18 great bike rides in the Narooma - Tilba - Bermagui area of the New South Wales Far South Coast
Ride 1
Apex Park to Australia Rock
Return distance 8 kilometres
Easy grade. Child-friendly
Start: Apex Park
The cycleway for this ride passes directly in front of Easts Holiday Park, providing cyclists with easy access to Narooma’s many sites and treats. When you stay at the holiday park, you can enjoy absolute water frontage on one of the most pristine waterways on the Eurobodalla coast.
The ride begins at Apex Park, at the eastern end of the boardwalk. The beach there is popular in summertime, as there is a netted area for swimming in a protected bay.
The Mill Bay Boardwalk
The first highlight of this ride is to cross the Mill Bay Boardwalk—the 700-metre long multi-use facility built over the water. Take your time riding along the boardwalk—the waters below are usually clear, and large stingrays and numerous other fish are often seen. At the boat ramp at the start of the ride, you can often see seals swimming around.
At the end of the boardwalk, there is a another boat launching ramp and car park. Small children might need supervision at this point. The track then climbs a short hill to the steel bridge over Wagonga Inlet. The foot path and cycleway is separate from the traffic. Spend a few moments to take in the views from the bridge and across the inlet. The waters towards Mount Dromedary are often a bright turquoise blue.
The cycling track continues past the holiday park and around the shoreline to Rotary Park and the playground.
Rotary Park
The ride beyond Rotary Park might not be suitable for small children in peak holiday times unless they are well supervised. The road beyond the park is narrow. Although during most of the year it carries only occasional sightseers to Bar Lookout, at Christmas holiday time it can be quite busy.
At Bar Lookout, there are viewing platforms, and a stairway leading to the road below and the southern breakwater. From Bar Lookout, there are views over to the golf course to the south, and the beaches and headlands to the north towards the villages of Dalmeny and beyond.
Whales
Between September and November, watch for whales as they perform their acrobatic displays. The whales will be evident by their blow, or by their splashing as they show off their breaching (leaping partly out of the water), or by their tail and flipper slapping. This behaviour is most common with humpback whales. Depending on the currents, many of these giant mammals will come in very close to the shore. However, a pair of binoculars will enhance your viewing treat.
Across the water from Bar Lookout, you can see the start of the ride—only a few hundred metres away—although the distance travelled so far is about four kilometres.
The southern breakwater
Between Rotary Park and Bar Lookout, there is a road to the left. Take that, as it goes to the end of the southern breakwater, about 300 metres from the turnoff. Cyclists can get views across the water to Narooma. These days, just past the end of the sealed section of road, look at the large rocks on the northern side of the breakwater. You might be lucky enough to see seals basking on the rocks. These are a fairly recent addition to the long list of Narooma’s many attractions. Although their numbers can vary, and at the time of writing were small, the colony is gradually increasing. These are a spin-off from the colony on Montague Island.
Return the same way that you came.
Easts Narooma Shores Holiday Park has all the facilities to ensure a perfect carefree holiday experience. Enjoy the swimming pool, recreation / TV room, jumping pillow, tennis court and BBQ facilities. The park caters for all holidaymakers and travellers, offering a high standard of accommodation, from grassy camping and caravan sites to luxury 4 star spacious accommodation overlooking the Wagonga Inlet. And, of course, great cycling around the inlet and to the lookout.
Map for Ride 1.
Princes Highway Narooma
Telephone (02) 4476 2046
Imagine this bike ride right past your holiday accommodation! The cycleway is ideal for cycling, roller skating and walking - the ideal combination for a family holiday.
