Tuross Head is a relaxing little seaside township on the pristine Eurobodalla South Coast NSW, approximately 4.5 hrs drive from Sydney. I recently spent a few days exploring the township and have created a concise guide that highlights how to make the most of your stay in the area.
I’ll take you to some of the less-known spots to get an off-the-map feel for the area, giving you a taste of the local produce, dipping your toes in the seaside and getting in touch with the peaceful natural surroundings.
We also travelled with our two fur babies, so I have included some dog-friendly South Coast NSW beaches and places in the guide. The Eurobodalla region has many great places you can take your four-legged pals.
Where I stayed
Tuross Head is an established village that’s a mix of residential and holiday homes. You won’t find flashy hotels or resorts here, which makes for its attractive retro, sleepy seaside holiday vibes. For our stay we found a hidden gem on Airbnb.
Our stay was located about 5 mins drive from the town centre and had everything you could need to accommodate a few days away or even a week away.
Being a bit of a foodie, the open kitchen was too inviting not to cook up a storm in!
The property is deceiving in size, and would be a great place to stay with a few family members or friends. The spiral staircase located in the centre of the home leads to its own secret bedroom and verandah space, full of character and country style.
The wrap-around verandah is an extra outdoor area that is ideal for those warmer months. It's that kind of space where you can curl up on the outdoor sofa, read a good book and watch a summer storm roll in.
Additionally, it was pet-friendly, with a well-fenced yard for our two girls to stretch their legs and run their mad zoomies in.
Food- Local produce and dining
The Eurobodalla region may be famous for its world-class seafood, but plenty of great things are happening and growing from the land too. A good traveller tip is to always carry some cash on you, especially gold coins. It makes purchasing straight from the source at the many honesty boxes on the side of a country road much easier!
I am someone who loves to cook while away on a trip, so you can imagine how excited I was to come across a bright blue esky in the middle of a state forest selling cartons of farm fresh eggs for $5 a pop! One of the best things about honesty box/ roadside produce is that you are buying things that are fresh, ripe and in their seasonal prime.
For seafood lovers, make sure you keep some spare change for roadside oysters.
If you continue to head southbound past the turn-off to Tuross Head (towards Narooma), you will come across a stall for fresh oysters. It is seasonal, so if the signs out, there are oysters for sale.
Within Tuross Head, there are several cafes and restaurants to select from, with Tuross Boatshed & Cafe and the Pickled Octopus being two of the most popular spots in town. The bustling Boatshed is located right on the water. Head down for an early morning bite to eat, pull up a seat, and people watch as the local fishermen gather and set to the sea.
A 15 min drive south down the highway and you will find the township of Bodalla. Placing the town firmly on the culinary map is the Bodalla Dairy. Make sure you make a stop to try their local produce-inspired cheeses, ice-creams and other gourmet delights. Swing by the Bodalla Bakery for traditional, old-school country-style baked goods like hi-top loaves of bread and pastries.
Other notable mentions:
Narooma Bridge Seafood for some of the best and freshest quality seafood produce like freshly caught fish, oysters and prawns.
Make tracks to Tilba for a laid-back cafe brunch, a feast of pub-grub favourites at The Dromedary Hotel. Stop by the Tilba Real Dairy Shop and create your own picnic adventure with an array of cheeses, cold meats, preserved delights and more to select from.
Escape to nature
Tuross Head is a prime location for nature lovers, with sea and mountain adventures nearby. The main beaches and waterways to check out in Tuross Head are:
Coila Bar Beach
Main Beach
One Tree Beach
Lavender Bay
Some of these are dog-friendly beaches, but it is always best to check the signage about times and rules as these can change with the off-peak and busy holiday seasons. This map from the Eurobodalla Shire Council provides more useful information on dog-friendly exercise areas.
Make a trip to Potato Point and enjoy the secluded Jemison’s beach, which also happens to be dog friendly. While it may not offer a lot of shade, the long stretches of clear sands and easy access make it ideal for families.
If you feel like having a bit of a tree change, then why not make a day trip to the nearby Bodalla State Forest. The tracks are suitable for 4WDs and SUV’s, taking you through towering gum forests, across flowing streams and plenty of wildlife. The Bodalla Park Rest Area is a popular free camping spot and is good if you are after a spot to stop for lunch and use the amenities.
There are plenty of tracks within the area, so it is a wise idea to download or get a copy of a map of the region first. The track from just outside Narooma to Tilba is one of my favourites with a mix of forest, creeks and emerald green hills of established farms along the way.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this feature guide on visiting Tuross Head with a few pointers for those looking to take their four-legged pals along. If there is somewhere in the region that you would like to also mention as a great dog-friendly option, drop a line in the comments below.
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