Southern NSW Locum Adventure Road Trip: Narooma, Bodalla, Tilba and Beyond
Doctors searching for locum jobs in Southern NSW often ask: can I bring my family and make it a lifestyle adventure? The answer is yes. The South Coast is made for road trips, and Southern NSW Local Health District offers not only rewarding locum doctor opportunities but also some of the most memorable experiences in Australia.
With crisp mornings, perfect spring temperatures, and a string of family-friendly towns along the Eurobodalla coastline, this is the kind of placement that balances professional growth with a true holiday vibe.
Why Locum Here?
Southern NSW is ideal for doctors who want the complete experience: excellent hospital support, career-building opportunities, and a region full of adventure. For families, it offers beaches, bushland, culture, and cuisine all in one trip. Whether you’re into mountain biking, kayaking, wildlife, or fine food, you’ll find it here.
A recap from Sam.
Narooma Coastal Bliss
Narooma is the jewel of the coast. It’s a picturesque country town on the water, famous for its unspoilt coastline and fresh oysters.
🦪 Fresh oysters for just one dollar each at a rustic shack by the water.
- The Oyster Farmer’s Daughter for cocktails and oysters straight from the farm (pictured above).
- Quarterdeck Narooma for Mexican-inspired flavours on the water.
- Lynch’s Narooma for Queen Chow dishes and hearty pub food.
- Ciccio’s Surfbeach Café for a breakfast feast.
Wildlife is part of the Narooma lifestyle. Stingrays and seals are often spotted near the fishing boats behind the golf club, adding a unique coastal flavour to your stay.
The Oyster Farmer's Daughter
Bodalla Heritage and Flavour
Just north of Narooma, Bodalla is a charming town rich in history and famous for its dairy heritage. For families on a locum road trip, Bodalla is a mix of food, culture, and small-town charm.
Bodalla Dairy Shed
The Bodalla Dairy Shed is one of the region’s most iconic attractions. Using old-fashioned batch pasteurisation, it produces award-winning cheeses from its own herd of happy cows. Visitors can watch the process, join a cheesemaking class, or simply relax at the Dairy Shed Café with its retro style, sunny deck, and cosy fireplace. It is a must-visit stop for anyone exploring things to do in Bodalla.
Shops and Eats
Gallery Bodalla shows off local art inside the old Post Office
Malt Man Brewing serves craft beer, coffee, and pizza in a dog-friendly garden
Bodalla Bakery is legendary for its celebration cakes, pies, and pastries.
History and National Parks
Bodalla is home to the striking All Saints Church, built in the 1880s, and the Bodalla Pub, established in 1875. Nearby, the valley of Nerrigundah tells bushranger tales from the gold rush era. A short drive leads to Eurobodalla National Park and Potato Point, where wild emus often stroll the beaches and create one of the most unusual wildlife encounters on the South Coast.
Tilba Tilba and Central Tilba as Quaint as They Come
Tilba Tilba and Central Tilba feel like stepping back in time. Both villages are National Trust classified, set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Gulaga with rolling green valleys and heritage streetscapes.
Nature and History
Mount Gulaga, an extinct volcano in Gulaga National Park, is spiritually significant to the Yuin Aboriginal people. The Gulaga Creation Tour with Ngaran Ngaran Cultural Awareness offers a rich cultural experience, while the challenging 14-kilometre Gulaga Mountain Walk rewards hikers with breathtaking views.
Tilba Tilba itself is home to Foxglove Gardens and the Gumnut Hideaway Gallery, with Mystery Bay and 1080 Beach nearby for surfing, fishing, and family picnics.
Central Tilba
Central Tilba is filled with artisan shops and creative energy. Browse Passionfish Candles, Mockingbird Lane, Tilba Leather, and Arcadia for jewellery and crafts. Each Easter, the famous Tilba Festival brings the streets alive with music, food and heritage celebrations.
Food, Drink and Stays
Tilba is also a food and wine hub. Stop at Tilba Real Dairy to watch cheesemaking and taste Jersey cow dairy products. Enjoy French dining at La Galette, specialty teas at Eumun Tea, and fresh scones at Rose and Sparrow Café. For wine and lake views, Tilba Valley Winery and Ale House is a must, while the Dromedary Hotel offers classic pub fare.
Accommodation options range from cosy farm cottages to lakeside glamping, coastal retreats, and family-friendly campgrounds. It is a perfect choice for doctors bringing their
Moruya Markets and Community Vibe
Every Sunday, Moruya comes alive with its famous markets. Running from 8 am to 12 pm, the markets are packed with local produce, artisan goods, and live music. It is the perfect family outing before a shift or as part of a relaxed weekend.
Outdoors and Adventure
Southern NSW is an outdoor playground:
🚲 World-class mountain biking trails
🚤 Fishing, boating, and kayaking in pristine rivers
🏖 Surfing, swimming, and snorkelling along unspoilt beaches
Crisp spring mornings give way to perfect sunshine, making September and October an ideal time for adventure.
Family Friendly Living
Locum work here is not just a placement. It is a lifestyle. Southern NSW has excellent schools, a new TAFE facility in Moruya, and supportive communities that welcome new doctors and their families. It is the perfect balance of career progression and family life.
The Blugibbon Difference
Locuming with Blugibbon means more than just a job. It is about creating a lifestyle that works for you and your family. We specialise in connecting doctors with the best medical jobs in NSW and across Australia. From payroll to compliance, we handle the details so you can focus on patients and enjoy the journey.
💙Doctors choose Blugibbon because we deliver quick compliance, seamless payroll, and unforgettable lifestyle opportunities. That is why we are rated 5 stars on Google and recognised as one of the best locum agencies in Australia.
- Get in touch with BG today to discuss Southern NSW locum jobs - 02 8960 6445
- Send us your CV and share your goals - hello@blugibbon.com.au
- We'll sort compliance, travel, and even local coffee tips
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