Tuross Head is a place many visitors never want to leave. Spend time here and you are bound to meet someone who has done just that.

Set on a low-lying headland perched between twin lakes, and with stunning ocean beaches stretching north and south, the small village is surrounded by magnificent waterways.The beach area to the north of the inlet is sublime, with the water ranging from crystal clear to deep blue as it alternates the sandy depths and shallows. The beach here has a knack for attracting driftwood and it’s not unusual to find sun-bleached castaway-style shelters, or impromptu abstract art forms, crafted by other beachgoers.

Across the narrow inlet to the south, the long tapering sandbar that protects the lake becomes a wide beach forming the gateway to Eurobodalla National Park. A swim or kayak across the sparkling water to the sandbar, and time spent wading with the rays, fish and birds, is a life-affirming pleasure that lingers with you long after. Not far from the inlet, on the calm waters of Tuross Lake, is the small but enchanting waterfront café area. Once the working boat sheds and wharf for the commercial fishery, the original timber building and dock are largely unchanged. It’s a special place, and almost unique in allowing you to tie your kayak or boat up right next to your table, or cast a line while having a coffee. A meal here at sunset, watching the water, earth and sky shift through the spectrum of colours, is particularly fine.

Tuross Lake here is renowned for large and plentiful flathead. Fed by the Tuross River, a network of natural channels provides hidden fishing holes, unexpected islands and sheltered picnic spots. On the opposite side of the peninsula, the smaller shallower Coila Lake is famous for large bream and small greenback prawns. Prawning, in season can be as simple as walking the shallows with a torch and scoop net, and is a relaxing and rewarding way to spend a summer evening with family and friends.

You’ll find Bodalla’s main street dotted with quirky shops and galleries, with Gallery Bodalla in the old Post Office exhibiting impressive local works. Bodalla Bakery is famous for its pies and bread baked in the centuries-old oven. You could take away, but why not join the locals for a yarn in the café. Like many 19th century towns, the architecture here is dominated by the two competing services of the time; the church and the pub. The magnificent All Saints Church dates to the 1880s and is built in the Victorian Academic Gothic style. It features a tower and spire, large rose window, oak woodwork and intricate stained-glass windows. Visitors are welcome to explore the building and its garden surrounds.

Moruya is a heritage and cultural hub where you can connect with a vibrant and creative community by visiting award winning markets, boutique shops and The Basil Sellers (BAS) Exhibition Centre. The heritage of the town is always on display with many of the buildings unchanged since the 1950’s and others salute the town’s development during 1800’s.

The carved wooden sculptures dotted along the main street honour various aspects of Moruya’s community and reflect the artistic spirit of the town and announce the town’s standing as an unofficial cultural hub.

Crossing the river into Moruya on a Saturday morning or Tuesday afternoon, it’s hard to miss the colour and movement spilling from Riverside Park when two of the south coast’s best markets are in full swing. The Saturday Country Market is a great way to ease into the weekend, with fresh food, music, produce and bespoke art and craft. Shop and chat with local artists, makers and growers, who are happy to share what they know, or find a place on the river’s edge to sit, eat and watch South Coast Sea Planes come in to land. The parade of people, dogs and fashion is eclectic.

The SAGE Farmers Market on Tuesday afternoons is one of Australia’s best. It was twice awarded most outstanding farmers market by ABC’s Delicious magazine, not only for the authenticity and quality of produce, but for the atmosphere of the market.

There’s a range of cafes, including Alfresco Coffee Roasters who ethically source, roast and brew coffee from all around the world. Local watering holes like the Air Raid Tavern, the Adelaide and The Waterfront feature live music on weekends and great pub food. The River restaurant offers a fine dining French/Australian menu featuring fresh local and seasonal produce with gorgeous views over Moruya River. And if you are a weekend chef, you can source a range of local produce from the markets and local fresh food grocers, bakeries and butchers.