalised history tour, we suggest joining a Mogo Heritage Walking Tour. Spend an hour with a local guide hearing insider history that you may not hear anywhere else.
Crossing over the Narooma steel bridge into Narooma, you are immediately greeted with seaside charm and stunning blue waters. On a sunny day, the water surrounding is a vibrant teal blue, so clear that you can see the sand beneath. Perhaps you find yourself encountering sun basking seals along the waterfront, taking a selfie with the famously Australian shaped “Australia Rock”, cycling along the Mill Bay Boardwalk or enjoying fresh oysters at the waterside The Oyster Farmers Daughter. There is something for everyone.
We recommend taking in the atmosphere by walking along the Wagonga Inlet waterfront, stopping for a meal with a view at the local’s favourite Quarterdeck, then finishing off with dessert with the friendly folks at Narooma Ice Creamery Cafe. For a refreshing afternoon bevvie, head to Narooma Hotel for picture-worthy views over the inlet.
For longer stays, Narooma also offers incredible opportunities for those that love nature, with watching humpback whales pass close to shore in migration season (or on a whale watching tour), a plethora of fishing spots all along the coast, a host of water activities and for golfing fans, there’s the Narooma Golf Club nearby. For those wanting something more adventurous, there’s also a 21km bike track and mountain biking trails. Whether you’re after a slow, take-it-at-your-own pace holiday, or something more active and exciting, Narooma caters for all travel styles.
After leaving Narooma and once back in Batemans Bay, there’s the option to take a leisurely night time stroll along the waterfront, head to The Oyster Cove Cocktail Bar for custom cocktails and live music, then make your way to one of the locals’ favourite eateries, the Batemans Bay Soldiers Club. A place where locals go, it has a buzzing atmosphere with a great sense of community and diverse food options.
The next morning, start your day with a coffee from the popular Se7en café. With two central locations and a cafe name inspired by a growing family of seven, it has heart behind the business. Supporting South Coast producers, they serve locally roasted Guerrilla Roasters coffee as well as offering plenty of breakfast and lunch options to fuel your day.
With coffee in hand, take the time to stroll through Batemans Bay’s Sunday waterside market. Friendly banter with local stallholders and picking up some unique souvenirs makes for a lovely start to the day. On the water, families can be seen fishing together on the jetties, pelicans fly overhead and seagulls wait patiently for your mid-morning snack. Batemans Bay is slow and relaxed, and feels as if you have stepped back in South Coast time. For lunch, we recommend another local favourite, Crumb, a café located less than 10 minutes up the road in Batehaven. The food is presented beautifully, with plates delivering fresh ingredients and delicious flavours. The breakfast panna cotta is out of this world as is the smoked kingfish bruschetta.
On your way back up the coast, follow our South Coast Wanderings suggestions of places to visit in Ulladulla and Milton, or for a great history option, make sure to take the time to stop in at the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Nowra Hill. It’s one of the largest regional aviation museums in Australia and it’s a fascinating place to spend some time to learn about our naval history.
After heading back on the road homeward bound, it’s easy to be in high spirits after a weekend exploring some more of the incredible places the South Coast has to offer. From natural beauty to local produce and friendly locals, a return trip to visit the Narooma Oyster Festival sure has to be high on your next year’s travel list.
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