Little Batemans Bay is a quintessential New South Wales coastal town; it’s home to beautiful beaches, forested national parks, plus excellent snorkeling and fishing. And, of course, it has more than its fair share of weekend-tripping Canberrans, as it’s the closest coastal town to Australia’s inland capital. But there are more things to do in Batemans Bay than spotting politicians. After a few days of snorkeling on the coastal trail, fishing, and shucking oysters, you might not want to return to Canberra.
Batemans Bay is best when the weather is fine, clear, and warm. Swimming and lazing on the beach is best in summer (December–February), although cycling and hiking in the nearby national parks are more comfortable when it cools down in spring and fall. Winter (June–August) is the low season, but it’s when you can get an accommodation bargain and enjoy quieter weekends.
Batemans Bay is a small place and it’s easy to get around on foot. You can also rent bicycles here. The town’s boardwalk and coastal trails mean that cycling is an ideal way of getting around. Shuttles and buses connect Batemans Bay with Canberra, and limited services also connect it to other towns and cities, but unless you’re a keen long-distance cyclist, you’ll need a vehicle to explore far beyond the town.
While there are some good bush walks around Batemans Bay, don’t skip the easy Sculpture Walk. It starts at Clyde Street near the center of town and follows Murra Walk and Beach Road to Batemans Bay Marina. Along the way, you’ll find numerous locally made sculptures (the number increases each year), including flailing octopus tentacles and a crab balancing on a pelican’s beak. Don’t forget to look up at the beautiful coastal views behind, too.
