NSW Surf Trips: Sydney to Tathra

When I arrive, Bombo Beach is punching out fun wedges as two swells merge from north and south. After getting my fix in the water, I head into town to check out Kiama Rock Pool and the Blowhole. These two attractions are worth a look before you leave town, especially for an icy rock pool swim to cool down in summer.

Jervis Bay is the first night’s camp spot. Arriving about an hour later, the northerly wind had puffed up so there are clean little waves straight out the front of my campsite at Caves Beach. My tent opens onto a big stretch of open beach that picks up south swells and with multiple little headlands to tuck into. I surf until dusk before settling in with a book for an early night.

Just down the coast from Jervis is Ulladulla and Warden Head. A light northerly is blowing again so Rennies Beach, just on the south side of the headland, is the pick of the spots. Small south swell peaks are kept clean by the big headland to the north and these two hours of fun in the sun are the highlight of my road trip so far.

I take advantage of ample mid-week accommodation options and find a quiet, clean room well before lunch. Ulladulla Harbour and the Gondwana Coast Fossil Walk is a good way to see the area from land in the afternoon, before settling into my comfy hotel bed for another early night.

Just 45min later, I’m driving into beautiful Batemans Bay. Broulee Beach, about 10min further south, always offers fun waves and this morning is no exception. Catching any swell coming from an east or northeast direction, Broulee is super consistent and I’m lucky enough to score two to three foot south Broulee wedges for a few hours with only three other surfers in the water. Probably another benefit of a midweek trip.

I’m soon wheeling south all the way to Tathra, two hours south and my final stop for the trip. You could spend days checking out the coast between Batemans and Tathra if you have the time. My favourite spots are Bermagui and Wapengo Lake. But with just one day left, I make a beeline for Merimbula and one of my favourite semi-secret spots (though with the internet and Google maps, no spots are really a secret anymore).

I end up straight out the front of the Merimbula Airport, where you can find pumping big beach break barrels on a good day. I score fun, two foot peaks with half a dozen others and couldn’t have been happier for this to close out my trip. If you have more time, Merimbula Point Lookout is worth as stroll as is Tura Beach. But alas, it’s full-time on my mini surf road trip adventure and back to reality for me. Until next time, keep frothing!