A peaceful spot on the Moruya River, via Batemans Bay Bushwalkers.
Moruya is a country town surrounded by productive farmland and an impressive mountain range. With restored historic buildings, the pretty setting sits on a magnificent river but also offers easy access to gorgeous sandy beaches and beautiful national parks. Its location means that a range of activities including kayaking, cycling, skydiving, surfing, deep-sea fishing and many others are on offer.
Although Moruya is one of the main commercial centres in the region, it has a rural vibe and plenty of character. As you drive down the main street, the efforts to preserve and restore the local historic buildings are evident. The Moruya River provides several spots for picnics, barbecues or an impromptu game of cricket on its grassy banks.
Why you’ll love it
Moruya offers an array of adventure activities that are hard to beat on the south coast. You can hire a go-kart, head out to the speedway or even take a scenic flight. For the extra brave keen to see the coast in a way most don’t get to enjoy, take a scenic joy flight from Moruya Airport or check out South Coast Seaplanes.
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Still outdoors but this time on the water, Moruya offers kayaking, fishing and a scenic cycleway along the river which is great for walkers and bike riders.
If you prefer the pace of life to be a little more sedate, Moruya Museum is the place for anyone keen to take a glimpse back to the lives of people in the mid-1800s, with an array of artefacts and memorabilia on display. A stroll through historical Quarry Park on the river’s edge tells the story of how Moruya provided stone for many of Sydney’s landmarks, including the pylons of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
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A short drive away is Moruya Heads where there are surf beaches and a fabulous lookout that offers superb coastal views over the mouth of Moruya River. If you visit between May and November, bring your binoculars and see if you can spot any whales as they make their way along the coast. The surf beach is patrolled by lifeguards in the busy summer holiday period, but further along are several unspoiled and often deserted beaches.
Check out some of Moruya’s gems that Maryann Mussared recently discovered on a trip to the region.
Getting there
Getting to Moruya is a breeze. Head to Batemans Bay on the Kings Highway, via Queanbeyan. At Batemans Bay, take the Princes Highway south for about 30km until you reach the Moruya township.
When to go
Many of Moruya’s attractions are suitable for any time of the year. Picnics, barbecues and riverside activities are pleasant at most times. The walking tracks in the area are great any time of year, but in spring there are coastal wildflowers on display. Summer is excellent for a family getaway. The Moruya Granite Festival happens each September, the River of Art festival is on mid-year, there are country markets every Saturday by the river, offering arts, crafts, clothing, food and more, and the SAGE farmers markets run on Tuesdays, with locally grown or harvested food directly from the producers for sale.
Key details
- Duration: Allow 2 ½ hours from Canberra
- Distance from Canberra: 170km
- Recommended for: just about anyone. Moruya offers something for shoppers, local history buffs, people looking to enjoy just about any on-water sport, adventurers and everyone in between.
- More information: Moruya Magic or South Coast Tavel Guide – Moruya
What is your favourite way to spend time in Moruya?
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