Major city · Australia
Bodalla
Stop 45–90 min for the Dairy Shed and the Big Cheese, or sleep one night; there is no reason to base a whole trip here.
Bodalla is a small dairy town on the Princes Highway between Batemans Bay and Narooma, about 30 min south of Batemans Bay and 4–5 h south of Sydney by car. There is no train and buses are infrequent, so it works as a highway stop or a single overnight, not a base. Two food stops and a novelty cheese carry the visit; the coast and the Tilba villages are the real draw nearby.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Oct–Apr (warm coast weather); Dec–Jan is busiest and priciest
- avoid Jun–Aug (cool, wet, quiet; some places shut mid-week)
- Airports
- MIM · CBR
- Nights
- 0–1
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Bodalla000 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Bodalla, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyVery safe.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From mobiles · 132 500 SES (storms, floods)
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckMIM Moruya Airport (About 20 min north; small regional flights, check schedules).
- Getting aroundYou need a car.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$4–6 (≈ US$3–4)
- Budget bedHostel or pub bed, a night, per personA$45 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedMotel or guest-room double, a night, per roomA$180 (≈ US$120)
- High-end bedMotel or guest-room double, a night, per roomA$280 (≈ US$190)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$90 (≈ US$60) · Mid A$150 (≈ US$100) · High A$250 (≈ US$170)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- MIM Moruya Airport (About 20 min north; small regional flights, check schedules) · CBR Canberra Airport (About 2 h 30 min by car; the practical gateway for most fly-drive trips)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Feb
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Mar
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Apr
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
May
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jun
Avoid
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jul
Avoid
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Aug
Avoid
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Sep
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Oct
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Nov
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Dec
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Best: Oct–Apr. Avoid: Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)), coolest Jul (6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C) low), wettest Jan (11 rain days), driest Jul (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Bodalla: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
11 rd
Feb
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
11 rd
Mar
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
11 rd
Apr
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
9 rd
May
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
8 rd
Jun
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
8 rd
Jul
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
7 rd
Aug
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
7 rd
Sep
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
8 rd
Oct
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
10 rd
Nov
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
10 rd
Dec
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
10 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need a car. The town sits on the A1 Princes Highway and the sights are a short drive apart; there is no local bus worth planning around. Driving is on the left; watch for kangaroos and wombats at dusk.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 30 min
Drive north on the A1, about 30 min
Oysters, the river and the main supermarket run.
Moruya
goDoor to door: About 15 min
Drive north on the A1, about 15 min
Saturday farmers market and the river flats.
Narooma
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Drive south on the A1, about 30 min
Inlet, seals and the best swimming nearby.
Tilba
goDoor to door: About 15 min
Turn off the A1 at Central Tilba, about 15 min
Heritage village, cheese and honey; go before midday.
Mogo
cautionDoor to door: About 30 min
Drive north to Mogo, about 30 min
Gold-rush village and zoo; check opening days.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Princes Highway strip
Guest rooms at the Dairy Shed and a few motels; everything is walkable from the highway.
Nearby coast (Batemans Bay, Moruya, Narooma)
More beds and beaches; 20–40 min drive if Bodalla is full.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$90–140 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$140–220 (≈ US$95–150) excl. bed
- High
- A$220 (≈ US$150)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or guest-room double1 × 1 night × A$180 | A$180 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × A$150 | A$300 |
| Ice cream and cheese at the Dairy Shed2 × A$15 · check | A$30 |
| Fuel, 100 km of highway driving1 × A$20 · check | A$20 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$20 | A$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$57 |
| Trip total≈ A$314 per person per day, bed included | A$627≈ US$450 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; fuel and flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$4–6 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Ice cream at the Dairy Shedcheck | A$5–9 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Café lunch | A$15–28 (≈ US$10–19) |
| Motel double roomHigher in Dec–Jan. | A$130–280 (≈ US$90–190) |
| Fuel, per litrecheck | A$1.80–2.10 (≈ US$2) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No train; buses are infrequent — check times before relying on them.
- Fuel and food gaps on this stretch of highway: fill up in Batemans Bay or Moruya.
- Wildlife on the road at dawn and dusk.
- Summer bushfire risk in the region: check conditions before driving.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From mobiles
- 112
- SES (storms, floods)
- 132 500
Pocket card
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Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
BodallaBodalla
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From mobiles112
- SES (storms, floods)132 500
Embassy
No consulates here; embassies and consulates-general are in Canberra and Sydney. US citizens: US Consulate General Sydney (check the address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bodalla → Batemans Bay by car: about 30 min, 35 km (22 mi)about 30 min, 22 mi (35 km)
- Bodalla → Narooma by car: about 30 min, 40 km (25 mi)about 30 min, 25 mi (40 km)
- Bodalla → Sydney by car: 4–5 h, about 320 km (199 mi)4–5 h, about 199 mi (320 km)
Say or show
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Where is the toilet? — Where is the toilet?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Is it open today? — Is it open today?
English is the working language; no phrasebook needed.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Bodalla. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Oct–Apr (warm coast weather); Dec–Jan is busiest and priciest · avoid Jun–Aug (cool, wet, quiet; some places shut mid-week) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Highway-stop contract: Dairy Shed hours, Big Cheese photo stop, fuel and toilet plan, and the next town if it is shut.
- One-night rung: guest rooms on the highway versus beds in Batemans Bay, Moruya and Narooma with drive times.
- Coast-and-village loop: Bodalla plus Tilba, Narooma and Mogo as a single day with cutoffs.
- Fire and flood fixtures for the Princes Highway so the drive page can go green.
Sources
Ask about Bodalla
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