Batemans Bay to Eden

Leaving Batemans Bay we elected to take the scenic route along the coast instead of the Princes Highway passing through Catalina, Batehaven, Denhams Beach and Rosedale. This was a lovely drive and we wished that we had several months so that we could spend time in the lovely little towns and villages along the way. Should venture this way again, something entirely possible,  we would choose to stay probably at Rosehill. I was surprised to see all the cheese making that goes on in this area and in future I will pay more attention to the origin of any cheese that I may buy. Further down the track we passed through Bodalla and Bega, names that scream, "Cheese!"

This coast road took us to the Moruya River and rejoined the Princes Highway at the bridge into Moruya town. I like to know what names mean and Moruya means "home of the black swan".

Moruya River

Morning tea was due so, noticing  parking plot on the left as we came off the bridge, I swung left and parked the car beside this statue.

Michael Weymouth, Rugby League, Moruya

Michael Weymouth is a home grown hero having played all levels of Rugby League. By all reports he is a thoroughly nice guy who plays a big part in the community. His statue was done in bronze by Terry Miller and was unveiled just about a year ago. You can find it outside the community swimming pool which is beside the river.

Having introduced ourselves to Michael Weymouth we scanned for a cafe . . .  and located a sign across the car park on the next street. What luck! If you are ever in Moruya try the scrumptious and healthy fruit toast or choose from a great range of other breakfast and lunchtime menu items at the Moruya Health Foods and Cafe, 11 Church Street, Moruya. You'll be happy you did! We had to restrain ourselves from having seconds!

From Moruya we continued on the Princes Highway driving through forests until we eventually rounded a corner and, to our surprise, were struck with a gorgeous sight - the Wagonga Inlet at Narooma! How very appropriate it is that apparently Narooma means "clear, blue water" in the local Aboriginal language. I'm so pleased that it wasn't changed to some anglicised name.

e

Wagonga Inlet, Narooma

We hadn't planned to stop here however . . . how could I resist parking the van under the huge trees of the park and going for a walk to enjoy the vibrant colours?

Wagonga Inlet

Wagonga Inlet, Narooma

 The bridge over the inlet was another of the centre uplift type, In the late 1880s Narooma was the port for the area and prior to the bridge being built - it was finished in 1931 - punts were used to ferry goods and people across. Of course, at that time the postal service used horseback riders and coaches so in order for the post to continue on its way, the postal rider crossed over on the punt with his horse swimming behind. How we take easy access to places for granted!

Continuing on our way, we left the Princes Highway just past the historic town of Tilba, again taking the scenic coastal route. It was now a long time since our memorable morning tea at Moruya and we planned to stop at Wallaga Lake for lunch.

Wallaga Lake, New South Wales

It had been so still and lovely at our Narooma stop but I was aware, as I was driving, that the van was being buffeted by occasional wind gusts. I was, however, totally surprised at the strength of the wind as we set out our lunch on one of the picnic tables, especially so when one blast blew away two melamine picnic plates. My surprise turned to astonishment when another even stronger blast sent an almost full 500g margarine container spinning off the table, down the bank and into the lake!

Wallaga Lake

Undefeated by the wind, we enjoyed our lunch watching the water birds on the lake. Oyster catchers, plovers, cormorants, seagulls, pelicans and black swans mostly sat out on a sandbank just too far out for me to get a good photo.

Water Birds, Wallaga Lake

Lunch over, we went on our windy way passing through Bermagui, Thathra and pretty Merimbula before arriving at Eden, our destination today. Tomorrow we will cross the State border into Victoria!