Big-hearted operators and character accommodation drawing visitors back to the Far South Coast

Tourists are being urged to visit our coastal towns, many of which were not impacted directly by recent bushfires. Over the following weeks, About Regional will bring you a rolling selection of the loveliest, most character-filled accommodation ideas for you to consider on the Sapphire and Eurobodalla Coasts. We know these big-hearted operators are ready to give you a fabulous, comfortable stay.

Industrial Beat Studio, Bermagui
Phone: 0419 830 318
Bookings/Website here

Host Christine describes her unique holiday rental as an experiential space. Curated with bespoke vintage pieces designed to inspire your creativity, this is a converted artist’s studio that’s been lovingly transformed into a private retreat for two.

The lofty warehouse style ‘Industrial Beat Studio’ has an industrial provincial vibe. With high ceilings, light floods into the space, which features open plan living and a sleeping zone containing a vintage, Parisian-style queen-sized bed.

The self-contained kitchen is fully equipped with an Italian four gas burner cooktop, electric oven, fridge, microwave and coffee machine. The bathroom has a walk-in shower with a large rain showerhead and slate walls.

This truly original space is situated four minutes from the Bermagui Village, with its restaurants and shops, famous blue pool and sandy beaches.

‘Beach House 1’
Julie Rutherford Real Estate
Bookings/Website here

What a delightful vibe. Stunning views across the bay to Mt Gulaga, some of the best coffee downstairs, excellent dining options galore, and a short stroll to the beautiful Blue Pool for an ocean swim experience.

Originally built as accommodation for steamship passengers, Beach House 1 is sparkling clean and just a little bit retro. With beautifully polished floorboards throughout, you’ll have trouble picking your favourite bedroom from the five available. Three bathrooms, a very pleasant kitchen and huge wraparound closed-in verandahs mean everyone has their own place for games, reading or staring out to sea.

This upstairs, beachy apartment sleeps up to ten and, in a glorious accident, we discovered it doesn’t have wifi. It is the perfect place to be encouraged to walk, talk, eat, drink, relax, play games or practice yoga instead of spending time online (but the phone reception is good).

If you close your eyes you can imagine the swishing of skirts in the hallways, and the siren announcing the steamer from Sydney arriving at the old wharf.

Tilba Two Story B&B
Phone: (02) 4473 7290
Bookings/Website here

Step back in time in historic Tilba. As you gaze out of your lace-adorned windows on the second floor, straight up the main street of Tilba, all seems as if it was 150 years ago. Your hosts Linda and Ken Jamieson will greet you with smiles and hearty handshakes and proudly show you to your suite.

I stayed in the Dame Zara room, which is decorated as if a very grand lady was to be expected at any moment. In shades of Downton Abbey (but on a smaller scale), we also had full use of the downstairs sitting room, complete with piano, books, games and comfy couches.

In the morning, awaking to the sounds of the countryside, it’s not a stretch to imagine the sounds of horse-drawn carriages coming down the street.

Linda will cook you a generous country breakfast with all the trimmings to be enjoyed in the breakfast room at the rear of the property.

For dining options, a stroll along the village streets to the Dromedary Hotel will delight. A recent change in the hotel’s ownership has seen some great additions to the menu, which is enhanced by a good wine list and an extensive gin menu. Then you can retire to your room and its wraparound balcony to watch over the roofs and gardens of this delightful town.

Tathra Beach House
Ph: (02) 6499 9900
Bookings/Website here.

Elegant resort style accommodation, directly opposite the golden sands of Tathra’s famous surf beach. This award-winning accomodation is superbly located right opposite the beach in the heart of town. The apartments are set in beautifully landscaped grounds with native gardens, ponds and waterfalls. All the sounds of beach and waterfalls plus birds surround you.

Tathra Beach House features two swimming pools and two spa pools plus a hydrotherapy swim spa. The property is walking distance from everywhere: restaurants, cafe’s, clubs, beaches and shops. Options are available for an overnight stay or an extended holiday, a single person or a large family group, for business or pleasure.

The variety of styles and features available should suit almost everyone, all clean, simple and elegant. Fully accredited easy access units are also available.

Quays Hotel, Batemans Bay
Ph: 02 4472 9777
Bookings/Website here

This contemporary, seaside, motel-style accommodation in Batemans Bay boasts one of the region’s best restaurants. Located opposite the Marina and Seaside Walk, Quays Hotel is walking distance to many other restaurants, major clubs and the town centre. The sea breezes drift into your room and the ambience is surprisingly quiet.

All rooms and suites have massive king beds, handy Nespresso machines, mini bar and convenient USB charging, plus smart TVs, sofas and plush furnishings. Staff are friendly and very accommodating. Breakfast and dinner is available in the Sandbar Restaurant.

Sandbar is a hatted restaurant with an outstanding reputation. This is chef David Tinker’s first restaurant in his home town after working with 3 Michelin starred Pierre Gagnaire in London and Serge Dansereu of Bathers Pavilion in Sydney. Under David, Sandbar Restaurant received its first hat in January 2018. The degustation menu is well worth staying for – to be enjoyed alongside the panoramic views, stylish interior and hand-made Japanese crockery.