OK. It's official. Merimbula airport is by far the smallest airport I have ever visited…read more It's basically one gate with one waiting room; and the waiting room features the flight check-in area on one side, and rental car podiums on another. You can get a snack or fresh-made sandwich at the small cafe at the back end of this same room...if they are open. (It closed about 2 pm on the day I departed). But there's only one person behind the counter, so your food will take awhile if there's a line. Security is non-existent. There were no metal detectors or scanners, and I never had to put my carry-on stuff through a machine or take off my shoes. The arrival and departure door were adjacent to each other and not staffed. Kind of like going back in time. One interesting feature was what appeared to be an outside waiting area between the arrival/departure doors and the tarmac. Not sure if this was for departing guests or those waiting on arrivals; perhaps both. But if I was stuck at this airport, it wouldn't be a bad place to hang out on a warm day. If renting a car here, make sure to reserve ahead, otherwise nobody will be there. (Rental car podiums appear not to be staffed unless flights with reservations are arriving.) The Avis podium seemed to be staffed by one local guy who drove in just to hand people their keys and paperwork. Rental cars were parked outside, about 10m from the front door. As airports go, it was actually pretty charming and easy. But since 90% of the flights here are via the dreaded REX airlines (http://www.yelp.com/biz/rex-airlines-mascot?hrid=dGE_iUOe5n_yM9wkYzv5Xg), I can't rate it too highly. Dan's Airport checklist: -- Free Wi-Fi: Surprisingly yes; with a website login (4) -- Logistics and getting around: As easy as it gets (5) -- Shops and amenities: (2) -- Beauty and art: (2)

Nice little airport with a small cafe, car rentals, bathrooms, and airline desk…read more Someone in our party found it amusing that there were two different doors for arrival and departure because they were like three feet away from each other and basically did the same thing. Shaded seating is available to sip your preflight beverage. There is a rather large rock that children seem to be particularly drawn to climb. It features a plaque commemorating the updated airport security in 2007. They picked a really nice rock to mount it on.

I love Tathra. Okay, so it's the only Australian beach town I've stayed in, but I don't need to…read morestay anywhere else. For me, it's perfection, and a major component of that perfect town is the Tathra Hotel. Perched on the rocky headland overlooking the Tasman Sea, the Tathra hotel offers stunning views into the expanse of hundreds of miles of nothingness south and west. The Tathra Hotel comprises a hotel, of course, and also a brewery and pub. While I have not (yet) stayed in the hotel, the brewery and pub are held to a very high standard, and are a really excellent place to spend and afternoon, evening, night, or all three as one long session. The Tathra Hotel is the nightlife of Tathra. Plain and simple. Of the two places that are open past 3pm, this is the place to be. There is expansive outdoor seating overlooking the ocean and an excellent nautical-themed playground for the kiddos. It really is a playground suitable to all ages, as I've seen teenagers enjoying climbing the structures, and have enjoyed racing up it myself with my son. It can be quite windy, though, so be prepared. The beers -- all brewed in-house -- are solid. Nothing spectacular, nothing bad, and enough variety to suit anyone and keep others interested for a few varied pints. The wind enjoys the beer, too, having taken two pints from me with its thirsty gusts. The food is also nice. I enjoy their Sunday roast, they also do a good Oysters Rockefeller. If I'm honest, the fish and chips are a bit heavy on the oil and the ravioli special was a bit odd. But the overall experience, outside in the breezy coastal air, offers a rejuvenation those like me who do not currently live at the coast cannot find elsewhere. Come to Tathra. Come to Tathra Hotel. Breathe in the coast. Relax.

Rustic, rural retreat! There are two cabins on this property…read morelocated in a tranquil, rural setting about 30 minutes out of Bega. To get to the cabins you'll need to travel 4 km off the highway on a gravel road followed by about 600 metres of pretty rough driveway. We had no troubles in our 2WD vehicle but if there is a lot of rain, access could be an issue. The cabins have a spacious bedroom with comfortable bed, small bathroom, well-equipped kitchenette with gas cooktop and oven, and lounge/dining area. Neil and Kumiko are very generous with the breakfast supplies - plenty of bacon, free range eggs, cereal, bread, ground coffee and tea. You'll need to bring supplies - it's a good 30 minute drive to the nearest shops at Bega. Note that this is a remote property so there was no WiFi, but we were still able to access the data on our phones. This is a really good value option for people looking for a relaxing stay in the country.

I liked this little place. Just across the bridge from Narooma proper, Ecotel has simple,…read moreinexpensive rooms (similar to most private rooms in hostels I've stayed at), and a friendly front desk. Windows are the air conditioning, so if you mind the sounds of nature outside (or potentially neighbors) you might bring earplugs - though it was very quiet while we were there.