Cottage Guidebook - Things to do
Welcome to your home away from home: The Cottage @ Tommaghan Rest. To help you explore our area we have put together a short run down of some of our favourite attractions.
Feel free to let us know what your favourites were so we can add them to the list!
- Chris and Kate
On the Property
THE LANDING
One of the highlights accessible from the property, where you can watch the sunset over the Tomaga River, it is beautiful at any time of day but especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset. Feel free to make a small fire in the fire pit and watch the river slide by. You will find maps inside the cottage showing the way to the Landing.
You can also launch SUPs or Kayaks here (its a tricky carry, but possible). The river is tidal and you will find it much easier to paddle with the current, beware of long paddle home against the current! As it is tidal any watercraft need to be secured by rope so as to not float away at high tide or alternatively (and best) stored high on the bank.
TENNIS COURT
The tennis court has seen better days but you are welcome to use it for a bit of a hit, especially with kids. The surface is uneven and rocky so please be careful. There are some racquets and balls in the tin box at the court which you may use during your stay.
ORCHARD AND GARDENS
Feel free to pick anything from the fruit trees. Cut any flowers that you would like.
Our lawns and grounds are looked after by Dave and his team. As it's a rural property it's a big job! Whilst every effort is made to schedule grounds maintenance on changeover days, sometimes it is impossible and the lawns and gardens will need to be done while guests are staying. We thank you for your understanding if this happens to fall whilst you are there.
DAMS
There are two dams on the property. The first is about halfway down the entrance driveway). It's a beautiful area to explore walk up the “In” road until you find a small pile of rocks, which leads to a small trail down to the edge of the dam.
There is a also a small dam/frog pond just north of the Cottage (just beyond the mown grass. Enjoy frog spotting in the evenings!
The surronding Area
Tomakin - Mossy Point - Broulee
Just down the road to the east are the seaside villages of Tomakin, Mossy Point and Broulee, each with their own stunning beaches. Stop for a bite to eat at the Rivermouth Cafe and General Store in Tomakin. Explore the boat ramp and mouth of Tomaga River at Mossy Point where you can hire stand up paddle boards and kayaks or watch the stingrays cruise by as you sip a coffee from the Boatshed Cafe. Stop by The Mossy Cafe for a great breakfast or lunch. Heading south, both north and south Broulee beaches offer great spots to try surfing (contact Broulee Surf School) or take a dip. A walk around Broulee Island is not to be missed either.
Mogo Zoo
Mogo Zoo is a privately owned zoo situated just a few kilometers down the road from our property that is well worth a visit. The Zoo is committed to the survival of endangered animals and provides world standard facilities for over 200 animals. This includes more than 42 rare and exotic species, including the White Lions of Timbavati. Mogo Zoo also boasts the largest collection of primates in any private zoo in Australia.
Broulee Surf School
Broulee Surf School has been surfing Batemans Bay for over 20 years. They provide professional surfing instruction for all ages and levels with a wide range of surfing lessons and stand up paddle lessons including surfboard hire, SUP hire and wetsuit hire. Their priority is to provide a fun and memorable learn to surf experience with a focus on ocean awareness and surf safety.
The Village of Mogo
The quaint village of Mogo is just a short drive away and a great place to stroll through enjoying the local shops. There is everything from homewares, antiques, upcycled products, pottery, fabric, galleries and jewellery to the ice ereamery and fudge shop.
Places to Eat
There are some great restaurants in the local area.
The River, Moruya
Take the ambience of an exceptional environmentally sensitive building located on the southern bank of the peaceful Moruya River, with its northerly views to the mountains of the Deua National Park, add one talented and passionate young chef, Peter Compton, fresh regional produce and you have the ingredients for a quintessential Australian South Coast dining experience, the RIVER Moruya.
Smokey's Dan
Family-run casual restaurant with a dynamic team. Enjoy energetic menus inspired by Smokey Dan's signature authentic smoked food selection which also includes a range of seafood, pizzas and burgers. Take away also available.
