The South Coast has a long history as a favourite holiday destination for Canberrans making their way to the beautiful sandy beaches every summer without fail.
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The South Coast, spreading from Wollongong to Bega, includes some of Canberra's most loved holiday spots, including Batemans Bay, Ulladulla, Nowra and Kiama.
The South Coast's famous waves offer something for surfers of all abilities. Photo: Leroy Bellet
Kerrie-Anne Benton is tourism marketing co-ordinator with the Eurobodalla Shire Council, which includes Batemans Bay, Mogo, Broulee and Narooma.
"The absolute peak in our region is three weeks from December 23. There's a rise from the static population of 17,500 to some 40-50,000," she said.
"Our research indicates that 30 per cent of domestic overnight travel originates from the ACT."
With the summer holidays fast approaching, it's about time to think about where to go, what to eat, how to survive the trip and things to see and do.
Here are a few suggestions to help you decide.
Best fish and chips
Seafood basket: there are plenty of options for a tasty lunch. Photo: Callan Boys
- Located in Batemans Bay, Innes' Boatshed has been a long-time favourite fish and chip stop off for locals and tourists alike. With their crispy battered fish, fresh sushi and juicy calamari rings, it's no wonder that these guys have held a memorable place in people's hearts – and stomachs.
- Although not solely a seafood takeaway, Broulee Takeaway offers some of the most tasty fish and chips in the area. A hidden gem of sorts, this takeaway is tucked away on Broulee's main road and can be easy to miss and missing fish and chips this delightful would be a shame.
- Ocean Grill on the Bay is a lesser known, but no less wonderful fish and chip shop in Batemans Bay. For those who prefer grilled fish to battered, this is the place for you. Their grilled seafood, which is bursting with flavour, is to die for and their deep-fried seafood holds its own pretty well too.
- Tigers Famous Fish and Chips in Ulladulla is famous for a reason with consistently delicious seafood and generous portions of chips. While it's not on the waterfront, Tigers offers shaded seating for guests and overlooks the harbour.
- Located in the beautiful Tuross Head, the Pickled Octopus Café is an absolute gem with a deck overlooking a sparkling lake. The seafood is cooked to perfection and comes at the recommendation of many locals who know the best places around.
Safest beaches
Horshoe Bay in Bermagui is a great family beach. Photo: Dave Moore
- The stunning Surf Beach in Batemans Bay is patrolled by lifeguards during peak periods and has a strict 'swim between the flags' policy. As one of the favourite beaches of locals, Surf Beach boasts gorgeous views, plenty of room, outdoor showers, picnic tables, a children's playground and a takeaway where you can indulge in some delicious fish and chips or one of their refreshingly sweet milkshakes.
- Surfside Beach, right beside the Cullendulla Creek Nature Reserve, is a pretty safe place to take the family. The waves are never too big, making it a great place for kids to swim and the long stretch of sandy beach lends itself to the ideal spot to build sandcastles. There's also a general store about halfway down the beach.
- Casey's Beach is located in Sunshine Bay and is a great place to bring the kids. With gentle waves, bathrooms and play equipment overlooking the beach, Casey's is a fantastic spot for a family day out. It's also known for regular dolphin sightings, so if you're lucky you might even get a glimpse.
- Seven Mile Beach in Shoalhaven Heads is a fantastic beach for people of all ages. Along the stretch of sand you'll come across numerous fishermen, families and boats, and you'll never be too far away from the town itself. Seven Mile Beach also boasts some fantastic picnic spots, a walkway and viewing platform where you can take in the beauty of the surrounding area.
- Horseshoe Bay in Bermagui is one of the safest beaches in the South Coast. Not only is the water relatively calm and crystal clear, but the beaches are patrolled throughout summer making Horseshoe Bay a wonderful family beach. The beach is also incredibly popular among locals, but despite its popularity, there's always plenty of room.
How to break up the trip
Nelligen is a delightful small town about 10 minutes from Batemans Bay.
- The Braidwood Bakery is a favourite among Canberrans travelling to places like Ulladulla, Batemans Bay, Moruya and Mogo. The bakery is known for its sweet pastries, pies and freshly brewed coffee and offers courtyard seating in case the sun is shining and you'd rather sit outside.
