Daily Itinerary

Days 1 -2
Arrive at Canberra Airport, collect your rental vehicle and drive to Batemans Bay. Enjoy magnificent beaches, fresh seafood and a myriad of water sports in this vibrant seaside town perched at the entrance of the sparkling Clyde River. Sample local produce enjoy wildlife encounters and follow ancient walking tracks, or go swimming, surfing, kayaking and fishing. The area’s crystal- clear waters are perfect for an underwater adventure on the Batemans Bay Snorkeling Trail. Hire a bicycle and pedal along the foreshore on the Batemans Bay Cycle way. Deep-sea fishing tours depart from the marina. The enchanting Clyde River National Park is a natural playground by the river, offering bush walking, kayaking and fishing. At Birdland Animal Park, see 100 species of native birds and animals in a waterfront bush land setting. A top picnic spot is Observation Point, with views of the coastline and Snapper Island. Batemans Bay is the heart of Australia’s Oyster Coast. 

Taste succulent Clyde River oysters from the farm gates of Pearly Oyster Bar and Farm and the Oyster Shed on Wray Street. 

Day 3 Nelligen
The picturesque riverside village of Nelligen is the first place to greet visitors arriving from the winding forest highway to Eurobodalla’s west. Just 10 minutes from Batemans Bay, the town has signalled the start of a beach and bush holiday for generations of Australians. The waterfront area along Wharf Street is a great place to relax and take it in. Here, a wide grassy bank makes a perfect place to picnic. Fish and chips and other tasty takeaways are nearby. You can fish right from your picnic spot or from the jetty next to the boat ramp. Surrounded by forests, the Clyde River is remarkably pristine and undeveloped. Exploring it by boat or kayak reveals islands, sandy beaches and numerous small tributaries. It’s very easy to find a place that feels like the most remote wilderness, and a few hours among the river-forests can be transformative. Nelligen fishes well, with bream and Flathead common, and huge Mulloway lurking for the lucky or experienced.  

Day 4
The gold rush town of Mogo in Eurobodalla is famous for its world-class zoo and community of artists. Mogo Wildlife Park is home to more than 250 animals, including many rare and exotic species, like Rothschild’s giraffe, Sumatran tigers, snow leopards, southern white rhinos and western lowland gorillas. It’s one of only two places in Australia where you can see white lions and is home to the country’s largest collection of primates. Sit down for breakfast or lunch in the leafy courtyard of Grumpy & Sweetheart’s Cafe. Mogo Pies serves up house made pies, sandwiches, bagels, cakes and more – don’t miss the indulgent vanilla slice. Sweet tooths will want to pay a visit to Mogo Fudge & Ice Cream and Lots of Lollies. 

Days 5 – 6
Heading South along the Princes Highway for about one hour will bring you to your next stop. the coastal town of Narooma in the Eurobodalla region. Narooma boasts the sparkling Wagonga Inlet, beautiful beaches, swimming, snorkelling and diving. It’s also the gateway to Montague Island, a spectacular wildlife wonderland, home to a colony of fur seals and more than 90 bird species. A range of tours will take you to the Montague Island Nature Reserve for a day trip. The island is sacred to the Yuin Aboriginal people, who call it Barunguba. Between May and November, you are likely to spot humpback and southern right whales. The Narooma coastline is dotted with gorgeous beaches. At Narooma Surf Beach, see the splendid ancient rock formations of Glasshouse Rocks and Pillow Lava. At the southern end of Handkerchief Beach is a pretty picnic area. The Narooma to Dalmeny cycling route is a fun way to explore the magnificent shoreline. Hire a kayak from Narooma Marina and explore. On the southern side of Wagonga Inlet, is the scenic Mill Bay boardwalk, where stingrays feed.  

Day 7
Cobargo is a charming heritage village in the rich countryside of the Sapphire Coast. Just a quick 35 minute drive from Narooma and you can enjoy an eclectic mix of shops, cafes and galleries, such as The Lazy Lizard and Little Birdie Vintage. Discover fine woodcraft, pottery and other crafts at the Cobargo Creators Centre and Cobargo Markets on Saturday. The self-guided Cobargo Historic Village Walk has signposts that steer visitors around the village. The rich farmlands around Cobargo grow a variety of produce, from kale to lamb and parsnips. You can buy fresh produce on the Cobargo Open Garden Farm Tour.

Days 8 – 9
Time to leave the coast and head back to the Australian Capital, Canberra. We recommend taking the longer route and having stops at Bega and Cooma. The area around Bega is lush farmland and of course there is the famous Bega Cheese as well as many quintessential historic buildings.  
Cooma is the capital of the Snowy Mountains, where you can visit the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre or perhaps the Wild Brumby Distillery. Shut the Gate Winery, between Cooma and Jindabyne is popular for lunch visits.  
The luxury of the Hyatt Hotel Canberra awaits you. The hotel is close to the National Rose Garden, Parliament House, the Aboriginal Tent embassy, the National Portrait Gallery and more. Fuel up at Brekky, put on your walking shoes and take in these iconic Australian landmarks.   
On the other side of Lake Burley Griffin lies the Australian War Memorial, Anzac Parade, Kemal Ataturk Memorial and other significant sites. Close by is Italian and Sons, a Canberra favourite and the perfect place to end the day with a memorable dinner. Buona Notte. 

Day 10
When you check out of your Canberra hotel this morning, your “Bushfire Recovery Drive” Quest comes to an end.  
“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” Dr Seuss.