New South Wales - Australia 2004 - page 216

if you make your reservations far enough in advance. Trips to catch snapper (a
nice-tasting fish, which is not the same as red snapper) include all gear, bait, and
morning or afternoon tea for A$80 (US$52) per person.
A river cruise on the MV Merinda, Innes Boatshed, Orient St., Batemans Bay
( & 02/4472 4052; fax [phone]), is a pleasant experience. The 3-hour
cruise leaves at 11:30am daily and travels inland past townships, forests, and
farmland. It costs A$22 (US$14) for adults, A$11 (US$7.15) for children, and
A$50 (US$33) for families; a fish-and-chip lunch is A$6 (US$3.90) extra and a
seafood basket for two is A$12 (US$7.80).
A NICE PLACE TO STAY
The Bay Soldiers Esplanade Motor Inn This four-star motel right on
the Batemans Bay river estuary has fabulous views and is close to the town cen-
ter. Rooms are light and well furnished, and all have balconies (some with water
views). Some doubles and suites have Jacuzzis; they cost the same as non-Jacuzzi
rooms, so specify if you want one when booking. Eat at the hotel's restaurant or
at the Batemans Bay Soldiers' Club just opposite, which has a restaurant, a
bistro, cheap drinks, and a free evening kids club.
23 Beach Rd. (P.O. Box 202), Batemans Bay, NSW 2536. & 1800/659 884 in Australia, or 02/4472 0200. Fax
02/4472 0277. www.esplanade.com.au/motel. 23 units. A$107-A$179 (US$70-US$116) double, depending
on season, view, and Jacuzzi; A$156-A$330 (US$101-US$215) suite. Extra person A$12 (US$7.80). Children
under 18 stay free in parent's room. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; coin-op laundry; nonsmoking
rooms. In room:A/C, TV, kitchenette, fridge, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
NAROOMA
345km (214 miles) SW of Sydney
Narooma is a seaside town with beautiful deserted beaches, a golf course right
on a headland, a natural rock formation in the shape of Australia (popular with
camera-wielding tourists), and excellent fishing. However, its major attraction is
Montague Island , the breeding colony for thousands of shearwaters (or
mutton birds, as they're also called) and a hangout for juvenile seals.
Just 18km (11 miles) farther south is Central Tilba , one of the prettiest
towns in Australia and the headquarters of the boutique ABC Cheese Factory.
You'll kick yourself if you miss this charming historical township (pop. 35; 1
million visitors annually).
ESSENTIALS
GETTING THERE Narooma is a 7-hour drive from Sydney down the
Princes Highway. Premier Motor Service ( & 1300/368 100 in Australia, or
02/4423 5233) runs coaches to Narooma from Sydney's Central Station.
VISITOR INFORMATION The Narooma Visitors Centre, Princes High-
way, Narooma ( & 02/4476 2881; fax [phone]; www.naturecoast-tourism.
com.au), is open daily from 9am to 5pm.
WHAT TO SEE & DO: WHALES, GOLF & MORE
A must if you're visiting the area is a boat tour with Narooma Charters ( & 02/
4476 2240; www.acr.net.au/~charters). It offers spectacular tours of the coast on
the lookout for dolphins, seal colonies, and little penguins, and also includes a
tour of Montague Island. Morning and afternoon tours take 3 1 ⁄ 2 hours and cost
A$69 (US$45) for adults, A$50 (US$33) for children, and A$198 (US$129) for
families. A 4 1 ⁄ 2 -hour tour includes some of the world's best whale-watching
(between mid-Sept and early Dec) and costs A$89 (US$58) for adults, A$70