Eyes twinkling
and whiskery grins
splayed across their faces, dozens of frolicking fur
seals somersault, flip, spear through the glacial blue
depths and then suddenly stop – to blow bubbles
in your face. When it comes to giggle-inducing
natural highs, it's hard to match being encircled by
Montague Island's playful sea-puppies.
Yet this is just one of the many extraordinary
aquatic experiences that awaits in the recently
formed Batemans Marine Park stretching along the
Eurobodalla Coast of southern NSW from Bawley
Point (39 kilometres north of Batemans Bay) to
Lake Wallaga, just south of Tilba Tilba township's
heritage charms.
This blissfully people-free coastline
encompasses more than 60 beaches and
innumerable pebbly coves, tranquil inlets and
sheltered promontories, which, just a few strokes
from shore, reveal riveting underwater vistas.
Although I reside between two stunning
coastal locations, I'm yet to find an accessible
spot offering so much unspoilt beauty. For me,
magical underwater experiences are a quality of
life indicator – which is why, as often as possible,
I venture out into one of the mirror-smooth bays
indenting the Eurobodalla Coast.
Because large chunks of Batemans Marine Park
have been granted a 'Sanctuary' listing, indicating
the highest level of protection, snorkellers and
divers are treated to a flourishing array of marine
life. Along with ocean-dwelling icons such as
grey nurse sharks, migrating whales, large pods
of dolphins and acrobatic seals, you might see
anything from huge rays that could come straight
from a sci-fi movie, to dainty weedy sea dragons.
With its earthy palette and lavish textures, this
marine landscape regales with splendid scenes:
velvety kelp forests, sponge gardens, gigantic
Image: Melissa Rimac