Starfish Batemans Bay
Starfish is Batemans Bay’s oldest and most iconic restaurant. Situated right at the mouth of the Clyde River, sit by the water and watch the world go by whilst sampling delicious fresh local produce. Famous for its modern cuisine, with fresh local seafood, gourmet pizza, zesty salads and pastas, plus offering a wide selection of beers, wines and cocktails. Breakfast and coffee are also great. Starfish is family friendly and can cater to those with a range of dietary requirements.
The Sandbar Batemans Bay
For those seeking modern dining when visiting Batemans Bay, make for award-winning The Sandbar Lounge and Dining residing in Quays Hotel. Enjoy sprawling water views from the balcony, before entering into a contemporary dining space styled with coastal inspiration and combining Japanese hand-made crockery. Every plate offered at this hatted restaurant respects the quality and potential of each product and ingredient. The Sandbar's ever-changing menu is peppered with Japanese inspiration and French techniques. The dinner menu is a tasting menu (Chef’s selected menu) based on fresh seasonal products that are available.
WHERE TO SIP:
The cafe scene is not to be missed in the local area.
The Rivermouth General Store
A charming rustic café with beachy vibes, great coffee, wholesome food, homemade cakes, smoothies and fresh juices. Relax in one of the spacious garden courtyards and enjoy a delicious breakfast, brunch or lunch. Vegan and gluten free options are available. Friendly service. Dogs are welcome.
Single Fin Canteen and Goods
Radiates with a chilled out coastal vibe. The eclectic little café serves amazing coffee and baked goods, and also has a range of art, gifts and native flowers. They have a focus on their environmental footprint. Find them on Coronation Drive, right across from the beach.
The Mossy Cafe
An original façade gives way to a warm, cosy interior ambience of recycled timer, mismatched furniture in an eclectic style and an alfresco area, where guests can soak up rays under market umbrellas.
Some of the BEST treats are only a short distance away from you.
Mogo Ice Creamery
Super premium ice cream and award winning gelato. With its very cozy place and nice location you may enjoy eating sweets at this place.
Mogo Fudge and Ice Cream
Choose from one of the 30 mouth-watering flavours. Salted Caramel or Bailey’s Irish Cream. Chocolate Mint Swirl or Cookies and Cream. Discover the hundreds of old-fashioned lollies at Lots of LolliesThere’s boiled lollies, toffee, Dutch liquorice , gobstoppers, lollipops, Darrell Lea and lots of novelty items for the kids
activities
BUSHWALKING
Bingi Dreaming Trail - about 30 mins from the house
https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/bingi-dreaming-track
Murramurang Walking track - about 30 mins from the house
https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/murramarang-aboriginal-area-walking-track
Corn Trail - about 50 mins from the house
https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/corn-trail-walking-track
Gulaga Mountain - about 1 hr30 mins from the house
https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/south-coast/batemans-bay-and-eurobodalla/tilba/attractions/gulaga-mountain-walk
Mt BushWalker - about 1 hr40 mins from the house
https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/mount-bushwalker-walking-track
Bendethra Caves Trek - about 2 hours from the house
https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/south-coast/batemans-bay-and-eurobodalla/moruya/attractions/bendethera-caves-walking-trek
Alternatively, the house is very close to Mogo State forest and there is lovely firetrail walking up Mitchells Road and along to Dog Trap Road - we trail run in this area. There is lots of Mountain biking here too!
And if you are after something short and close, walk around Broulee Island. Park at the end of Harbour Drive in Broulee.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
The house is litterally minutes away from some excellent mountain biking trails. The Deep Creek Dam trails are very close by there you will find a relatively straight forward loop of about 8kms suitable for intermediate riders. There are lots of other trails in this area. The app “trail forks” will give you a good overview.
Maulbrooks road tracks area about 10 - 15 minutes from the Cottage, again Trailforks has all the details.
For those who prefer fire trails for riding there are kilometres of riding through the adjacent Mogo State forrest. Dog Trap Road, is a great starting point.