Is Bateman’s Bay the south coast’s newest foodie hotspot?
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There’s more to Batemans Bay than just the beach.
Just a two-hour drive from Canberra, the Bay has long been the go-to getaway destination for locals looking for a convenient beachside escape. But there’s more to this little town than meets the eye.
After spending 48 hours eating, drinking, and relaxing in luxury I can firmly say that this town packs a punch – if you know where to look.
STAY
Casita
Recently opening to the public, Casita in Batehaven is bringing back cool to the Bay, breathing a breath of fresh air into the classic old-school beachfront motels that made up the childhood of many Canberrans.
Translating into ‘little house’ in Spanish, the retro retreat looks just like that – a small, welcoming escape that blends into the Australian coastline. Complete with a palm tree out the front and a beach across the road, the sister property and neighbour of The Isla looks like it could almost be a family home. And that’s just the point.
Designed for longer stays for larger groups, it’s comprised of seven two-bedroom suites, that range from the Standard to the Alto Suite, the Casita’s penthouse option.
And while there were only two of us on this trip, we were lucky enough to be booked into the top offering. Literally.
Located above the other six suites, the Alto Suite offers all the luxury of a modern hotel with the convenience and privacy of a motel. Think: a large kitchen (which sadly didn’t get used…at all), a large dining area, as well as two larger family bedrooms.
And with uninterrupted ocean views just outside the window and from the private outdoor balcony dining area (which comfortably seats six) the classic beach holiday experience was well and truly underway.
For a romantic getaway, it was perfect.
Blending the natural beauty of the South Coast landscape with moodier tones, the retro Mediterranean aesthetic only added to the experience. Flowing throughout the suite, from the cosy rooms to the lush living area, and the bold artworks by Melbourne artist Dan Rushford, it was the small details that stood out.
An example? The colour palette (which included rich maroons, blush pinks, and warm neutrals), made the space feel calming yet warm and welcoming while the private balcony instantly evoked thoughts of hot summer days watching the sunset over the water. It was a taste of the Mediterranean without having to leave the country – and the perfect fusion of laid back and luxe.
And with the convenient location of being right in the middle of beaches, cafés, and restaurants, when staying at Casita, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do.
The Isla
Although we didn’t stay there, we have to mention Casita’s sister property The Isla _ an ‘80s-style motel known for its bright and stylish retro-inspired aesthetic. Did we mention it’s literally next door?
Home to 18 lovingly restored rooms with modern design and amenities, each room features stunning bespoke oak furnishings, terrazzo features, brushed brass accents and dreamy A.H Beard beds.
There are also three suites; Poco which sits above the motel’s refurbished pool and pool lounge; Vista boasting the best view of the ocean, and Grande, the largest suite in the collection – complete with private plunge pool.
In a nod to the motel’s ‘80s past, the old garage has been converted into a pool lounge that flows into a communal dining area surrounding a pool, just made for lazing around.
EAT AND DRINK
The Catalina Club
We decided to kick off our first night in Batemans Bay with dinner and a drink at The Catalina Club. Recommended by the lovely team at Casita, it was a short three-minute drive down the road, making it a convenient and delicious option.
Known for its stunning views of the golf course, this restaurant goes beyond your usual club dining experience. With gorgeous coastal, modern-inspired interiors, when it comes to food The Catalina Club offers casual but elevated options that range from gourmet woodfire pizzas to a Humpty Doo Barramundi (pan-seared saltwater barramundi paired with roasted chat potatoes, vine-ripened cherry tomatoes, broccolini, salsa verde, and lemon – my personal choice).
Fast, fresh, and packed full of flavour, we were honestly shocked at how good our meals were. And of course, it’s not a dinner out without dessert. Lucky the iconic Batemans Bay Ice Creamy is open until 9 pm every night, making it ideal for a little sweet treat.
Crumb Café
Located just a five-minute walk from Casita, Crumb Café is something of a hidden gem in Batehaven. Serving ONA coffee alongside some amazing brunch and lunch options, it’s the perfect example of Australian café culture on the coast.
Using fresh and locally sourced produce, the food tastes as good as it looks – and it looks amazing. With the menu constantly being updated to reflect produce that’s in season, you will find more classic options like a bacon and egg roll, but they’re known for some innovative combinations, including what might just be the biggest and best Big Breakfast my partner has ever had and a delicious twist on Turkish eggs.
The cake cabinet also caught my eye but with plenty more eating to be done, I had to leave room…
The Punt House
When wining and dining down the coast, you need at least one dinner with a water view. Nestled on the shores of the pristine Clyde River, The Punt House is a recently opened restaurant offering a delicious escape like no other.
Previously known as On The Pier (a beloved local dining spot until 2019), on the menu here you’ll find Modern Australian cuisine with a Mediterranean twist, all served with a view. From Clyde River oysters served with vodka, tomato, and sumac to small plates like chargrilled whole prawns with smokey paprika, fried capers, gremolata, and squid ink aioli, seafood is the star of the show.
And after trying six dishes in total (I told you I needed to leave room), The Punt House is one of the best meals I’ve ever had in the Bay.
From the saltiness of the fried squid with nduja and white bean il tuffo, artichoke, kalamata, and preserved lemon aioli to the freshness of the compressed watermelon, feta, mint, pistachio and pickled onion salad to the richness of the sumac lamb rump, there wasn’t one dish that disappointed.
We practically had to roll ourselves out the door, but it was well worth it. And with plenty of gluten-free options, this restaurant is going to become one of my go-to destinations.
Se7en Café
We stumbled across Se7en Café the last time we were in The Bay and as soon as we confirmed our booking with Casita, my partner and I knew we would have to go back.
Located above the Batemans Bay Lodge, this cool little family-run café looks out over the Clyde River (where they source their oysters from) and has some of the best brunch food we’ve ever put in our mouths.
Constantly evolving the menu while celebrating local produce, there are plenty of options for everyone. I went out of my comfort zone and ordered the Se7en Benny (jamon serrano, apple, rhubarb gel, haloumi, apple chips, poached eggs, house-made hollandaise and honey macadamias, served on a gluten-free English muffin) while my partner went with a classic Smashed Avo, complete with fetta, beetroot hummus, dukkah, radish, cherry tomatoes, pomegranate, and lemon.
Believe me when I say go hungry because the serving sizes are generous, and you won’t want to leave a bite behind. Keep an eye on their sweets cabinet as well – from gluten-free Tim-Tam brownies to cookies, those with a sweet tooth won’t be stuck for options.
DO
I’ll be honest, most of this trip involved eating and drinking our way through town. But with plenty of beach walks to choose from and the little town of Mogo just six minutes’ drive away there was plenty to keep us entertained in between meals.
The best part? Everything on this list was a 10-minute drive away, leaving plenty of time to relax at Casita and make the most of the amenities.
Batemans Bay might be the go-to place for Canberrans during the holidays, but after two fun and food-filled days, it’s obvious this town is starting to slowly emerge as a major contender as one of the coolest coastal getaways.
From Instagram-worthy dining experiences to accommodation that combines luxe with laid back, it’s no longer just a seasonal escape – it’s a dest
