COVID-friendly getaways on the NSW south coast

By Talia Jones

With summer approaching, many Canberrans will want to head for the beach… but with COVID 19 measures in place, you may be thinking – is it safe to do so?

As of writing this (November 2020), the NSW Government has said that the four square metre rule does not apply to holiday homes or short-term rentals. Up to 20 people can stay in a holiday home/rental and more than 20 if they are all members of the same household. Additionally, all national park camping grounds require you to book ahead.

So, I have collated where you can find some of the best accommodation the beautiful Eurobodalla coast has to offer… and the best part is that they’re all COVID safe.

The Eurobodalla Shire is only a two-hour drive from Canberra and if you stop in either Braidwood or Bungendore along the way for a bite to eat or a coffee, you’ll be on the coast in no time.

Whether you’re living on that tight student budget or wanting to splurge a little and treat yourself… we’ve got you covered. Listed below are the incredible places to stay, the cost of them, and what to do nearby.

Thankfully, these places have taken COVID into consideration and have implemented new rules and safety regulations to ensure everyone has a safe and happy stay!

Depot Beach Campground

$25 a night

Depot Beach is located 20 kilometres north of Batemans Bay in the Murramarang National Park. The campground is the ideal hidden hideaway. Surrounded by bush and opposite the beach, and with no phone reception, is the ultimate place to disconnect and be off the grid.

Depot Beach is home to an abundance of local wildlife including native birds and friendly kangaroos. The campground is primitive camping at its best.

The campground also has the following guidelines in place to ensure your safety:

– Only those who have booked are permitted to stay

– Ensure you bring your own cleaning supplies

– Follow the latest government announcement rules

– Keep at 1.5m distance from anyone

Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort

Ranging from $50 to $250 a night – depending on whether you’re after a villa or a campsite

With a luscious pool surrounded by palm trees, the resort will almost make you feel like you’re in Bali. The resort has delicious options for food – Skippy’s Takeaway Shop (which does fabulous pizza) and the Beach Bistro where you can enjoy plenty of local seafood.

Murramarang is located 18 kilometres north of Batemans Bay. There are surf beaches nearby, plenty of bushwalks and the Clyde River Berry Farm is a 40-minute drive up the road (which is open through December and January).

The resort has plenty of safety regulations in place to ensure your stay is a safe one! The staff encourages you to call reception if needed, they have adapted their check-in process to avoid unnecessary contact, ensured the rooms and park amenities are cleaned frequently, and they are kindly enforcing the 1.5m social distancing rule within the resort.

Corrigans Cove Resort

$150 a night

If you’re after a luxurious getaway, Corrigans Cove is for you. The 4 ½ star resort offers guests a pool, spa facilities, and massage and beauty therapists. The resort also has a great restaurant and bar. It offers a range of delicious (and reasonably priced) cocktails where you can drink overlooking the pool and the ocean!

The resort is conveniently located – only a five-minute drive into the centre of Batemans Bay (or a forty-minute walk if you’re feeling active). Plus, if you’re after a tasty bistro meal, a cold beer, or a (cheeky) play on the pokies, the Catalina Country Club is a short fifteen-minute walk down the road.

Batemans Bay has a variety of things to do, from fishing charters to wildlife parks. There is something for everyone with plenty of shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes to explore.

If you’re after a romantic getaway or a trip with a friend, Corrigans Cove is for you.

The resort is following all COVID19 safety guidelines to ensure every guest has a safe and pleasant stay.

Broulee Big4 Caravan Park

From $99 a night for a cabin that can sleep between 4-6 people

The caravan park is located halfway between Batemans Bay and Moruya in the laidback town of Broulee. The park is situated right across the road from South Broulee beach which is one of the best (and most popular) beaches along the coast.

Broulee has a laidback feel due to its surfer residents. The two main beaches will often be filled with local surfers trying to catch a wave. There’s also a cool little surf shop named Offshore which is worth a visit.

The park has all the facilities you need including a pool, games room, barbeque areas, and a kiosk. It is the ideal place to go with a group of friends for a fun-filled weekend getaway.

During this crazy time, Big4 has ensured that guests will be safe and secure during their stay. They have done the following:

– Signs to show that everyone must social distance

– There is contactless check-in

– Enhanced cleaning and sanitisation of high-touch surfaces

– Installed hand sanitiser stations around the park

– Ensured all cabins are thoroughly cleaned and sanitised

Moruya North Heads Campground

$12 – $17 a night depending on peak season

North Heads is located 5 minutes north along the Moruya River. The campground sits across from the beach and the Moruya Break Wall.

The campground is situated next to the Moruya Airport but not to worry – planes don’t take off that often so it’s not overly loud. However, one of the perks of staying directly next to the airport is the option to go skydiving. From $330, you can jump out of a plane at 10,000 feet and experience the stunning views of the South Coast from above.

If you’re staying over a weekend, the Moruya Markets run every Saturday and they have a range of stalls from to-die-for cinnamon donuts to locally made art. If you’re not staying over a weekend, Moruya on any day can be explored. With a collection of boutique stores and hidden cafes, it’s a wonderful place to visit.

Due to the remote location of the campground, the staff urge visitors to practice good hygiene and cleaning and to bring your own cleaning equipment.

Narooma Big4 Caravan Park

From $45 a night

Narooma is a perfect holiday town with its stunning ocean views and incredible marine life. The Big4 is located within the town centre and sits on the edge of the magical Wagonga Inlet. It’s walking distance from cafes, shops and the beach.

Narooma has plenty on offer; snorkelling, diving, swimming, and more. You can take a day trip to Montague Island and experience wildlife close up, visit the Australia Rock and its neighbouring fur seals or take a stroll along the boardwalk where you will be able to spot giant stingrays.

The O’Brien’s Hotel is the best spot to go to enjoy a pub meal and a beverage with a spectacular view of the Wagonga Inlet.

(As stated above with the Broulee Big4 Caravan Park) Big4 has ensured that guests will be safe and secure during their stay. They have done the following: