Nelligen, set on the banks of the Clyde River, was once a busy port servicing Braidwood's farming district and the Araluen goldfields. It pre-dates the settlement at Batemans Bay.
The track over the Clyde Mountain was built mid 1850's. Ships landed passengers and supplies and returned with cargoes of wool, gold, timber and produce for Sydney. By 1860 Nelligen boasted a large warehouse, four hotels, two stores, two blacksmiths, baker and a police watchhouse.
As gold mining waned, timber dominated Nelligen's shipping. Its days as a port ended in the early 1950's.
Stroll along the waterfront and imagine the activity with steamers arriving twice a week and horse and bullock teams conveying goods to and from Braidwood. The punt across the river opposite operated from 1875 until the bridge opened in 1964. The dead tree near the bridge is where bushrangers Thomas and John Clarke were supposedly chained while waiting to board ship for Sydney in 1869 to stand trial for murder.
Walk up historic Braidwood Street, past the surviving historic buildings and cenotaph to the former Catholic Church (1896).
If you're looking to relax and refresh your mind, this is the perfect place! Wendy is such a warm and friendly host, and she gave us a lovely tour. A big thank you to Wendy and Peter for creating such a wonderful spot!
Sue Chea
Google review
This is a hidden GEM in the South Coast. I stayed here for 3 days as a getaway to get in touch with nature and it was the perfect getaway. The location is right by the river and the cottage was very cosy, neat and tidy, it just felt like home.
Peter and Wendy were fantastic hosts. Everything in the cottage was well thought of and planned. Wendy had a great sense of humour and was very informative when i arrived. She showed us the place and provided us with a very thorough orientation. It made our stay so much easier knowing where things were.
The BBQ setting by the river with the lights and the jetty is very well set up. It was astonishing when the sun was setting and i was marvelled at the beautiful red and orange colors of the sunset, it was a memorial experience. We spent many hours relaxing by the river, popping a champagne and having a bbq.
We really enjoyed our stay and had the best rest ever, it was definitely a well deserved getaway. Many thanks Peter and Wendy, we definitely look forward to coming back to stay here again.
Sandra Lang
Google review
We were so welcomed to this beautiful little place. Peter and Wendy left a lovely bottle of Champagne 🥂 with some chocolates as they were told it was my birthday. Everything was perfect, the cottage, the gardens, the jetty and fantastic bbq area. The comfort and serenity and we had the whole place to ourselves , so a big thank you to Peter and Wendy, can’t wait to come back. Sandy and Gary 😀
Jessica Kirton
Google review
Awesome quirky place in a serene location!
This was a perfect weekend away. The hospitality of the hosts were second to none. The place itself was well set up with a spacious and yet homely feel. Large new and very practical kitchen and bathroom with separate living and bedroom. We loved the quirky little family touches which clearly showed the host's love and care.
Throughout the place there was so many thoughtful treats : from netflix to magnums to a stocked drinks fridge. :)
The place also gives private access to the jetty and bbq area with awesome views of the river. Especially beautiful at sunset and sunrise!
We also went out with Nelligen Kayak Hire for a fabulous day on the river.
Left this place feeling very content.
Steve Shaw
Google review
Quaint, quirky and eclectic, this cottage was was home for seven nights. Blissfully quiet and brilliantly situated, this couples retreat is on the river at Nelligen. Just 10 minutes to Batemans Bay for supplies, this little oasis offers fishing, relaxing and a break from phones, while still maintaining wifi links should social media need some updates. Friendly hosts providing information, necessities and privacy, have a well made, and well appointed, self contained unit filled with travel curios and objects to whet your appetite for travel and adventure.