Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

SOUTH OF SYDNEY ALONG THE PRINCES HIGHWAY 203
views). Some doubles and suites have spas; they cost the same as non-spa 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 spa; 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 (seafood); laundry facilities; nonsmoking
rooms. In room: A/C, TV, kitchenette, fridge, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
NAROOMA
345km (214 miles) from 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 Highway,
Narooma, NSW 2546 (& 02/4476 2881; fax 02/4476 1690; 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
(US$46) for children, and A$299 (US$194) for families. The last time I went
on this trip we saw no fewer than eight humpback whales, some of them mothers
with calves. An evening tour to see fairy penguins on Montague Island and
a visit to the seal colony costs A$69 (US$45) for adults, A$50 (US$35) for children,
and A$198 (US$128) for families. The company also offers game fishing
from February to the end of June and scuba diving in the seal colonies from
August to the end of December. You could also see giant fish-eating gray nurse
sharks, dolphins, and even orcas. Dives cost A$66 (US$43) for a double dive,
plus approximately A$33 (US$21) for gear rental.
Narooma Golf Club, Narooma (& 02/4476 2522), has one of the most
interesting and challenging coastal courses in Australia. A round of golf will cost
you A$25 (US$16).
While in the area I recommend stopping off at the Umbarra Aboriginal Cultural
Centre , Wallaga Lake, off the Princes Highway on Bermagui Road