regionalstopover
Images: Melissa Rimac
Immediately he decided to make the region his
home, but the former education executive worked
his way around the state for another 16 years
before settling in the area. Twenty years on, his awe
is undiminished.
As Westwood reels off recollections of Montague
Island, he drifts into a wistfully abstracted state
that leaves me yearning to spend more time here.
There have been occasions on which Westwood
has chanced upon a huge school of pygmy manta
rays somersaulting through the water, then hurling
themselves into the air; he's been so close to
humpback whales that he's been doused with water
from their spouts; and he's had an albatross land
right next to him. Being surrounded by "acres of
krill" amid a feeding frenzy of diving, screeching
birds, jumping fish and whales scooping up
almighty mouthfuls also left a deep impression.
Many times, Westwood says, he simply couldn't
see past the seals.
I'm not surprised that Westwood is one of the
most relaxed and content-looking people I've met.
Inspired and shamelessly predictable, I'm plotting
my next Eurobodalla aquatic adventure as I write.
Round-up
Above right, and
below: Snorkelling
with playful fur
seals is a popular
activity; the azure
waters off Moruya.
GET THERE
Rex flights connect Melbourne and Sydney with Moruya.
13 17 13, www.rex.com.au
STAY
Holiday Heaven is a holiday rental home within proximity
to Narooma's historical streetscapes and nearby beaches.
This dog-friendly retreat has a fireplace and sun-soaked deck.
www.stayz.com.au/65352
Bingie Farm holiday rental is a super-spacious, dog-friendly
design icon on acreage a short stroll from Bingie Bingie Point.
www.stayz.com.au/72804
EAT & DRINK
Tuross Boatshed & Cafe is the place to savour a seafood
platter or hire a tinny in a secluded nook of Tuross Lake.
02 4473 8127, www.turossboatshed.com.au
Muffins & More, set in an early-1900s general store at Mossy
Point, is a convivial social hub serving hearty, delicious meals
(including healthy and vegetarian options), snacks and coffee.
02 4471 8599
EXPLORE
Pure Scuba, based in Batemans Bay, operates trips to a wide
range of dive sites in the region, including Montague Island.
02 4472 9930, www.purescuba.com.au
Island Charters Narooma can tailor the Montague Island
experience to include a swim with seals, an island walk and
a lighthouse tour.
0408 428 857, www.islandchartersnarooma.com
Total Eco Adventures offers guided underwater tours
of Batemans Marine Park that are ideal for families or
novice snorkellers.
02 4471 6969, www.totalecoadventures.com.au
MORE INFO
www.eurobodalla.com.au
www.sapphirecoast.com.au
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