Established in 1989, Mogo Wildlife Park is situated 10 kilometres south of Batemans Bay on the New South Wales south coast. Housing over 250 animals, of which more than 44 are rare or exotic species, the park is one of the most successful private zoos in Australia.
The majority of the animals’ enclosures emulate their natural habitats, providing a more realistic environment for them to live in. With plenty of space, the zoo has managed to create some large enclosures, especially for the zebras and giraffes, which have a huge area to roam in.
Walking around the zoo took several hours, as there is so much to see. There is a large variety of exhibits, ranging from cute meerkats and red pandas, to Sumatrans tigers and white lions.
If visiting the south coast of New South Wales, this is a great way to spend half a day. For a closer look at the animals, the wildlife park offers a range of up-close encounters.
MeerkatCheetahSri Lankan leopard Red pandaBlack-and-white ruffed lemurRing tailed lemurcotton-top tamarinPlains zebra and giraffeGiraffeSleepy southern white rhino Asian small-clawed otter
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
We stayed at Long Beach near Batemans Bay on the New South Wales south coast for a week while we explored the area. Only a 10-minute drive from Batemans Bay, it was a quiet and peaceful alternative to staying in town.
From our back door, we could see over the bay and out to the Tollgate Islands. The backyard ended right on the beach, where two seats let you sit and look over the water. Sitting here at sunset was an amazing place to watch the sun go down.
This area allowed us to go for a walk in the early morning before setting off to explore or relaxing and walking in the evening after a day out.
View from the back doorLooking eastLooking westRocks at the eastern end of Long BeachRock platform at the eastern end of the beachSunset
We have driven past Lake George in New South Wales on the Federal Highway numerous times but never stopped. However with recent rains (during 2024), the water level is high, so we took the opportunity to stop see the views and look at the three different rest stops for VC recipients.
Lake George
Located next to the Federal Highway, around 40km from Canberra, Australia, Lake George is an endorheic lake which means it has no outflow of water to rivers and oceans. Originally, small streams drained its catchment into the Yass River, but then the Lake George Escarpment rose due to major crust movement along a strong fault line, blocking this drainage and forming the lake. Due to high levels of evaporation and only a small catchment area the lake never overflows.
The Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross is the highest and most prestigious decoration of the British decorations system. It is awarded for valour “in the presence of the enemy” to members of the British Armed Forces and may be awarded posthumously. It has no been superseded by the Victoria Cross for Australia.
Badcoe VC Rest Area
Between 23 February to 7 April 1967, Badcoe repeatedly performed extraordinary feats. While under fire he attacked across open ground; he rescued an American adviser; he captured a machine-gun; he led attacks; and he provided leadership and an example to wavering troops. He was eventually killed by a burst of enemy fire as he rose to throw a grenade. “His valour and leadership were in the highest traditions of the military profession and the Australian Regular Army.” He was buried at Terendak Cemetery, Malaysia.
Badcoe was awarded the Victoria Cross, service medals for the Vietnam War, the United States Silver Star, the South Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and the South Vietnamese Wound Medal.
View over Lake George from the Shaded seats and table at the Badcoe VC Rest AreaInformation board at the Badcoe VC rest area
Wheatley VC Rest Area
On 13 November 1965 Wheatley and Warrant Officer Ronald Swanton, were operating in the Tra Bong valley. Their platoon came under heavy fire and Swanton was shot. Although he knew his mate was dying, Wheatley refused to leave him. Again urged to withdraw, Wheatley would not. Instead, he pulled the pins from two grenades and waited for the enemy. Two explosions were heard, followed by bursts of fire; both men were killed. Wheatley’s refusal to leave a mate was seen to be in the highest traditions of gallantry. His body was returned to Australia for burial.
Wheatley was awarded the Victoria Cross, the General Service Medal (for Malaya), service medals for the Vietnam War, the United States Silver Star, and South Vietnamese awards.
View over the lake from the Wheatley VC Rest AreaInformation board at the Wheatley VC Rest Area
Anderson VC Rest Area
He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions in command of the 2/19th Battalion against the Japanese invading force at Muar, Malaya in January 1942.
Cut off, surrounded and without support, Anderson led attacks against road-blocks, and enemy positions and organised his troops’ forced retreat to Singapore. Anderson was taken prisoner by the Japanese along with the remnants of the 2/19th – just 180 men from a full strength of 900. He was held captive for three years, first in Changi prison then on the Thai-Burma railway. He returned to Australia in 1945, resuming his life as a grazier, but also entering federal politics.
Looking over the lake from the Anderson VC Rest AreaView over the lake at Commemoration Monument to the VC medalists on the Federal Highway
What Did We Think
These were all well maintained rest areas with nice views over the lake. With places to sit they make a great place to recover while on a long drive. As a bonus you get to read about the gallantry of some of Australia’s service personnel.
