The bounty of the Eurobodalla region will make a foodie of every traveller. There’s so much to get excited about, from farmers markets and cheese factories to freshly shucked oysters, local seafood, craft beers and waterfront restaurants.
Feast on fresh oysters & seafood
Eurobodalla is the heart of Australia's Oyster Coast. Plump Sydney Rock and Pacific oysters, as well as the rare native Angasi oyster, are harvested from pristine estuary waters of the Clyde River around Batemans Bay, the Tuross River Estuary at Tuross Head, and the Wagonga Inlet in Narooma. Tuck into a freshly shucked dozen at The Farm Gate and Oyster Shed on Wray Street, Pearly Oyster Bar and Farm, and The Oyster Farmers Daughter.
The Oyster Shed, Batemans Bay
Learn more about oyster farming and explore the beautiful Clyde River on an Oyster Tasting Kayak Tour with Region X, where you'll paddle to a farm, meet the owners, and get to taste their wares pulled straight from the water. To indulge in all things oyster, plan your trip around the three-day Narooma Oyster Festival in May. For more fresh seafood or a winning fish and chips, visit the Innes Boatshed and The Shuck Shack in Batemans Bay, Narooma Bridge Seafood, and Blue Water Seafoods Narooma.
Region X Kayak Experience, Batemans Bay
Enjoy a meal with a view
Settle in for a longe lunch at one of Eurobodalla's best waterfront restaurants. The Quarterdeck Narooma is inside a classic timber oyster shed over the Wagonga Inlet and has a fun tiki vibe with a seafood-focused Mexican-style menu and colourful cocktails. The River Moruya has a modern Australian menu inspired by coastal flavours. Watch the boats bobbing at anchor through the huge glass windows of JJ's at the Marina in Batemans Bay. Tuross Boatshed is set right on Tuross Lake and serves fresh seafood and burgers – don't miss the sunset views.
Tuross Boatshed & Cafe, Tuross Head
Join the locals at the pub
You can't beat a cold drink on a sunny afternoon. The Dromedary Hotel in Tilba has been serving thirsty travellers since and has local Tilba Brewing Co beers on tap. Head to the tiny village of Nelligen, just up the river from Batemans Bay, for an afternoon of live music and good times at the Steampacket Hotel.
The Dromedary Hotel, Central Tilba - Credit: Dromedary Hotel
Take it easy at a cool cafe
For the perfect coffee, a post-surf bacon and egg roll, or an easy lunch with the family, head for one of Eurobodalla's cool cafes. The Mossy Cafe in Mossy Point is always busy with people drawn to the eclectic menu and out-of-this-world baked goods. Bound to Earth Espresso Bar in Narooma is a favourite with locals and famous for their sweet treats. Other popular spots include Crumb in Batehaven, Grounded Moruya, Mogo Brew Crew and Three66 in Mosquito Bay – grab a seat on the deck for ocean views.
The Mossy Cafe, Mossy Point - Credit: The Mossy Cafe
Raise a glass to craft beers and spirits
Thirsty? You've come to the right place. The craft beer scene in Eurobodalla is booming and you can often watch the brewers at work while you sip on a cold one. Broulee Brewhouse is right opposite the beach and has a relaxed kid- and dog-friendly beer garden. The whole family is also welcome in the garden at Malt Man Brewing in Bodalla, where you can enjoy live music at the open mic afternoons. Breakwall Brewing Co in Narooma uses local oysters and shells in their specialty beers and has a delicious Thai food truck on site.
Broulee Brewhouse, Broulee - Credit: Grainger Films
Foxdog Distillery in Mogo makes craft gin and vodka flavoured with botanicals like samphire, rosella and mandarin. There's also an extensive menu of share plates, burgers and pizzas, plus lawn games to keep everyone entertained. Tilba Valley Winery and Alehouse is on the shores of Corunna Lake. For a tasting with a difference, join Navigate Expeditions on the Tilba Kayak and Wine Tour, which combines a gentle 3.5-kilometre paddle with a visit to the winery.
Foxdog Distillery, Mogo - Credit: Lee Besser | Foxdog Distillery
Meet the growers and makers
Go straight to the source and pick up fresh produce at a local market. SAGE Farmers Market is one of the best growers' markets in Australia, held every Tuesday at Riverside Park in Moruya. Fill your basket with local cheese, herbs, vegetables, meat, artisan bread and freshly shucked oysters. On Saturday, visit the Moruya Country Markets and the Tilba Growers Market for more delicious home-grown fare.
SAGE Farmers Markets, Moruya
The Eurobodalla region is the birthplace of the Australian commercial dairy industry and the tradition lives on. Visit the Bodalla Dairy and Tilba Dairy to taste their legendary milk, cheese, yoghurt and ice cream, and see the factory in action. In winter, visit Gulaga Gold to join their clever dogs as they hunt out rare black truffles, then sample them in a range of foods. If you're not sure where to start on your foodie journey, let VIP Private Tours create the perfect itinerary or use the Gourmet Coast Trail interactive map to plan your own.