- Kangaroo Valley is less than two hours from Canberra and contains some of the most stunning views in Australia. A great place to stop on the road to other areas of the South Coast, Kangaroo Valley delivers the allure of the country with charming tea-rooms and a fantastic kid-friendly local pub.
- Only a short drive from Canberra, Bungendore offers a variety of restaurants, galleries, tea and coffee shops and antiques. This is a great place to take a break from driving with various activities and offerings for people of all ages and tastes.
- Nelligen sits about 10 minutes from Batemans Bay and is located along the banks of the Clyde River. The peaceful little town offers stunning views of houseboats lightly floating on the river, quaint bed and breakfasts and fully equipped camping grounds. The spot is a favourite for fishermen, and if you're lucky you might even see some waterfront locals casting a line from the comfort of their balconies.
- The Loaded Dog Hotel in Tarago rests 40 minutes away from Canberra and is well worth a stop. Originally set up as a refuge for bushrangers such as Ben Hall and Frank Gardiner, the establishment is an extremely popular stopping point for a good reason. The 'Dog' – as locals call it – offers live music, accommodation, hearty pub food and a gorgeous beer garden.
Restaurants
The Whole Snapper at Rick Stein at Bannisters Mollymook
- The glass walled Starfish Deli on the main street of Batemans Bay has some of the most exquisite food on offer in the area. From gorgeous wood-fired pizza to fresh fish of the day, Starfish has something to offer for everyone.
- Located in Mollymook and opened by acclaimed Australian chef, Rick Stein, Rick Stein at Bannisters offers delicious seafood with Mediterranean and Asian influences. Although it's on the pricier side, the food is good enough to warrant splashing out a bit.
- Wollongong's Bombora Seafood Restaurant hangs above the water giving patrons an impressive view and delicious seafood. Their specialty is seafood platters big enough to fill even the biggest appetite and even better, all their food is locally caught.
- The Groove Train in Shellharbour is as funky as it sounds with the aesthetic of a fun, casual restaurant that's perfect for a nice night out with friends and family. The menu is huge so there's something on there for even the fussiest of eaters and the prices are reasonable, making it easier to justify that second dessert to yourself.
- Located across the bridge from Batemans Bay, On The Pier is a classy restaurant that offers a myriad of tasty well-presented food in a stellar location. The pier overlooks the Clyde River and is tucked away beside the bridge into town offering a private atmosphere.
Top summer events
The Ski Jump at Bells Amusements at Batehaven prove popular. Photo: Graham Tidy
- Located in Bateman's Bays neighbouring town of Batehaven, Bells Carnival has been a source of summer entertainment in the area for more than 20 years. The carnival offers rides, a sideshow, and always puts on a fireworks display on New Year's Eve which can be seen from any of the surrounding beaches thanks to their beachfront location.
- The Illawarra Caravan, Camping, 4WD, Fish and Boat Show runs from February 19-21 . It also gives visitors the chance to check out a series of boats, caravans, freestyle bike shows, fishing shows and even a reptile awareness show.
- The SAGE Farmers Market is held every Tuesday afternoon in Moruya and presents the best locally grown and harvested food straight from the source.
- For all the swimming enthusiasts out there, join the 400 people who annually partake in the Tathra Wharf 2 Waves weekend and choose between tackling 600 metres, or the slightly more daunting 1200m swim. This year the event takes place on January 16 and 17.
Day Trip Ideas
Snow Leopard 'Illyan' is a popular attraction at Mogo Zoo. Photo: Graham Tidy
- A little gem of a town on the South Coast is Mogo, which offers antiques, vinyl records, tea, coffee, ice-creameries, its famous zoo and even the chance to pan for gold. It's easy to lose yourself spending a day wandering up and down the stunning main street of this town.
- A town tucked away behind Mollymook, Milton offers a variety of bookstores, galleries and cafes as well as its very own Ghost Walks for those who like a bit of excitement in their day. Also in Milton is the refurbished Milton Theatre, which is used for live shows and as a recording studio.
- Located in Batehaven, Birdland Animal Park offers the chance to get up close and personal to hand-feed kangaroos, deer and wallabies. Birdland also holds sessions in which visitors are able to hold a stunning diamond python, or cuddle a baby wombat. This park is a great place for kids with a little red train that takes you on a tour of the park so you can decide exactly what you want to see.
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