Mogo
Bushland at Mogo in Batemans Bay Area, South Coast
Mogo
The tiny village of Mogo is most famous for its animals, bringing exotic creatures from around the world to the Eurobodalla region of the NSW South Coast. There’s also top mountain biking, a thriving arts scene and some seriously stylish stays, plus beaches and waterways within easy reach.
Highlights
Go wild in Mogo
Mogo Wildlife Park has an incredible collection of endangered and exotic animal species, including Australia's largest collection of primates. There are over 250 animals in the park, including endangered snow leopards, Rothschild's giraffe, southern white rhinos and western lowland gorillas. It is also one of only a handful of places in Australia where you can see white lions.
Mogo Wildlife Park, Mogo
Book one of the immersive animal encounters to come face to face with your favourite creatures, including lovable meerkats, curious red pandas and majestic tigers. The Park also conducts Zoom Through the Lens photography tours with a professional nature photographer.
Mogo Wildlife Park, Mogo
Outdoor adventures
Just west of the town is the Mogo State Forest. It's home to the Mogo Trails, a network of 72 mountain bike tracks that wind for 125 kilometres through the bush. There are trails for all levels, including the heart-stopping Burnaaga Goanna, a 28-kilometre, 962-metre vertical descent that's one of the best in the country. If you don't have a bike, hire one from Ride Mogo. For something more relaxing, stroll through the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden, home to more than 2,000 species of native plants and many animals.
Mogo Trails - Mogo Mountain Biking Trails, Mogo - Credit: Eurobodalla Shire Council
Eat, drink & shop
Take a leisurely morning drive or ride out to Mogo Brew Crew for a coffee from their retro aqua-coloured van on the edge of town. Sit down for breakfast or lunch in the leafy courtyard of Grumpy and Sweethearts Café. Foxdog Distillery is the place for a cocktail, craft beer and woodfired pizza. Mogo Pies serves up homemade pies, sandwiches, bagels, cakes and more – don't miss the indulgent vanilla slice. Create your own foodie journey through Mogo and Eurobodalla with the Gourmet Coast Trail, featuring the best local producers and eateries.
Foxdog Distillery, Mogo - Credit: Taylah Cunningham | Foxdog Distillery
Other shops to visit include Mogo Nursery, the Middle of Mogo gift shop, Hidden Treasures with its range of Balinese handicrafts, Mogo Pottery, and Juela Mogo, known for its beautiful jewellery. Mogo Collective stocks local and regional art, food, fashion, homewares and furniture, while Artisans Nest is an artist-run gallery displaying textiles, leather pieces, jewellery, mosaics and more. Pick up some sweet treats for the trip home from Mogo Fudge & Ice Cream/Lots of Lollies.
Where to stay
Places to stay around Mogo include luxury villas, chic motels, holiday parks and quiet campgrounds. Jaguar Stay is right next to Mogo Wildlife Park and has six one-bedroom villas with private plunge pools on a secluded 70-hectare cattle farm. The Oaks Ranch in nearby Mossy Point is a refurbished boutique motel that brings Spanish Mission/Palm Springs style to the South Coast. There are holiday parks close by at Tomakin and Broulee, or pitch a tent at Spring Gully Campground and DoLittle Farm.
The Oaks Ranch Mossy Point, Jeremadra - Credit: Abbie Melle
Getting there
The drive from Sydney to Mogo takes three hours and 45 minutes and it's just over two hours from Canberra. You can also fly to Moruya Airport, just 10 minutes away, and rent a car to explore the region. Regional Express operates flights from Sydney to Moruya seven days a week, either direct or travelling via Merimbula.
