Tuesday 11 March we drove away from Canberra towards Batemans Bay. We stopped along the way for a comfort break and explored a major tourist heritage town Bungendore en route. We had a snack and checked out the Main Street….before moving on…. Very quaint!
The weather had deteriorated on us and we drove away into the rain which made the mountain passes interesting to say the least along the route. Spectacular scenery!
We arrived in Batemans Bay which sits on the Clyde River Estuary, an open intermediate tide-dominated drowned valley estuary. The river flows into the Tasman Sea at Batemans Bay which is located in the South Coast region of New South Wales. Aided by photos the operator had sent us, we easily followed the instructions on how to enter the private apartment block and underground garage. We got ourselves settled and then took the lift to our apartment – which was absolutely stunning with amazing views out to the water, modern well-equipped kitchen and bathroom, and a really comfy king sized bed. Very very happy indeed!
So once we had unloaded the car into the apartment, we popped out to the shops for some provisions for dinner. We enjoyed dinner ‘at home’ and sitting on the balcony watching the world go by. There was a sail boat anchored in front of our apartment which we particularly enjoyed watching – surprised by how much tidal variation there was – and, at one point concerned that he would swing into rocks if the weather picked up. None of the boats we saw were occupied….. Felt quite nostalgic….
Wednesday morning we were up early and went for a drive visiting numerous secluded bays along the coast enjoying the lovely scenery. We ended up in the marina (where else?!?) and booked ourselves a boat trip up the river for Thursday. Whilst out and about we visited the Soldier’s Club and had a couple of drinks on their balcony having ‘joined’ the club. Was surprised by how busy (and noisy) it was…..but clearly some large groups of friends were on holiday together.
We rested up back at our apartment before we later returned to the Soldier’s Club on foot. Very nice place with great staff and well-priced libations. There was a Lindy Hop dancing class (for oldies) going on in the lounge LOL and, although we didn’t take part, we enjoyed watching them strut their stuff with some of them even dressed the part! We then retired to the restaurant and had a fantastic dinner…
Thursday morning we headed out on foot along the seafront. Was only a 45 minute walk or so but felt longer in the humidity….and I was relieved when we arrived at the jetty to confirm our seats on the boat trip. Driving wasn’t really an option as all the local parking was very time restricted and the only appropriate one was actually a fair walk from the jetty. So it made sense….
Interesting art work along the way and lots of pelicans to admire….
All confirmed, fish and chips ordered (lunch being included in the ticket) we went to a water-side cafe and enjoyed a cold restorative glass of water whilst we waited for the boat to be loaded up. While we were sitting there a minibus turned up and everyone headed down the jetty – and every single person was on a stroller! There was a tour guide with them looking after them and, coincidentally all the strollers were brand new and the same make. So not sure if that was part of their deal or not but a hell of a coincidence!. Anyway, we waited patiently while all these people were loaded on – some of them actually needing to be virtually carried onto the boat and gently placed into their seat. Some strollers were loaded on too but not the full compliment so all a bit confusing!
Finally it was our turn and we boarded and took our allocated seats. We then cast off and the boat took off towards the ocean – there is a dangerous bar here at Batemans Bay to the sea – and the sea was raging….so that was exciting for us anyway LOL.
The Captain’s commentary was both informative and entertaining – he had a bit of a naughty sense of humour – and the old dears seemed to enjoy his banter (and I’ll include myself in that description LOL). Back down the river we stopped again at the jetty and this time the food was loaded on and then we were off again. The lunch was piping hot and absolutely delicious – not sure how they manage that with mass catering – but they did so kudos to them. After lunch we went at sat outside on the bow of the boat and enjoyed being in the fresh air as we drove past oyster beds, passed houseboats and under low bridges.
At the end of the line – in that the river was no longer navigable for us because of very low bridges – we stopped and tied off. We got off to stretch our legs and Richard purchased an artisan ice cream in the village store before returning to our boat seats for the return journey. Oh yes and did I explain there was a full service bar on board??!!?? So we sat in the sun again enjoying a cold beverage or two….well until at least the tea / coffee / cake / biscuits were rolled out later LOL.
We finally returned to the jetty and walked back to the apartment – we rested up – and explored the rooftop pool before spending our last night in Batemans Bay at home, enjoying the balcony and the amazing views over the anchorage yet again. This property had definitely been a great find!
Friday morning we packed up, checked out, and drove towards Narrabeen where we were going to see another of Richard’s ex-colleagues Kieron and his family. So I’ll leave this blog here and please return soon for another episode. Bye for now.
Jan