Explore pristine coastal lakes, tidal estuaries and the open coastline of the Batemans Marine Park in the Eurobodalla Shire.

Kayaking gives you the best seat for a view of the marine environment as you skim across the shallows or break out into the open water in search of dolphins and whales.

You can join a tour or head out on your own to explore some quieter waters with a rental. Personal tuition will help you to get off to a safer start.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding hire available on Durras Lake.

Batemans Bay is beautiful, but it also has a hidden trump card up its sleeve; Cullendulla Creek Nature Reserve. Sugar gliders slip between the trees, echidnas forage in the undergrowth, oystercatchers and soldier crabs stalk across the sand, and black swans frolic in the bay.

Visitors will find the activities just as rich as the wildlife, with plenty to keep you returning. Pack a picnic, grab a towel, and head to the secluded beach, or pull on your walking shoes for a short hike to a scenic lookout, with Snapper Island and the Tollgates in clear sight. There's canoeing and kayaking too, and even fishing in certain areas.

Pack some binoculars for some stellar birdwatching: the southern emu wren is here all year round, but it's joined by local and migratory birds from everywhere. And budding geologists will be fascinated by the two chenier' dune formations the only examples south of North Queensland.

Maloneys Beach is approximately 14 kilometres north of Batemans Bay township. Situated on the northern shore of Batemans Bay and adjacent to Murramarang National Park, the beach is enclosed by headlands and chain-like rock formations. Featuring protected coves, rockpools, visiting pods of dolphins, an expansive grass reserve which attracts lots of kangaroos, toilets and picnic area, it is an ideal family beach. Maloneys Beach is a recommended location for snorkelling, swimming and walking.

The spectacular cliffs along the Murramarang coastline are on fine display from North Head lookout. After following a well-formed track for 300 metres over gently undulating hills, you’ll arrive at a safe vantage spot with excellent views of the coastal headland and the wide blue sea. Bring the kids and a pair of binoculars – whales migrate past in winter, making this a perfect spot for whale watching. Pods of dolphins are often visible, too.

If birdwatching is an interest, North Head lookout is also a terrific place to see some of the 90 beautiful species that live in Murramarang National Park. Sea eagles and peregrine falcons like to make their homes in the cliff-faces and sometimes circle overhead – don’t forget to look up.

After taking your fill of the view, consider heading down to one of Murramarang’s gorgeous beaches and passing a lazy afternoon by the water’s edge.

Wander along a short and easy walking track and within a few steps you’ll arrive at the secluded beauty of Richmond Beach. Ideal for families, it provides protection from most onshore winds and makes for a peaceful day at the beach.

Surrounded by forest, there are plenty of shady spots to throw down a picnic rug and enjoy a picnic in a stunning natural setting. Bring your fishing gear and try your luck fishing from the beach, or go swimming and snorkelling in the sparkling blue waters.

With more than 90 species of birdlife in Murramarang, this is also a great spot for birdwatching. Wander along the foreshore and see how many species you can see. Catch a glimpse of gannets flying over the waters or watch the sooty oystercatchers fossicking along the shoreline.

Batemans Bay is beautiful, but it also has a hidden trump card up its sleeve; Cullendulla Creek Nature Reserve. Sugar gliders slip between the trees, echidnas forage in the undergrowth, oystercatchers and soldier crabs stalk across the sand, and black swans frolic in the bay.

Visitors will find the activities just as rich as the wildlife, with plenty to keep you returning. Pack a picnic, grab a towel, and head to the secluded beach, or pull on your walking shoes for a short hike to a scenic lookout, with Snapper Island and the Tollgates in clear sight. There's canoeing and kayaking too, and even fishing in certain areas.

Pack some binoculars for some stellar birdwatching: the southern emu wren is here all year round, but it's joined by local and migratory birds from everywhere. And budding geologists will be fascinated by the two chenier' dune formations the only examples south of North Queensland.

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.

It’s a tranquil place, and sits on the edge of the Clyde River as if watching over the past. The town’s history is rich and fascinating with gold prospectors, bushrangers and steam ships having all called Nelligen home. The once bustling streets are now quiet and serene – the soothing tranquillity of the river matched only by the silence of the surrounding forests.

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 takeaway’s 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 very lucky or very experienced.

There is a choice of quality accommodation in Nelligen. Popular with families, the Nelligen Holiday Park is surrounded by water, allowing families to park their boats and kayaks on the banks near their camp spots, or throw a line into the river from a caravan-side camp chair or waterfront balcony. For the ultimate river stay, the estuary between Nelligen and Batemans Bay is a haven for houseboats. A few days relaxed living under big skies on the forested waters, with fishing, swimming and sunsets right off your bow, is an experience like no other.

Corunna picnic area is a popular spot among locals and it’s easy to see why.

Set among trees in a small clearing by Corunna Lake, the picnic area features tables and barbecues that look out on to the scenic lake and lush green hills behind it.

The calm water provides a good spot for some paddling and waterskiing. There’s a boat ramp at the northern end of the picnic area where you can take your boat out for the day to relax or go fishing.

This idyllic picnic area is located at the southern end of Handkerchief Beach. Bring along a picnic lunch and enjoy after a refreshing swim or scenic walk along the beach.

To access follow the Princes Highway south of Narooma and take the first turn left after Island View Beach Resort. Follow the dirt track until you reach the picnic area. Toilet facilities available.