Moruya is a seaside town on the New South Wales coast, home to tranquil beaches and waterways.
Taking off from the Moruya Airport, South Coast Seaplanes offer a variety of scenic flights from 15 to 40 minutes. See Moruya River from a whole new perspective, before passing over Broulee Beach and Tollgate Nature Reserve. Or, choose to have a romantic day out and fly to Batemans Bay, before touching down for a picnic on a secluded beach.
In town, check out Moruya’s rich and fascinating history by strolling along the boardwalk to the rotunda at Historic Quarry Park. The area was mined for granite used in many major Sydney landmarks, including the pylons of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Located alongside the river, it’s the perfect place for a relaxed evening walk, or a picnic by the water.
To get a better view of the town and its surrounds, Moruya Heads Lookout offers views across the river and coast. Pack your binoculars, as whales are common during their migration to the Southern Ocean. During the spring, the lookout is dotted with wildflowers.
If water is your thing, the Moruya Kayaking trail winds its way along the river, with two circuits to choose from. The 14 kilometre option is a round trip to the east, while choosing the 12 kilometre paddle will take you out to Deau National Park. Cyclists will enjoy the Moruya Cycleway, which runs alongside the river starting from the town centre and ending at Moruya Heads, where you can head to Dolphin Beach and see dolphins frolicking in the waves.
If you’re planning on heading out on a Saturday morning, make sure to stop by the Moruya Country Markets, which is held on the riverbank every Saturday. Explore up to 130 stalls while listening to local artists performing.
If you’re a fan of oysters, enjoy some from nearby Tuross Heads before a meal at The River Moruya – a fine dining restaurant right on the water. You can also pick pick up some opened or unopened oysters from John & Willy’s, which is a cosy cafe with a courtyard in the middle of Moruya. Or if you want to go all out, embark on a South Coast Seaplanes adventure which can include a tour of an oyster farm and a tasting.
Planning on visiting this coastal oasis? Here’s how we would spend three days exploring Moruya and surrounds.
Featured image: Deau National Park © Dee Kramer Photography