Destination NSW

By Destination NSW

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From Batemans Bay in the north and Mystery Bay to the south, Eurobodalla has over 100km of pristine coastline and 83 beaches. With talcum-soft sand, blue water, pumping surf breaks and rocky coves, there's a spot for everyone.

Catch a wave

Grab your surfboard – there are epic waves to be found in Eurobodalla. Malua Bay and McKenzies Beach are next to each other, around 20 minutes south of Batemans Bay, and offer big waves for experienced surfers. Just north of Batemans, Oaky Beach and Durras Beach are open to the ocean and have reliable swells. In the Eurobodalla National Park, Dalmeny Beach (formerly called Brou Beach) and 1080 Beach are both popular with local surfers in the know.

Learn to surf

If you're a first-time surfer or want to learn some new skills, book in for a surf lesson with The Famous Broulee Surf School, Surf the Bay or Dalmeny Surf Academy. Broulee Beach is one of the best for a lesson, with its safe, reliable waves, or they also run in Narooma and Batemans Bay. There are group lessons, private lessons and dedicated kids' classes available.

Three kids in the water learning to surf with an instructor watching after them in Broulee

Surf the Bay Surf School, Broulee

Family-friendly swim spots

The top beaches for families will have calm water, sandcastle-worthy sand and handy facilities. In Batemans Bay, Surf Beach and Corrigans Beach both fit the bill and have playgrounds on the grass nearby if the kids need extra entertainment. Narooma Surf Beach has stunning views out to the Glasshouse Rocks and Montague Island and is patrolled in summer for added safety. Shelly Beach is close to the mouth of the Moruya River and faces north, meaning its crystal-clear waters are always protected and waves are minimal.

Family walking along the beach ready to fish at Glasshouse Rocks, Narooma

Glasshouse Rocks, Narooma

Lilli Pilli Beach is a secluded cove with brilliant turquoise water and pods of dolphins often make an appearance. Rosedale Beach is another quiet spot with small waves, a creek and rock pools to explore. Paddle or snorkel in Candlagan Creek at the northern end of Broulee Beach and explore the caves and rock pools at Billy's Beach, which is also an important Aboriginal site. Richmond Beach is surrounded by forest and a great spot for birdwatching as well as swimming.

Mother and young girls walking towards the water on Lilli Pilli Beach at sunset - Credit: Eurobodalla Shire Council

Lilli Pilli Beach, Lilli Pilli - Credit: Eurobodalla Shire Council

Many beaches are patrolled by lifesavers, but check the Beachsafe website for daily updates and information.

Secret beaches

Escape the crowds at one of Eurobodalla's hidden gems. Mystery Bay is at the southernmost tip of the region and promises blissful isolation. You can even camp overnight to have the beach all to yourself at sunrise. At Cookies Beach in South Durras, the only other beachgoers will be kangaroos basking in the sun. Nearby, the quiet Emily Miller Beach and Dark Beach, known for its black sand, can be accessed via a short walk through the national park.

Just south of Narooma, Handkerchief Beach is a wild and unspoilt stretch of sand. If the waves look too rough, take a dip in the calm waters of Nangudga Lake at the southern end. Circuit Beach is surrounded by lush vegetation and it feels like you've escaped to a deserted island. If you need to take a break while walking the Munjip Trail, sneak down to Grandfather's Gully, a narrow beach backed by golden sandstone cliffs.

Young couple walking along Grandfather's Gully beach at sunrise in Lilli Pilli - Credit: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism

Grandfather's Gully, Lilli Pilli - Credit: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism

Natural rockpools

While there are no manmade ocean pools along this stretch of the South Coast, nature has done the hard work for you. Pretty rockpools are dotted along the edges of many beaches, making for a fairytale-like spot to swim at high tide or to search for sea creatures at low tide. Go rock hopping at South Durras, North Head Beach inside the Murramarang National ParkTomakin Cove, Pooles Beach and the Mermaid Pool at Mossy Point.

Beautiful turquoise water in natural rockpools near Batemans Bay - Credit: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism

Natural rockpools, Batemans Bay - Credit: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism

On-water activities

Above and below the waterline there is so much to explore in Batemans Marine Park and Sanctuary. The park has 85,000 hectares of estuaries, creeks, rivers and lakes and is home to dolphins, seals, penguins and migrating whales. You can explore it by kayak on a tour with Region X or go snorkelling with Underwater Safaris. If you're confident enough to snorkel on your own, grab your gear and head to Potato Point, Broulee Island, or follow the Batemans Bay Snorkelling Trail between Maloneys Beach, Sunshine Cove Beach and Guerilla Bay.

Mother and daughter enjoying a morning swim at Guerilla Bay in the Eurobodalla, South Coast

Swimming, Guerilla Bay

If you like to bring your pooch on holiday, there are many dog-friendly beaches in Eurobodalla. Broulee Beach, North Rosedale Beach, the northern end of Narooma Surf Beach, the northern end of Moruya Heads Beach, the southern end of Durras Main Beach and Surfside Beach are all off leash beaches year-round, 24 hours a day. Lots of other beaches become dog-friendly during the winter months. Check the council website for details.

A brown dog running on the beach in Batemans Bay - Credit: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism

Dog-friendly beaches, Batemans Bay - Credit: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism

FAQs

Which beaches in Batemans Bay and Eurobodalla are best for families?
Which Batemans Bay and Eurobodalla beaches are best for surfing?

Which Batemans Bay and Eurobodalla beaches are best for surfing?

The best surf beach for beginners is Broulee, which has safe, reliable waves. Experienced surfers can catch a wave at Malua BayMcKenzies Beach1080 Beach, Durras Beach, Dalmeny Beach and Oaky Beach.

Can I learn to surf in Batemans Bay and Eurobodalla?

Can I learn to surf in Batemans Bay and Eurobodalla?

Absolutely! There are a number of surf schools including The Famous Broulee Surf School, Surf the Bay and Dalmeny Surf Academy. They run lessons on Broulee, Narooma and Batemans Bay beaches.

Are there dog-friendly beaches near Batemans Bay?

Are there dog-friendly beaches near Batemans Bay?

Yes! Many of the beaches around Batemans Bay are dog-friendly 24 hours a day including Broulee Beach, North Rosedale Beach, the northern end of Narooma Surf Beach, the northern end of Moruya Heads Beach, the southern end of Durras Main Beach and Surfside Beach. Lots of other beaches are also dog-friendly during the winter months. Check the council website for details.

Is there any beachfront accommodation in Batemans Bay and Eurobodalla?
What are the best beach and coastal hikes near Batemans Bay?