Batemans Bay

Beaches & waterways

Set on the edge of the Clyde River and at the northern tip of the breathtaking Eurobodalla coast, Batemans Bay is surrounded by water. Kayak or paddle a SUP along the estuary between the coast and the charming village of Nelligen, through the Clyde River National Park. You can hire equipment from Region X or join them for a guided kayak tour, visiting oyster farms, paddling through mangroves, looking for birds or watching the sunset.

Region X Kayak Experience, Batemans Bay

Spend the day at Surf Beach, which is patrolled during the peak summer season. Corrigans Beach at Batehaven is popular with families for its calm waters. Further south, both Malua Bay and McKenzies Beach are famous for their surf breaks. The area's crystal-clear waters are perfect for an underwater adventure on the Batemans Bay Snorkelling Trail, which takes in three snorkelling locations, Maloneys Beach, Sunshine Cove Beach and Guerilla Bay, home to rocks dating back 510 million years. Region X also runs sea kayaking and snorkelling from a kayak tours, which can take your further afield.

Swimming, Guerilla Bay

Outdoor adventures

The new Munjip Trail is a gorgeous Grade 3 coastal walk that runs for 15 kilometres from Batemans Bay south to McKenzies Beach. It's dotted with artwork from the local Walbunja people, has multiple lookout points and passes through untouched bushland. If you have more time, tackle the three-day Murramarang South Coast Walk between Batemans Bay and Ulladulla. Do it in style on the premium Murramarang Guided Walk, a supported hike (meaning you only carry a daypack) with comfortable beachfront accommodation each night.

Munjip Trail - Credit: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism

The Batemans Bay Sculpture Walk runs by the river in the centre of town and features the winner from each year's Sculpture for Clyde Event. Follow the Batemans Bay Cycleway from Batehaven and over the bridge to the Cullendulla Boardwalk. The route is mostly flat and great for families, with scenic views along the whole length. Just 10 minutes inland, Mogo Trails is a thrilling 75-kilometre network of mountain biking trails suitable for all levels of experience.

Sculpture Walk, Batemans Bay

For a long walk following in the footsteps of history, tackle the Corn Trail inland from Batemans Bay. This rough and rugged track follows the route used by the pack horse teams of early settlers in the 1830s. Be aware that the 15-kilometre trail is very difficult. Get a great view of the river from Holmes Lookout in the Clyde National Park. For a shorter walk, try the Square Head Track 1 or Mangrove Boardwalk at Cullendulla Creek and the Wasp Head Walk in Murramarang National Park.

Murramarang National Park, South Durras

Eat & drink

Batemans Bay is the heart of Australia's Oyster Coast. Taste succulent Clyde River oysters from the Oyster Shed on Wray Street and Pearly Oyster Bar and Farm. Or you can enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants, including JJ's at The Marina and the famous Innes family Boatshed in Batemans Bay, with seafood fresh from their trawler. Keep an eye out for stingrays as you eat your fish and chips on the deck. The Boatshed also runs relaxing three-hour lunch cruises along the Clyde on the MV Escape.

Wray Street Oyster Shed, Batemans Bay

Sam's Pizza on the waterfront is popular with locals and visitors alike. For breakfast with a view, visit The River Cafe in Nelligen then enjoy live music in the afternoon at the nearby Steampacket Hotel. In Malua Bay, grab coffee by the beach at The Kisok (inside the surf club) or the new Caffeissimo. Batemans Bay is also the northern end of the Gourmet Coast Trail, a customisable food trail of local operators that runs to the Victorian border. Use the website to create your ideal journey of seafood, restaurants, boutique producers and markets.

Sam’s Pizza, Batemans Bay - Credit: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism, Flow MTB

Exciting events

Batemans Bay has a packed events calendar, so plan your trip around one of its festivals, exhibitions or races. Sculpture for Clyde is an annual 10-day outdoor exhibition that pops up along the river in early June. Crank It Up is a three-day classic car and rockabilly festival in November. Bike fans won't want to miss the huge Sea Otter Australia Festival in October, celebrating all things mountain biking. In August, join the two-day social ride along gravel roads for Clarkes Gambit or tackle the Coastrek South Coast hiking challenge.

Sea Otter Australia 2025, Batemans Bay

Where to stay

There's a huge range of accommodation around Batemans Bay, from hotels and holiday parks to luxury beach houses and quiet bush retreats. In the centre of town, The Isla is a retro motel reborn as a chic design hotel and Bay Breeze Boutique Accommodation has luxury studios and apartments right on the water. The Punt House has exclusive overwater accommodation on the river with a private deck and infrared sauna.

The Punt House Accommodation, Batemans Bay - Credit: The Punt House

The four-star Lincoln Downs Resort is set in a tranquil bushland pocket by a private lake. Families will love the fun and facilities of NRMA Batemans Bay Holiday Resort, which has everything from basic tent sites to cabins and glamping tents, and NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort just north of town in South Durras. Pitch a tent at one of the many campsites in the area, like Beach Campground, North Head Campground or Red Gum Campground.

Lincoln Downs Resort, Batemans Bay - Credit: Lincoln Downs Resort Batemans Bay

Getting there

It's a four-hour drive from Sydney to Batemans Bay and two hours from Canberra. You can also fly to Moruya Airport, 20 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. 

Batemans Bay currently welcomes smaller cruise ships carrying around 600 passengers. The vessels sit at anchorage in the bay and guests are brought ashore by tender boats. The tenders dock on the foreshore in the centre of town, a short walk to restaurants, shops and attractions.