Batemans Bay to Bega Scenic Drive

Take time to drive from Batemans Bay to Bega, the 148km (ow) is a feast for the senses. First stop is the picturesque and historic gold mining village of Mogo. Famous for its zoo, the town is just a few minutes' drive south of Batemans Bay. The zoo is dedicated to the conservation of exotic animals and includes Nepalese red pandas, golden lion tamarins, jaguars, lions, snow leopards, Syrian brown bears and both Sumatran and Bengal tigers. Stop for lunch at the small coastal hideaway of Tuross Heads or hire a boat for a memorable cruise or fishing trip on the lakes. Tuross oysters are another wonderful surprise for visitors.

Further on visit the township of Bodalla, famous for its cheese. The Big Cheese sells many of the local varieties, or you can visit South Coast Cheese in Potato Point Road for some nice hand-made vintage and soft cheeses.

18km further on is Narooma, waterways, beaches, inlets and lakes define this small town. The foreshores of Narooma are made up from an ancient volcanic coastline. See Montague Island Light House, operating since 1881. The National Parks and Wildlife Service runs four-hour tours out to the island, where you'll learn about the history of the island and the lighthouse, the Aboriginal heritage and wildlife. Take a cruise on the Wagonga Princess. The Huon pine 'environmentally- friendly' ferry, enjoys close encounters with wildlife. An evening penguin watching tour to Montague Island is a highlight if staying in Narooma. Watch as penguins clamber out of the sea on to the rocks and waddle past you. Tours leave two hours before sunset on Tuesdays and Fridays.

From Narooma, continue 20km south to the twin villages of Central Tilba and Tilba Tilba. Heritage listed and vibrantly painted, the houses and shop fronts look retain their old fashioned feel. The main street of Central Tilba has a range of interesting shops, galleries, gift shops, leather and woodwork showrooms and an amazing bakery. If you're a garden lover then go to Tilba Tilba. Foxglove Spire Gardens is a 100 year old cottage surrounded by an extensive 4 acre garden.

30km south at nearby Quaama, drop into Fruit Ballad Country Wines to taste some unusual wines made from just about everything except grapes.

And finally Bega, famous for Bega Cheese. There is a viewing area inside the Bega factory where you can watch the cheese making process. Take time to see Bega, the rural centre of the Sapphire Coast. Rolling pastures, the lush Bega Valley, lazy creeks, paddocks, cows, and horses grazing against a backdrop of the darkly forested mountains are worth a picture or two.