Outdoor Adventures//
How lucky are we to have a region brimming with such natural beauty and wildlife? Get the kids out of the house and connect with nature at The Eurobodalla Botanical Gardens. Nestled in the Mogo State Forest the gardens are abundant with native plant species, kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas and more. Pack a picnic or forget the cooking duties for the day and head to the onsite café. Nearby, Mogo Wildlife Park offers a chance to get a little closer to the action, while the Mill Bay Boardwalk in Narooma provides a scenic waterside stroll.
For a bit more activity, head to Broulee Island, accessible via a 3.5-kilometre walk along the sandbar from North Broulee Beach. Though connected to the mainland, Broulee Island feels like a hidden escape. Other highlights include the Bar Rock Lookout and Australia Rock, as well as plenty of more kid-friendly walking trails to explore.
Playgroups//
- Storytime: Join in the fun at Moruya and Narooma libraries every Wednesday and Thursday.
- Baby Rhyme Time: Perfect for little ones, held at Batemans Bay library on Wednesdays.
- 3Bs Play in the Park: Enjoy outdoor play at Batehaven and Tuross Head on Wednesdays and Fridays.
- 3Bs Playgroups: Find a session near you in Moruya, Bodalla, Sunshine Bay, Tomakin, Batemans Bay, and Dalmeny.
- PlayStrong playgroups are held at the Child and Family Centre in Catalina every Thursday during school terms and are all about supporting diversity and inclusion.
The Eurobodalla Botanical Gardens host Discovery Walks during the week where kids are taken on a guided walk and encouraged to become explorers, learning along the way.
All groups are free and you can find more information here.
Food Adventures//
Why not embrace your inner Wonka and treat the kids to a day of sweet treats?! [We’re not responsible for any sugar-induced commas!] Start with a stop at the Mogo Lolly Shop, home to Mogo Fudge, where-can you believe it?-they’ve been crafting their famous fudge for over 25 years.
Then head up the highway to Bodalla Dairy, where they can learn about the region’s rich dairy history and sip on a fresh milkshake straight from the source.
Next stop: Tilba. Stock up on old-school boiled lollies at Tilba Sweet Spot, find fluffy scones at Ellens at Tilba, and, of course, taste Tilba’s award-winning cheeses at the Tilba Dairy Cheese Factory.
Looking for another day trip idea? Head to the Clyde River Berry Farm, where the kids [and kids-at-heart] can pick their own fresh berries and savour homemade ice cream bursting with the farm’s very own produce.
Water Activities//
It’d be crazy if we didn’t include some things to do with the kids on the water.
Much-loved Broulee is a great kid friendly option for swimming, snorkelling and fishing. A particular favourite spot for snorkelling, Candlagan Creek offers shallow, sheltered waters and is home to schools of juvenile fish- so don’t forget the goggles! Pack the inflatables, beach cricket gear, and make a day of it. If you’ve got a young one keen to learn to ride the waves, Broulee Surf School have you covered.
For those who want a close encounter, snorkelling with seals around Montague Island is a must. Explore more of the underwater world with operators like Narooma Charters and Barunguba Montague Island Tours, Beneath the Bay, and Underwater Safaris, who will have you wowing at our incredible marine life.
If you’re up for a little more excitement, Ocean Jetboating South Coast is an adrenaline-fuelled adventure on the water. Or go slow [and stuff yourself silly] with a Pizza Paddle Sunset Kayak Tour, NSW Region X, or enjoy kite adventures with The Kite Bus.
Recreational Sports//
We think the Eurobodalla is a paradise for bike, scooter, and skating lovers! Cruise along the scenic Batemans Bay cycleway and take in the views or get the kids on out the new Mogo Trails, known for world-class mountain biking adventures. Explore the Narooma Trails or take a tour with South bound escapes or keep it easy with the flat, picturesque Moruya Cycleway. The BMX riders in your house will love the Batemans Bay BMX Track, while skaters and scooter riders have plenty of spots to choose from here.
Pick up a racquet at Next Generation Tennis or put on your best game face at Crackajack Mini Golf. Horse lovers can enjoy riding lessons, while aspiring martial artists can hone their skills at Ilyo Taekwondo.
Local attractions//
Sometimes you just need a surefire winner and we reckon there’s a couple of local attractions that are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. Catch a movie at The Kinema in Narooma or Perry Street Cinema in the Bay. Looking for all-day fun? Bay Pavilions is an all season, all rounder which can easily be made a day. For the little ones, Kids Biz Playhouse will keep them entertained for hours, while older kids (16+) can take on Skyzone Moruya.
Arts & Culture//
We’re lucky to have a rich diversity of Indigenous heritage in the Eurobodalla. Immerse the kids in the stories and traditions through meaningful cultural experiences with Ngaran Ngaran Culture Awareness or walking tours with Minga Cultural Experiences, hop on a boat with Narooma Aboriginal Culture Tours or hear from educator and Aboriginal Traditional Owner Lynne Thomas from Malleema Aboriginal Cultural Tours.
Explore Tilba and the history of one of our region’s heritage gems with Tilba Walks. The walking tours combine history and fun, bringing to life the charm of Tilba. [Our picks are the twilight and slow food tours!]
Maybe you’ve got a creative bee on your hands. Stock up at Amanda’s of Mogo Arts & Crafts Store or sign them up for an art class with Grace Paleg or at Butterfly Splat. Take a tour through Basil Sellers Exhibition Centre or hit the Eurobodalla Mural Trail, created for the 2020 River of Art Festival and get the kids inspired by this unique artform. Bateman Bay sculpture walk, part of the Mia Murra Walk, showcases eight award-winning sculptures along the marina.
Moruya Museum opens a window into life in the 1800s, located in historical treasure Emmott House.
Similarly Batemans Bay Heritage Museum built in 1905, delves into the Bay’s rich history. Make sure to allow plenty of time for this one- there’s a lot to take in! Narooma Lighthouse Museum showcases the original light and optical apparatus from the Montague Island Light Station and is a fun one for a selfie or family snap.
So there you go- plenty to keep the kids entertained [and burn off some energy!] in the Eurobodalla. Whether it’s bikes, beaches, or a bit of mini-golf rivalry, there’s something for everyone. Now it’s just a matter of deciding what to do first. Oh, and don’t forget to keep an eye out for events cropping up all the time via What’s On!
