It’s also hard to fathom how it was ever a sea port, when you consider that Nelligen is 10km from the ocean’s edge. The very wide Clyde River made it possible, and a combination of a valuable timber industry and nearby gold mining made it profitable for paddle steamers to regularly dock for passengers and cargo. This, of course, was during the 1860s when coastal shipping was in its heyday, before good road transport was available, and the nearest railway connection was a considerable distance away.
Nelligen still has the Clyde River, but little of the river port remains. The riverside historical signs provide an excellent insight into these earlier times. MHW spent a relaxing time there recently, taking in the spectacular views of the river, and sampling the great coffee and fare at two local cafes.
The Great Outdoors
Nelligen Holiday Park is a short walk down the road from the township. Located on the banks of the Clyde River and the adjoining Nelligen Creek, this Big4 park is huge, covering over 16 acres.
It has space for everything from small two-person tents to 30ft (9.1m) rigs.
Owned by Ron and Gloria Cregan over the past five years, the park has been improved considerably. Some of the attractions include a swimming pool, childrens’ water park, tennis courts, barbecue areas, camp kitchen and jumping pillow (for the children, of course). In addition, there is the Clyde River itself. A boat ramp gives instant access for water skiers and fishers. For those without boats, both canoes and ‘tinnies’ are available for hire. At low tide, the sand of Nelligen Creek offers a safe little beach. One of the main attractions of the park is the full-size cricket oval, which is available for games of all sorts.
Whether you have a 30ft rig or nothing but a billy and swag, Nelligen Holiday Park has suitable accommodation. Deluxe villas feature spas, air-conditioning, barbecues and laundry facilities. All the camping sites are grassed and level. Many have power, some have drive-through access and a few have ensuite facilities as well. In addition to power, coaxial points are available for TV connection.
As someone who always checks these things, I can report there’s an easily accessible dump point – not always a feature of all caravan parks. Those who need to keep in touch with the world (like MHW journos) will find the Big4 wireless internet service useful, although mobile phone coverage might be limited, depending on your service provider.
If you don’t want to cook for yourself, then in addition to the local cafes a short walk away, the pub opposite the park serves good meals.
What’s nearby
There are several golf courses and bowling clubs nearby, and for bushwalkers, a brace of national parks to explore. Merinda Cruises also runs a daily river cruise, which takes in all the beauty points of the Clyde River and stops at both Nelligen and Batemans Bay. Arts and crafts lovers can decamp to nearby Mogo, which features the Mogo Zoo.
There are plenty of reasons to stay at Nelligen Holiday Park. In the off season, peace and quiet is just one of them. Batemans Bay is just down the road for all the essentials, like bulk food supplies and restaurants, but just about everything else is available on-site.
Nelligen Holiday Park fast facts
Nelligen Holiday Park, a Big4 park 10km north-west of Batemans Bay, is located on the Kings Highway, Nelligen, NSW 2536.
Nelligen is two hours south-east of Canberra, and just over three hours on the Princes Highway from Sydney.
For more information, phone 1300 784 446 or visit www.nelligenpark.com.au or BIG4 Holiday Parks