ABC South East NSW

28/12/2025

🐨 Check out this video of a koala near Mallacoota yesterday.

The footage was captured by Reedy Swamp resident Becky Lupton and her family after it crossed the road in front of their car while they were on their way to watch Bega Valley band The Figmentz perform at the Mallacoota Golf Club.

28/12/2025

⛵ Sydney to Hobart yachts retire in Eden

More than a quarter of the Sydney to Hobart fleet have retired, while the leaders are currently heading down Tasmania's east coast.

Nine yachts docked into Eden — the last safe port before Bass Strait — overnight, as crews battled challenging conditions, sea sickness, and damaged equipment.

Le Tiroflan retired after snapping its forestay overnight in "big and quite disorganised seas".

"The boat was jumping off waves and shuddering," David Alais from Le Tiroflan said.

"We were pretty decimated last night coming in… it's just a year of planning for nothing. The only thing to look forward to is doing it again next year."

The Twofold Bay Yacht Club worked through the night to help crews find a place to sleep, direct the yachts, and offer medical assistance.

The club also offers a 'First into Eden' award for the first yacht to retire at the wharf; a tradition that started in 1994.

"Everybody has a bit of a giggle," the club's vice commodore Robyn Malcolm said.

"They pose of photos and send them home and say, 'look we won something'."

This year's 'First into Eden' winners were Maritimo 100 and owner Bill Barry-Cotter said it was a welcome positive to end the race on.

"That was a real positive, so we're very happy about it. Lovely town," he said.

28/12/2025

⛵CREW MEMBER PRAISES EDEN COMMUNITY⛵

Despite being forced to retire just after midnight, Minerva crew member Nicholas Kurta said his first Sydney to Hobart race has been a dream come true.

The American said he had wanted to take part for many years, and that it has been a family Christmas tradition to watch the start of the race from his home in Michigan each year.

“The conditions were pretty full-on — not necessarily the worst in the world, but there was a massive sea state and a lot of wind. We definitely had to put our storm jib up to get into Eden,” he said.

He said the crew experienced an engine issue that turned into an electrical issue, meaning they were unable to go any further than Green Cape.

Since arriving in Eden, Mr Kurta said the crew had been well looked after by locals.

“A man pulled up in his car and said, ‘Alright, I can take six,’” Mr Kurta said.

“He took us in, fed us dinner at 2:30 in the morning, gave us beds to sleep in, a place to shower, and was a great conversationalist.

“Back at home, this doesn’t happen, but in Australia — and especially in Eden — you will find the most genuine people that exist.

“Sure, I can get caught up in the frustration of not finishing, but moments like this show me more about humanity and how much people care.”

27/12/2025

🚔🚨POLICE INVESTIGATING FIRE🚨🚔

Police are investigating the cause of a fire at Water Gardens Park near the Batemans Bay Museum yesterday.

The Batemans Bay RFS crew were called to the scene on Saturday afternoon, with firefighters quickly extinguishing the blaze and protecting the museum and surrounding buildings from being damaged.

27/12/2025

Almost a quarter of the Sydney to Hobart fleet has retired as the race enters its third day.

Master Lock Comanche, Law Connect and SHK Scallywag are leading the race for line honours, with the leaders expected to arrive in Hobart late on Sunday afternoon or early in the evening.

Crews have been battling challenging conditions, damage and sea sickness as the leading yachts are expected to arrive in Hobart later today.

27/12/2025

⛵ Sydney to Hobart yacht retirement off NSW far south coast

Officials say Sydney Hobart Yacht Race contender Moneypenny has been forced to retire after losing a life raft overboard off the NSW far south coast.

The yacht was sitting in 8th place for line honours on Saturday before having to retire from the coast off Wonboyn Lake after midday.

Moneypenny appears to be travelling north back to Sydney.

Many of the remaining yachts are currently travelling off the far south coast.

Have you sighted any today?

27/12/2025

🚨 Seven taken to hospital following crash on NSW far south coast 🚨

NSW Police say seven people have been taken to hospital following a multi-vehicle crash between Merimbula and Tura Beach on Saturday.

Authorities were called to Sapphire Coast Drive near Red Hill Road around 10am to reports three cars were involved in the crash.

One car was towing a caravan at the time of the incident, which has been impacting traffic in the area for several hours.

NSW Police say Ambulance Paramedics treated seven people at the scene for minor injuries before transporting them to South East Regional Hospital.

Inquiries are continuing.

27/12/2025

Former far south coast cricketer Mac Wright has helped guide the Hurricanes to a nailbiting final over win against the Scorchers in Perth last night.

The former Pambula and Merimbula junior's 22 not out off 13 balls included two boundaries and a maximum, as Hobart succesfully chased down Perth's 8/150 with three balls to spare.

Hobart's title defence suffers a huge blow after star batter Tim David injures his hamstring in his team's four-wicket win over the Scorchers.

26/12/2025

🚨 Seven taken to hospital following crash on NSW far south coast 🚨

UPDATE 1:45 PM

NSW Police say seven people have been taken to hospital following a multi-vehicle crash between Merimbula and Tura Beach on Saturday.

Authorities were called to Sapphire Coast Drive near Red Hill Road around 10am to reports three cars were involved in the crash.

One car was towing a caravan at the time of the incident, which has been impacting traffic in the area for several hours.

NSW Police say Ambulance Paramedics treated seven people at the scene for minor injuries before transporting them to South East Regional Hospital.

Inquiries are continuing.

Stay up to date: https://www.livetraffic.com/incident-details/242987

26/12/2025

Master Lock Comanche has kept its narrow lead over long-time rival LawConnect in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race overnight as the two supermaxis race down Australia's east coast.

Did you see them pass Eden this morning?

Master Lock Comanche has kept its narrow lead over long-time rival LawConnect in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race overnight as the two supermaxis race down Australia's east coast for day two of the blue water classic.

26/12/2025

The world-famous Sydney to Hobart yacht race has begun, in the 80th edition of the blue water classic.

A fleet of 129 boats is headed south to Hobart via the far south coast.

Will LawConnect win Line Honours again for the third straight year, or will Master Lock Comanche or one of the other supermaxis be first to the finish?

The fleet is headed south down the NSW coast, led by LawConnect as strong winds and big swells are expected on day one of the blue water classic. Follow all the action in our live blog.

24/12/2025

🎄🐠CHRISTMAS SEAFOOD RUSH IN ON 🐟🎄

There are big queues for seafood up and down the far south coast this morning from Merimbula to Batemans Bay.

The big sellers are fresh prawns and oysters. What seafood are you buying up this Christmas?