Batemans Bay is a town and a bay in the South Coast region of the state of New South Wales, Australia. Batemans Bay is administered by the Eurobodalla Shire council. The town is on the Princes Highway (Highway 1) about 280 kilometres (170 mi) from Sydney, 760 km (470 mi) from Melbourne and 151 km (94 mi) from Canberra via the Kings Highway. At the 2006 census it had a population of 10,845. The Clyde River empties here into the Tasman Sea.
It is the closest seaside town to the city of Canberra, making Batemans Bay a popular holiday destination for residents of Australia's National Capital. Geologically, it is situated in the far southern reaches of the Sydney basin. It is also a popular retiree haven, but has begun to attract young families seeking affordable housing and a relaxed seaside lifestyle. Other local industries include a sawmill, oyster farming, forestry, eco-tourism and retail services.
Famous quotes containing the word bay:
“The seagull’s wings shall dip and pivot him,
Shedding white rings of tumult, building high
Over the chained bay waters Liberty—
Then, with inviolate curve, forsake our eyes”
—Hart Crane (1899–1932)