The closest Canberra has to a beach are the edges surrounding the lakes that break up our city, but Australia is surrounded by water and, from Canberra, much can be reached within a couple of hours. Travelling along the coast is a holiday in itself, as small pleasant towns dwell within range of the sea breeze, and boast comfortable and convenient places to stay.
In one direction the beautiful Merimbula and Pambula regions climb mountains and look out onto waters of deep blue. Ice cream shops jump out to passers by, delicious and cool in the warm weather, calling out “Pick me, I’m home made.” Quaint towns dotted near each other, like Central Tilba, sprout shops lining the main street. All sorts of jams, cheeses, toys for children and individual arts hide away waiting to be found.
Batemans Bay is a popular spot and should be coveted for its salty air alone. Plates of fish & Chips are so fresh and so close to the seawater they don’t need any additional flavouring. A walk in the sand, or a trip to Mogo (just 10 minutes away) to search the boutique shops for secret treasures, all wrapped up with the sound of the waves as you sleep, makes for a wonderful weekend.
For a place that’s a little out of the way – and consequently very quiet – come to Tomakin’s beaches for some peaceful sanctuary. The little town has a licensed club and a corner shop for eating out, and isn’t far from the bigger coastal towns. A feeling of contentment is born in views like these, stretching out across the water from the hilltop over the apex of the beach.
Heading northwards up the coast towns rest sleepily on beaches all the way. Lovely spots such as Port Macquarie have all the fun activities out on the water. There are tours out into the bay and jet skis for one or two people, with passengers holding tight and speeding off from the peer, criss-cross the water with waves behind them. There’s everything the coast goer could be looking for: shops and restaurants, and enough to entertain for weeks on the boardwalk.
Back south (and a bit further away!), South Australia’s Victor Harbour and Granite Island are filled with wildlife. Penguins, and Southern Right whales, are just an old-world tram ride away as it is pulled along the bridge by a horse at a slow enough pace to take in and appreciate the views.
There is more than one beach and a walk over the island won’t take you too far from the city. Isolated and yet connected, the little island has pubs and cafes and places to stay for as long as you like.
We’re spoiled for choice when it comes to beaches, near and far. To experience food and wildlife, atmosphere and beautiful landscapes, just take your pick!
