There’s no better way to soak up the natural beauty of Batemans Bay than at one of the area’s breathtaking lookouts. Luckily, the coastline is peppered with stunning vistas, so you don’t have to go far to marvel at the region’s sparkling beaches and the blue-hued mountains of the luscious hinterlands. So if you want to catch a magnificent sunset or sunrise this autumn or pass a lazy afternoon by the water’s edge surrounded by panoramic views and wildlife, then add these top lookouts to your bucket list.
NORTH HEAD
Take a relaxing 300-metre walk on a well-formed, undulating track and you’ll find one of the finest lookouts on the South Coast. Here you can admire the stunning cliffs along the Murramarang coastline with excellent views of the headland and ocean. If you’re lucky, you might spot some migrating whales during the winter, a pod of dolphins, or one of the 90 bird species that call the Murramarang National Park home, including sea eagles and peregrine falcons. Don’t forget your binoculars and camera!
HOLMES
If you’re looking for an impressive vantage point of the Clyde River, then head to Holmes lookout situated within the Benandrah State Forest. Located 5km west of Batemans Bay, Holmes lookout is perched high on the ridgeline offering fine views of the river’s entrance and Pacific Ocean to the east. To the west you can admire the winding river as it snakes up into the mountains and the Budawang Ranges. After taking your fill of the view, sit amongst the tall gum trees while enjoying a snack at one of the picnic tables, or cook up a hearty lunch at one of the barbeques.
FOLDERS HILL
Just a short drive from Batemans Bay you’ll find Folders Hill lookout, situated on the northern bank of the Clyde River. Once here you’ll be spoiled with excellent views of the river, Batemans Bay town and glimpses of the gorgeous eucalypt forests and Budawang Ranges. This lovely lookout also has a small park, which is perfect for an afternoon picnic and a great spot to visit all year round.
OBSERVATION HEAD
Observation Head is located high on the headland off Beach Road just east of Batehaven shopping centre. Surrounded by tall spotted gum trees, this super scenic lookout rises above the mouth of the Clyde River, boasting fine views over the beach, Batemans Bay, Malua Bay, Long Beach, North Head and out to the Pacific Ocean. Its high vista makes it a popular spot to watch the sunrise, as well as its fine display of Snapper and Tollgate islands. Hiking is also popular here, with walks leading around the headland and to the close by Corrigan and Casey beaches.
MELVILLE POINT
Melville Point is a spectacular spot on the South Coast’s headland between Tomakin Cove and Barlings Beach. The lookout offers sweeping views over the beach and a fabulous vista of Mossy Point, Broulee Island, Guerilla Bay and the Great Dividing Range to the west. The lookout is a terrific place to explore rocky platforms, cliffs, caves and rock pools, all which form part of a recognised geological site. Between September and November, the lookout is a great vantage point to view humpback whales as they migrate to the Antarctic, so if you come during those months then don’t forget your binoculars!
