St Georges Basin, New South Wales: Travel guide and things to do

St Georges Basin is a large (12-km long) but shallow lagoon with a tree-covered shoreline. Several villages have developed around the edge of the lake, St Georges Basin township (187 km south of Sydney via the Princes Highway) and Sanctuary Point being the largest with a combined population of 4610.

The area was formerly occupied by the Dhurga Aborigines who called the lake 'Bherwherree'. Its European title was chosen in June 1828 by Thomas Florance who undertook an extensive survey of the district. Florance's name was presumably shaped by Cape St George which was named by Captain Cook.

The surrounding villages are essentially tourist-driven though a small fishing fleet is based in the village of St Georges Basin. They are connected by The Wool Road which runs off the highway through Basin View, St Georges Basin and Sanctuary Point and on to Vincentia. This track was originally cut by convicts at the behest of Governor Gipps in order to establish a route from Braidwood to an ocean port for the wool that was earning good money in the early 1840s. It departs the highway just north of Bewong, or you can access it by driving south from Tomerong.

Boating, fishing, swimming and picnicking are available in the township of St Georges Basin. You will find a concrete boat ramp if you turn right into Island Point Road, the first major intersection as you enter the town from the west.

Things to see

1. Basin View
The Basin View lies on the north-western shore of the lake. Noted for its views over the lagoon it is a tranquil waterskiing, prawning, fishing and sailing spot with a concrete ramp on Basin View Parade. Century 21 Lifestyle Realty, 10 Paradise Beach Road (02 4443 0350) acts as a local information centre.

2. Sanctuary Point
Yachts, surf skis, rowboats, canoes, windsurfers, and aluminium runabouts can be hired from Sanctuary Point Sail Centre at 272 Greville Ave (02 4443 0205) . Open daily it acts as a visitors information centre. At the Point there are two ramps: the first for light craft and, around the corner, an all-purpose ramp. While in the area you can take the 40-minute Basin Walk which runs from Palm Beach Reserve in a westerly direction around a small promontory to Paradise Beach Reserve.

3. Erowal Bay
On the eastern shore of the lagoon is Erowal Bay Township. The name derives from the property of 'Errowel'. One of the first in the area it was granted to Captain John Lamb in 1830 or 1835, depending on which source you believe. There is a concrete boat ramp on Naval Parade, an extension of Erowal Bay Road.

4. Tomerong
Tomerong, thought to mean 'tall timbers', lies to the north, 22 km south of Nowra, just off the Princes Highway. The local economy was initially reliant upon farming though sawmilling, a creamery and an axe handle factory soon opened. Today the major industry is cattle-raising. The Motopark Samurai Motorcycle Complex (02) 4443 4540) is located on the Princes Highway just before the Tomerong turnoff. Open daily it has MX circuits and riding areas for all enthusiasts. There is also a campground with an amenities block for overnight camping. Bikes ranging from 50 to 250 cc are available for hire.