Batemans Bay, NSW - Getaway Evening

Batemans is a lifestyle point on the South Coast of New South Wales, perhaps a third of the way ocean side from Sydney to Melbourne, definitely a summer gathering place for worn out city folk and twenty somethings wanting their share of surf, sun and slumber. Sited on the estuary of the Clyde River, the town is the largest on the NSW coast south of Nowra and the Shoalhaven. The Princes Highway bridge linking to the town has enabled more traffic from the north, perhaps a dubious decision to townsfolk who treasure their solitude and peace.  Canberrans also flock to the Bay as their nearest practical beach site, away from the oppressive temperatures of the inland Australian capital.  Named by Lt James Cook in 1770, Batemans boasts good oysters, unspoilt coastlines, interesting trekking possibilities and deep sea fishing.  In classic Australian stereotyped expectations from foreigners, yes, there also reside koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, parrots, bandicoots and possums.  Nearby Mogo has a zoo and mountains with names like Pigeon House beckon inland.  Batemans itself has a Birdland Animal Park and a golf course.  The nearest local airport is at Maruya to the south, around 45 minutes drive away.

I had the opportunity to spend an evening at Corrigan's Cove, located between the suburbs of Catalina and Batehaven when one drives along the coastal road. The accommodation stood out as being clean, well thought of and very comfortable.  The bed especially was a winner, high-ended, with fluffy pillows and with a flat TV monitor strategically placed for the ideal line of sight.  The bath had toiletries normally found in a  five star hotel. Morning breakfast offered a complimentary choice of cereal and coffee or tea, but if you prefer, cooked hot breakky only costs ten dollars.  Corrigan's is not far from the Batemans Bay High School, but in the other direction, guests can stroll, run or cycle along Beach Road beside sweeping bay views.  There are local cafes and restaurants within walking distance of the Cove, with ample vehicle parking space on the grounds of the resort.

Batemans is part of the Eurobodalla Shire and can have chilly nights in the southern hemisphere winter season.   That is when the pool decks at Corrigan's Cove can be empty (below) but there is always a cosy balcony to sip, sit and stare (photo above).   There are isles in the Bay itself, like the Tollgate. Montague Island, sited off Narooma further south, boasts Australian fur seals.  To the north, there is Mollymook, hosting Brit chef Rick Stein's Bannisters Seafood Restaurant; Jervois Bay National Park; the small fishing village of Milton; and Ulladulla.