Batemans Bay: The Australian Bay Town with a Rich History

Australia is home to numerous towns and cities that carry great stories. From Canberra to Sydney to Melbourne, the list of these amazing cities is endless. The region that is at the heart of both the locals and visitors is the coastal one owing to its richness in history, attractions, activities and beautiful weather. Of the coastal towns in Australia Batemans Bay is among the most loved. Situated about 280 kilometres from Sydney, this town carries a rich history that is worth being retold.

This south coast town was named by a man who went by the name of Captain Cook in 1770. The name came from Cook’s superior aboard The Northumberland. A ship that wrecked in the area in 1797 resulted in the first Europeans settling in the New South Wales region. These settlers were the three survivors on the Sydney Cove who made the long and arduous journey to Sydney. At the beginning of the 1800s, high numbers of timber cutters and fishermen came down to the coast to set up the two industries that defined the area’s economy.

Although timber cutting was rampant in Batemans Bay until recently, fishing has remained a strong industry to this day. In 1860s, oyster farming was introduced and continue to thrive to date. Clyde River continues to be the major source of Sydney Rock oysters, famed for being high quality. Oyster farming and retirement home services in Australia’s south coast region continue to be among the chief industries that rake in revenues for the country.

Originally planned in 1859, the township had only around 300 people then. At the turn of the twenty first century, the resident population had risen to a staggering 13,000 and other industries introduced to help the town grow considerably. It has then morphed into an adored tourist destination that attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. A known landmark in this town is the Batemans Bayspan bridge that was built in 1956. It is unique in that it is the oldest of its type in the entire country, a fact that locals are very proud of.

This town is also home to the Old Courthouse Museum which is run by some volunteer members of the region’s Historical Society. The museum holds educational themes, costume themes of the traditional clothing worn by the locals and stories about the domestic life of its inhabitants since it was settled in. Also in the museum are forestry and timber industry stories in pictures and words. It is recommended that whenever one is in the town to pay this museum a visit to learn lots of things.

While in the town one should not worry about where to stay. There are a lot of options that fit the needs of each person. The area offers excellent batemans bay accommodation options that are ranked among the best in the world. Of course, you cannot miss out on Argyle Terrace once you are in this amazing location. This is one of the most affordable yet comfortable accommodation options that Batesmans Bay has on offer. 

Author: Todd Johnson

Email: Todd@australianwebsitedevelopment.com.au

Mobile: 0449 041 815