Kidaddle to Narooma

OK so it might involve driving a bit further along the coast from Bateman's Bay, but my summation is that it is worth it. It was late November, just before the surprise cold snap, and we were staggered to find ourselves the only people on the beach at 10 o'clock in the morning.

Narooma seemed to me to satisfy all tastes:

Children: interesting board walk, "Australia" rock, spotting a seal lolling beside the breakwater,

helping Dad scrape oysters off the rocks, really good fish and chips, playgrounds ...

Dad: eating oysters straight off the rocks, great fish and chips, the steak at the aptly-named Steak & Oyster Bar at the top of the hill on the main street, bracing surf.

Mum: fresh air, sand-between-the-toes, oysters, oysters, oysters, interesting shops.

We stayed at the Island View Resort (Big Four Caravan Park) and we wanted for nothing - which at $208 for four people in a cabin for two nights was pretty impressive. Do it - but take our advice - go in February-March or October-November if you want to avoid crowds and high season pricing.