North Durras is very much a wilderness retreat, and part of the charm is feeling worlds away from cafés, restaurants and busy town centres. There aren’t many options for food, drink or supplies in the immediate area, so we like to come prepared and make good use of the park’s BBQ facilities for easy meals after a day by the lake or the beach.

When you do feel like eating out, it’s only a 15 minute drive south to Batemans Bay where you’ll find plenty of great spots. When you feel like a change of scenery, Batemans Bay is only a 15 minute drive away and has plenty to choose from. For your morning caffeine fix, Se7en Cafe by the Sea is our go-to. It’s a relaxed waterfront spot where you can settle in with a smooth flat white and something from the breakfast menu before planning the day ahead.

If you’re after a relaxed meal with water views, JJ’s at the Marina is an easy pick. The menu leans coastal, and we loved settling in with a bowl of their steamed-to-order black mussels paired with warm house-made sourdough. It’s the kind of place where you can linger a little longer than planned.

For a classic, no-fuss seafood lunch, Innes Boatshed is hard to beat. Set in an old waterfront cottage overlooking the Clyde River, it’s a busy little fish-and-chippery with generous servings and plenty of outdoor seating. Perfect after a swim or a long walk in Murramarang National Park.

Batemans Bay is also known for its Clyde River oysters, and you’ll spot them on menus throughout town. If you’re an oyster fan, this is the place to sample them at their freshest before heading back to your quiet pocket of North Durras.

Start with the easy stuff: you’re only a short stroll from North Durras Beach, one of the most peaceful stretches of coastline on the South Coast. We like to wander down early for a quiet swim or a beach walk before the day warms up. The surf is gentle more often than not, and the headland at either end is a beautiful spot to sit and watch the waves roll in.

Right behind the park is Murramarang National Park, a wilderness pocket that feels worlds away from the busier parts of the coast. This is where you’ll find bushwalks through towering spotted gums, kangaroos lounging in the shade, and lookouts that open onto the ocean. We’ve spent whole mornings wandering the trails without seeing another soul, and it’s easily one of the region’s best places for wildlife encounters.

If you’re up for a little adventure beyond North Durras, make the 30 minute drive to Mogo Wildlife Park. It’s an incredibly well-run sanctuary with immersive family experiences that get you surprisingly close to everything from giraffes to gorillas to red pandas.

North Durras is a quiet, wilderness-focused pocket of the South Coast, so it’s best to arrive with groceries and essentials. Batemans Bay is the best place for supplies, fuel and dining options, about 15 minutes away.