Take time to relax and unwind on the coast this winter. Photo: PewPew Studios.
Nestled between Batemans Bay and Broulee, Malua Bay is the perfect base for a winter weekend getaway or midweek coastal escape from Canberra.
While taking a dip at the beach or catching a wave may be for the bravest Canberrans, there’s so much more to discover on the coast during the cooler months. From the mountains to the sea, discover impressive coastal hikes, relaxing forest walks, exciting mountain bike trails and incredible look-outs where you can watch whales frolicking offshore.
Get out and discover the best of nature, whether it’s a morning beach stroll, a walk around Broulee Island or a full-day mountain climb. Within 30 minutes of Malua Bay, you’re spoilt for choice.
Visit the stunning new Observation Point for panoramic views of Batemans Bay, recently upgraded with several new viewing platforms, native gardens, Aboriginal art and shady seating. This lookout will form the gateway to the Coastal Headlands Walking Trail, a 14.5-km track linking the headlands and beaches between Batehaven and McKenzies Beach.
Soak in the native banksia forest and the plethora of birdlife along the clifftop Burrewarra Point Banksia Walk at Guerilla Bay. A 1.5-km return walk on a sandy track will take you through the forest, past an old WWII communications bunker to a lookout platform, perfect for whale watching.
If two wheels are more your thing, check out the Mountain Bike trails in Mogo State Forest. The 14-km scenic forest track has routes ranging from beginners to the more experienced and adventurous.
The nearby forests also offer great opportunities for nature lovers, with four-wheel drive tracks, picnic areas and lookouts. Grab a guide and try your hand at mushrooming to create your own gourmet delight.
Malua Bay is the ideal winter warmer for couples and families, with the wonderful Eurobodalla Botanic Gardens – featuring a fabulous playground and 6 km of meandering tracks – the famous Mogo Zoo and historic Mogo village all within a 10 to 20-minute drive. Wander around the zoo and meet the friendly furry locals, then pop into Mogo for great shopping, cafes and galleries.
Pack your binoculars and camera and spot some of the local wildlife on the beaches and in the bush, including magnificent sea eagles, wallabies, dolphins and possibly even an emu!
And, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking on the Clyde River or head out on a fishing charter, dolphin or whale watching cruise from Batemans Bay?
When it comes to dining out, there are dozens of cafes and restaurants in the region to choose from offering fresh seasonal produce, local treats and cuisine from around the world. Or grab some fresh oysters from one of the farmers and sit by the beach or river with a bottle of bubbles and indulge in the winter sunshine.
On those cooler days, spend an afternoon indoors checking out some of the nearby galleries and art exhibitions, before heading to one of the watering holes for live music and a cool beer. The Broulee Brewhouse is always worth a visit and is a great spot to catch up with friends, or chat to the locals at the popular Mossy Cafe.
The new Bay Pavilions has lots on offer for families and couples alike, with two indoor heated pools, four waterslides and a gym, as well as an art gallery. Check out what’s on in the auditorium, with live music, comedy shows and musical theatre productions changing from week to week.
If winter is calling you to the coast, check out the Malua Bay Abode Hotel, offering a range of accommodation options overlooking the pristine beach and parkland. Nestled at the northern end of the beach, the Abode is a quiet getaway for couples, families or groups, with twin or king studios, family apartments and interconnecting rooms available.
And there’s no need to find a sitter for your furry friend, because the Abode is pet friendly. The dog beach is conveniently located opposite the hotel for serious sandy zoomies during the winter months.
Gemma Turenko from Abode says half of the 50 rooms boast stunning ocean views.
“You can sit inside in the warmth with a nice glass of red and soak in the vistas, or enjoy your coffee in the morning sun out on the balcony on those milder winters days,” Gemma said.
“The self-contained rooms are a good size, with a kitchenette and laundry facilities making them ideal for families who may not want to dine out every night. And Raymond’s Chinese Restaurant downstairs is a local favourite if you don’t want to cook yourself!”
Gemma says with Batemans Bay, Broulee, Mogo and Moruya on the doorstep, the Malua Bay Abode is a great central hub to explore everything the nature coast has to offer.
“Fabulous hikes, the bustling Moruya markets and, of course, the beautiful Mogo Zoo are just some ways to spend your days.
“Grab fish and chips and find a sunny spot on the foreshore, or pack a picnic and explore the forests.”
The Abode opened its doors in 2020 and features fresh, clean modern furnishings with easy parking, just two hours down the picturesque Clyde Mountain from Canberra CBD.
“It’s the perfect coastal getaway and the weather is much milder than Canberra,” Gemma said.
The Abode is currently offering a winter special with free family passes to Mogo Zoo, and Region readers can save 15 per cent by using the promo code RIOTACT for stays until the end of September.
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