This was an exhilarating tour from Cooma in the majestic high plains of the Monaro, through the South East
forests to the beautiful beaches of the South Coast of NSW, ending at Bomaderry, near Nowra, where we caught the train back to Sydney. Surfaces ranged from the sealed Princes
Highway to unsealed forestry roads. LBUG riders were on touring bikes, hybrids and mountain bikes.
Once we reached the coast we planned to stay off the somewhat notorious Princes Highway as much as possible and this was largely achieved.
January 2003 was not an ideal time for cycle touring. We were thankfully a week ahead of the devastating Canberra and Kosciuzsko fires and even managed some cool mornings and fresh easterly winds. It did become hotter as we moved further north. For these reasons plus January holiday traffic, we would recommend late spring or early autumn - when swimming is still a possibility. The Narooma to Batemans Bay leg was ridden in one day - far too much with rough forestry roads into Moruya in the morning and a long stretch of stunning beaches in the afternoon (we had a headwind!) We would definitely recommend two days for this leaving more time at the beach and in the towns. A rest day would also have been welcome - perhaps in Bermagui, Narooma or Batemans Bay with its cosmopolitan bayside dining.
Highlights were many: speeding down from Mount Darragh through the South East Forests with bellbirds
ringing; an excellent Old Coast Road section north of Bermagui; the River Road along the beautiful
Clyde River to a swim at Shallow Crossing, and our two hilarious river crossing (at Sussex Inlet and
Huskisson).
Ever seen three bikes and cyclists in an aluminium "tinny"?
Itinerary and accommodation details are attached.
For more information on the ride contact Libby Fry at [email protected] or Kathy Conroy at [email protected]
Route:(Day, Destination,Distance(km), Comments )
Day 1 - Cooma. - By car/ train / bus from Sydney - State rail required bikes to be boxed
Day 2 - Bombala. 87 km. Via Monaro Hwy - climb to Nimmitabel (elevation 1200m), good bakery (35 kms) -this road would be exposed in cold, windy weather. Excellent high country views
Day 3 - Pambula.79 km. 700 metre descent to the sea! Via Cathcart, Mt Darragh, Wyndham, Pambula -through SE forests -
Day 4 - Bermagui. 77 km. Cycleway to Merimbula - Sapphire Coast Rd toTathra, then N on Bermagui Rd- Mumbulla State Forest to Murah L. unsealed
Day 5- Narooma.39 km. Old Coast Rd provides great exit - Wallaga Lake Rd cross river past Wallaga L., then Hwy Tilba Tilba - from Central Tilba left towards Mt Dromedary(unsealed) then Scenic Rd to Narooma -
Day 6 - Moruya. 55 km. Loop via Dalmeny, then Highway to approx. 7 km N of Bodalla then turn Left onto Western Boundary Rd, a somewhat rough forestry road - then Little Sugarloaf Rd to Moruya (55 kms)
Day 7 - Batemans Bay. 42 km Coast road via Mossy Pt, Rosedale, Batehaven - sealed - mostly a good shoulder, undulating - excellent coastal views / swims
Day 8- Milton. 75 km. 9 kms W to Nelligen on Braidwood Rd Then River Rd - along Clyde R., to Shallow Crossing and Brooman - up to 50 kms unsealed - a big day!
Day 9- Huskisson. 58km. Up Hwy 28 kms then Right to Sussex Inlet (boat across inlet) then ride through Jervis Bay National PK to Vincentia, cycleway to Huskisson
Day 10- Bomaderry. 31 km, plus boat across River at Huskisson. Rode to Nowra off Hwy via Callala Bay. Greenwell Pt Rd, Jindy Andy Rd, then train from Bomaderry Station just north of Nowra.
Accommodation - South Coast Ride
Jan 11 - 19, 2003
(Day, Place, Contact, Other Info)
1 Cooma Hotel Massie StPh: Ph: 6452 2003 Dble $45 Single $ 28 make own b'fast
2 Bombala 2632- Imperial Hotel 99 Mayes St Ph: 6458 3211 $25 pp Continental b'fast
3 Pambula - Royal Willows Hotel/Motel Ph: 6495 6005 $65 per room no b'fast
4 Bermagui - Horseshoe Bay H/M Ph: 6493 4206 Bunk rooms sleep 4 - or cabins 3-5 pers $77 + $10 p)$15 pp no b'fast
5 Narooma - YHA Princes Hwy Ph: 4476 4440 Dorms of 4 pers dble bunks, own towel - light b'fast or make own $21 pp
6 Moruya River Breeze caravan Park Ph: 02 4474 2370 Check price - not used by LBUG
7 Batemans Bay - Shady Willows Caravan Park YHA Old Princes Hwy cnr South St Ph 4472 4972 Caravan with annexe sleeps 7. $27 or $24 YHA memb. Make b'fast
8 Commercial Hotel Milton (Star annexe) Princes Hwy Ph: 4455 1211 $28 pp
9 Husky Pub Huskisson (being remodelled) Owen St Ph 4441 5001. Was $55 per room v. basic-linen, towels, food. Latest info here.
