From Wine & Cheese Tastings To Snorkelling, This Is Why You Need A Weekend On The South Coast
I’m either one of the most organised people on a trip you’ll ever meet, or I do absolutely zero research and just turn up hoping for the best. Last weekend when a group of friends invited me to Narooma, I fell into the latter category. Let me tell you though, it was one of the best weekend getaways I’ve ever had.
Narooma is part of the South Coast, about a five-hour drive from Sydney. As the drive is mostly always along the coast, there’s always gorgeous scenery and there are plenty of cute towns to make a stop-over in to break up the journey.
The South Coast itself is a haven for beautiful places to swim, multitudes of marine life (and therefore the perfect place to dive or snorkel). It’s also right by cheese country, with plenty of wineries and breweries nearby to satisfy your cravings after a day in the sun.
If chill vibes, good food and stunning views sound like a perfect weekend away to you too, here’s where you should go on a trip to the South Coast.
Where To Stay
Surf Beach Holiday Park, Narooma
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This is where we stayed and it was a perfect set-up as some of the group were camping ad the rest of us hired a big cabin. It’s basic accommodation, and BYO everything, but it’s priced as such. Plus you’ve got ocean views and a golf course, if you’re so inclined.
Tilba Lakehouse
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If you’re looking for somewhere a little more boutique with more of a romance vibe over mates getaway, just get a load of this place. You can glamp or stay in your own apartment one this stunning coastal-country property.
Mystery Bay Camping Ground
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Get a little more into nature by camping in the bush-surrounded campground on the water’s edge further down the South Coast at Mystery Bay. The peace and beauty here can’t be exaggerated, and it’s a great spot for snorkelling if you’re into it.
Where To Dine
Camel Rock Brewery, Wallaga Lake
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Anyone who knows me, know that I think one of life’s purest pleasures is a tasting flight at a local brewery. I particularly loved Camel Rock Brewery because it’s so damn cute. There’s even a giant chessboard.
Huskisson Hotel, Huskisson
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We made a group lunch stop on the way home at Huskisson Hotel ina cute little beachside town that not even the pouring rain on our return journey could ruin. The hotel/pub is right by the water and the food is amazing — can personally recommend the nachos.
Cupitt’s Estate, Ulladulla
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With plenty of famous cheese towns nearby (Bega and Tilba, anyone?), you can’t really leave the South Coast without visiting a fromagerie. Cupitt’s Estate has everything you could want: award-winning cheese tastings, cellar door wine tastings, craft beer flights and sit down meals. Just be sure to book well ahead for any of these, as Covid has limited the numbers allowed.
Oyster Shed On Wray Street, Batemans Bay
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For all you fresh seafood lovers, it doesn’t get much better than The Oyster Shed On Wray Street. This family-run business has been selling fresh oysters out of their base on the Clyde River for 64 years. You can buy their oysters opened to chow down right away, or closed.
Where To Swim
Blue Pool, Bermagui
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I love a good ocean pool, but the beauty of Blue Pool blew me away. Nestled into a dramatic cliff, the crystal blue waters here just call to you. It’s easy to get too, and popular ut not overcrowded. Plus, there are plenty of seals to spot nearby.
Horse Head Rock, Wallaga Lake
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The strange thing about the South Coast is the number of famous rocks that apparently look like other things — Australia Rock, Camel Rock, Horse Head Rock. Some are better than others, and while Horse Head itself was a little ‘meh’ to me, the bay it’s in is actual paradise.
To get there, you have to walk around the rocks from Camel Rock so you’ll get it mostly to yourself. The walk is easy though, but definitely wear sandshoes or you will literally shred your feet.
Mowray Beach, Ben Boyd National Park
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This stunning bay is not only naturally protected from the elements, it’s also hidden from crowds. You’ll have 4WD in, or walk the 31 km Light to Light walk through the national park, but it’s totally worth it. You’re also likely to encounter goanna prints, as there’s a lot living in the dunes.
What To Do
Bingi Dreaming Track Guided Walk
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This 13-kilometre track follows a local Aboriginal songline along the Eurobodalla Coast. Join Minga Cultural Experiences for a two-hour guided tour with local Indigenous woman, Trish, to learn all about traditional bush food, medicine, and Indigenous history along the way.
Go Scuba Diving
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The South Coast is a dream for snorkelers and scuba divers, in fact, it was the whole reason our group went. There are heaps of diving groups to join up with and heaps of good scuba spots, even for beginners — like Jervis Bay, Ulladulla and Montague Island in Narooma. To be honest, you don’t even have to dive to see marine life — just check out the giant Eagle Ray we spotted from Narooma pier.
Kayak Clyde River National Park
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If you want to get out on the water without diving too far below it (me), hire a kayak and explore the tranquil waters of Clyde River National Park in Bateman’s Bay. Try Region X for a tour that’ll show you the hidden beaches and secret mangrove passes, or just hire from them and show yourself around instead.
(Lead image: Instagram – @probably_Kassia / @cupitt)
