The Best Beaches near Batemans Bay

The eastern end of Barlings Beach is perfect for littlies or a stand-up paddle. Photo: Kim Treasure.

Who doesn’t love a trip to the beach?

Whether you’re a surfer, fisher, keen swimmer, a young family, or a couple, you probably adore getting your toes sandy every once in a while. In summer, you might take advantage of the warm water and jump in for a leisurely swim or body surf. In winter, a long beach walk can do wonders for the body – and mind.

If you live in or are visiting the Batemans Bay area, this article is for you. After conducting some online research and chatting to the locals, we’ve narrowed down the beautiful beaches in the region to the top 10. Visit these wonderful beaches to experience Australia’s spectacular eastern coastline.

Pack your beach towels, a good book, and sunscreen – it’s time to head to the beach!

What makes a great beach?

We are all looking for something different in a beach. For some, safety is important. For others, cracking surf conditions. The following four features are pretty universal, and that’s why we recommend seeking out the qualities in your go-to beach:

Safe swimming conditions. Swimmers, surfers, and young kids need safe swimming condition at any beach they visit. For some, flags and lifesavers are a must.
Ample facilities. No one like crawling back into their car after a day at the beach when they are sandy and wet. Showers and bathroom facilities allow you to rinse of the salt water before you continue on your day.
Easy parking. Ample parking spots makes visiting the beach just that little bit more pleasant and stress-free. Plus, it makes carrying your picnic, surfboards, beach umbrellas, and other accessories a whole lot easier.
Proximity to food and drink. A hot day calls for a cold drink or ice-cream. A long swim demands fresh fish and chips. And an early morning beach walk is never complete without a cup of coffee. Proximity to food and drink is always desirable when deciding which beach to visit.

Are there any other features you look for when deciding which beach to visit? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

The top beaches near Batemans Bay according to you

To be listed in our Best of Region series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on both Google and Facebook and maintain a minimum average of 4/5 stars.

Without further ado, it’s time to reveal which beaches near Batemans Bay are the best.

Surf Beach Batemans Bay

Situated a quick 10-minute drive from Batemans Bay’s bustling central business district, Surf Beach Batemans Bay attracts visitors and locals alike throughout the year. With ample grassy areas – perfect for picnics – on the foreshore, this stretching beach is the perfect summertime destination. The beach has a toilet block and showers, and is patrolled during peak times. There are some great places to grab an ice cream or some hot food nearby.

Broulee Beach

Located 20 kilometres south of Batemans Bay, Broulee Beach is a long, stretching beach partially protected by the stunning Broulee Island (which you can explore) just off the coast. Broulee Beach is popular among tourists and surfers and, with gently dipping sand, is a particularly perfect spot for families with kids. Snorkelers and divers will also enjoy Broulee Beach, which offers some of the liveliest sea life in the area.

South Broulee Beach

South Broulee Beach is not only a long-time favourite among Canberra families but also a must-visit spot for any surfers in the region. In fact, many claim that South Broulee Beach is home to the best surf on the South Coast. With glassy, smooth-rolling waves, this popular beach is decked out with a lookout platform, bathrooms, hot showers, and is also wheelchair accessible. Plus, there are a ton of food and drink options available from the recently renovated surf club.

Looking back towards Corrigans Beach from the air. Photo: Jordon Martin.

Corrigans Beach

Don’t think surf breaks – this beach is a calm bay that is great for water sports, strolls along the shoreline or wetting a line. The best thing about Corrigans Beach is its proximity to a fantastic, all-abilities fenced playground which includes a liberty swing. Grab fish and chips from the nearby shops or fire up the barbecues in the beachside reserve. There are change facilities, a toilet block and plenty of shade in the adjacent reserve. It’s a great family choice.

Guerilla Bay

If you’re looking for a beach with a bit more rustic charm, the secluded, sheltered Guerilla Bay is the beach for you. Situated among spotted gums and towering rock formations that date back 510 million years, this picturesque bay offers clear, sparkling water almost all year round. Don’t forget to take your kayak or snorkel for this little gem.

Pretty Beach

Surrounded by the luscious greenery of Murramarang National Park, Pretty Beach certainly lives up to its name. Kangaroos and wildlife are a common sight, and the idyllic waters are perfect for swimming. Pretty Beach is also renowned for its jaw-dropping sunsets, so stick around for an hour or so longer.

McKenzies Beach at Malua Bay. Time it right and you might get this beautiful stretch of sand to yourself. Photo: Kim Treasure.

McKenzies Beach

Once a hidden gem, McKenzies Beach is a small, beautiful, undeveloped beach, popular with locals and visitors alike. It is a great spot for surfing or body boarding but watch for rips. Located just south of the main surf beach at Malua Bay, it has no amenities but a stunning outlook. In the off-season you might even have it to yourself. Watch for the turn off from George Bass Drive as it is not signposted. Access to the beach is via a carpark next to the beach. When it’s busy, don’t be tempted to park along the highway or your day out could come with a fine attached.

Barlings Beach

Barlings is like a little taste of Thailand in our own backyard. Clear blue water, islands on the horizon and great snorkeling. The curving kilometre-long sand beach faces due south between Barlings Island and Melville Point. The eastern corner provides a sheltered spot perfect for stand-up paddling and water sports, with tiny waves and no rips. Toward the centre and the south the wave height increases to average 1.5 m against Melville Point. Keep an eye out for rips here, although it’s a popular spot for surfers.

Shelley Beach

Shelly Beach at Moruya Heads is a popular family recreational spot at the mouth of the Moruya River. At the eastern end of the beach you will find a picturesque picnic area just perfect for taking a break. Sit back and enjoy the views or take a refreshing swim or walk along the beach.

Bar Beach South

Bar Beach South, located in Narooma, is one of the safest beaches for little children in the area. Naturally protected beside the mouth of the Wagonga Inlet, a human-made break wall creates a swimming-pool-like effect with minimal swell. This beach offers a picnic area, bathrooms, large carpark, play equipment, a boat ramp, and BBQs.