White sand, turquoise water and dramatic headlands create unforgettable beach holidays on the South Coast. Catch a wave in a National Surfing Reserve, swim at family-friendly spots, camp by the coast and cast a line at these top beaches.
- 4 min read
Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay
Great for: white sand and scenic walks
When you picture Jervis Bay on the South Coast, powdery white sand and turquoise water come to mind – and Hyams Beach truly delivers. Great for swimming and snorkelling, you can also enjoy the 2.5km White Sands Walk, a flat, well-marked trail linking several of the area’s most beautiful beaches. Treat yourself to a refreshing drink or fish and chips at the Cooked Goose on Hyams.
More white sand beaches on the South Coast: Little Hyams Beach, Blenheim Beach, Greenfield Beach and Chinamans Beach
Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay
Killalea Beach, Shellharbour
Great for: popular surf break ‘The Farm’ and nearby ‘Mystics’
A national surfing reserve near Shellharbour, boardriders travel to Killalea Beach to tackle its famous break nicknamed ‘The Farm’. Learn how to surf with Pines Surfing Academy at this legendary spot. North is Minnamurra Beach and its beloved 'Mystics' break. Walk or paddle between the two breaks. Both are located in Killalea Regional Park, a 250-hectare sanctuary for camping, fishing, bushwalking and birdwatching.
More popular surf breaks on the South Coast: Werri Beach, Guillotines Surf Break, Dolphin Point Beach and Narrawallee Beach
Killalea Regional Park, Shellharbour area - Credit: Dee Kramer Photography
Mollymook Beach, Mollymook
Great for: surfing and snorkelling with easy access to nearby cafes and attractions
A 2km stretch of sand that sweeps from Bannister Point in the north to Mollymook Golf Club in the south, dolphins can often be seen frolicking in the waves at Mollymook Beach. Surfing is popular here with the local surf club established as early as 1933. Snorkelling around the rocky headlands and central reef are also popular to see seaweed varieties and the resident eastern blue groper. Both ends of the beach are patrolled seasonally. Fuel up at one of Mollymook’s cafes that overlook the beach, feast on fresh seafood at Rick Stein at Bannisters and relax at Spa by the Sea.
More stunning snorkel spots on the South Coast: Warrain Beach, Bar Beach, Jervis Bay Marine Park, Guerilla Bay, Montague Island and Broulee Island
Mollymook Beach, Shoalhaven - Credit: Andy Hutchinson | Shoalhaven Tourism
Pebbly Beach, Bawley Point
Great for: walks and wildlife spotting, including kangaroos
Named for the small stones and pebbles found along parts of its sandy shoreline, Pebbly Beach is also known as the home of surfing kangaroos thanks to a photograph of a 'roo enjoying the water. A great spot for surfing (although wildlife mostly stays on the nearby grasslands), this unique beach is one of the few beaches in Murramarang National Park accessible by car. Stay at the campground or opt for the rustic but charming Pebbly Beach shacks. Wake up to lyrebirds and rainbow lorikeets calling in the tall gums before you head to the beach for a swim.
More beaches with friendly kangaroos on the South Coast: Depot Beach, Green Patch Beach and Pambula Beach
Pebbly Beach, Murramarang National Park
Pretty Beach, Bawley Point
Great for: camping and coastal walks
Along the coastline from Pebbly Beach, you’ll find the aptly named Pretty Beach. An 8km coastal forest walk connects the two, or you can hop back on the Princes Highway and drive to this scenic beach in Murramarang National Park. Swim, kayak and fish all day before camping or staying at the nearby cabins. For those looking for an adventure, Pretty Beach is the starting point of the three-day, 34km Murramarang South Coast Walk, which weaves together many secluded beaches.
More beaches along the Murramarang South Coast Walk: Singing Stones Beach, Pebbly Beach, Depot Beach, Cookies Beach, Mill Beach, Myrtle Beach, Richmond Beach, Oaky Beach, Honeysuckle Beach, Yellow Rock Beach, Quirriga Beach and Maloneys Beach
Murramarang South Coast Walk, Pretty Beach - Credit: Remy Brand | DPE
Callala Beach, Callala Bay
Great for: calm water and family fun
The longest beach in the bay, Callala Beach is often quiet and uncrowded (except by dolphins who frequent the area). Beloved by locals for its gentle waves and inviting water, it’s a great spot to swim. Kayaking and snorkelling spots abound at nearby Callala Bay.
More family-friendly beaches: Green Patch Beach, Scottish Rocks Beach, Moona Moona Beach, Ulladulla Harbour Outer Beach and Palm Beach
Callala Beach, Callala Bay - Credit: Andy Hutchinson | Shoalhaven Tourism
Durras Beach, Batemans Bay
Great for: fishing for flathead, bream and salmon
Divided into two parts due to the mouth of Durras Lake, Durras Beach near Batemans Bay is often dotted with people fishing. A prime spot for flathead, bream and salmon, locals recommend using metal lures or bait like pilchards and beach worms here. The beach is open to both southerly and north-easterly swells, which provides consistent surf but should only be attempted by experienced boardriders.
More beaches for fishing: Long Beach, Bherwerre Beach and Seven Mile Beach
NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort, South Durras
Wairo Beach, Ulladulla
Great for: long walks and proximity to holiday parks
A 5km stretch of sand that separates the sea from Lake Tabourie, surf Wairo Beach before kayaking the nearby calm lake. Enjoy sunrise and sunset walks along the beach when you stay at one of the three holiday parks that back on to this scenic spot.
More beaches near holiday parks on the South Coast: Easts Beach, Mill Beach, Tathra Beach, Broulee Beach and Huskisson Beach
Wairo Beach, Ulladulla - Credit: Andy Hutchinson
Narooma Surf Beach, Narooma
Great for: rock formations and photo opportunities
Photographers gather at Narooma Surf Beach to capture its ancient geological formations that lie at either end. At the southern tip you’ll find the imposing Glasshouse Rocks, dated between 510 and 440 million years old. At the northern end of the beach near Narooma, there is a display of igneous pillow lava showing the flow of a submarine volcano from long ago.
More photogenic beaches with fascinating geology: Camel Rock, Cathedral Rocks, Cave Beach and Haywards Beach
Glasshouse Rocks, Narooma
