Monday 2/3
We left Botany Bay to drive 270 kms down the east coast to Batemans Bay. We were going to stay for 4 days in a holiday home in Surf Bay, just south of Batemans Bay in a road just back from a little sandy cove called Wimbie Bay. Keep up. The house belongs to a relative of an ex work colleague of David's and quite large. Although well equipped we didn't realise that linen and towels weren't provided so had to visit the town to purchase a sheet and bath towels! Bird food was provided and a handy bird table attached to the verandah of the house entertained us in the early mornings and again at dusk as various parakeets and cockatoos came to feed. After dark, some possums arrived and quite happily also ate bird food. One took some cut up apple from my hand. We also saw a pod of dolphins in the bay.
3/3 explored the area's stunning beaches and stopped for a few hours at one where we were the only people there for most of the time. I even used Tom's boogie board for some 'surfing'.
4/3 joined lots of elderly people (of which there are many in Aus) for a trip down the Clyde River to a place called Nelligen. The cruise took 90 minutes each way along a tidal river with forest on both banks. The river is used to cultivate oysters which are plentiful in this area. Batemans Bay is a well serviced touristy town with a good feel about it. I would certainly return to this area as the scenery, beaches and general ambience makes for a restful and scenic area. Trip Advisor eat your heart out!