The ultimate guide to Batemans Bay accommodation

hero media
No matter what travelling style you have, there’s an accommodation for you in Batemans Bay.

In Batemans Bay, you’ll find accommodation to suit any traveller. Here’s a breakdown of the best places to stay in Batemans Bay, a delightful town on the NSW South Coast. We’ve broken it down into categories that include cosy suites designed for romance, group houses for families, luxury options for holidaymakers, pet-friendly options and digs for group getaways.

Luxury accommodation in Batemans Bay

Jackson Ranch

Bannisters have a new property and it’s hidden amid 14 hectares of natural forest near Bawley Point, just a half-hour drive from Batemans Bay.

a luxe glamping accommodation at Jackson Ranch, Batemans Bay
Opt for luxe forest glamping at Jackson Ranch.

Jackson Ranch  sleeps up to 30 guests in five newly renovated and beautifully styled cabins that stretch from bush to beach.

a man floating on the pool at Jackson Ranch, Batemans Bay
Float on the pool at Jackson Ranch.

Stay in a hideaway cabin with an outdoor bathtub, a lakeview cabin with views of Lake Willinga or the four-bedroom homestead where your four-legged friend can curl up around the fireplace.

the living room of a homestead at Jackson Ranch, Batemans Bay
Stay in a rustic but cosy homestead at Jackson Ranch.

Best for: Jackson Ranch is aimed at those who like to enjoy an unparalleled level of luxury
Address: 101 Willinga Road, Bawley Point

The Oaks Ranch

The Oaks Ranch  is all about enjoying the landscape while ensconced in boutique comfort. The boutique resort lures keen golfers and those who want to simply enjoy the amenity of overlooking the course itself.

a bedroom with a sliding door and balcony at The Oaks Ranch, Batemans Bay
Wake up to scenic views of the bushland at The Oaks Ranch. (Image: @abbie_melle)

The estate, only minutes from Mossy Point, is on a 120-hectare master-planned resort surrounded by beautiful bushland and bucolic pastures that is arrayed around a Greg Norman-designed golf course.

an outdoor pool with sun loungers at The Oaks Ranch, Batemans Bay
Sunbathe in the outdoor pool at The Oaks Ranch. (Image: @abbie_melle)

The villas blend in with the colour palette of the countryside. After a round of golf, head to Arlo , one of the best places to eat near Batemans Bay.

the property exterior of The Oaks Ranch, Batemans Bay
The Oaks Ranch is a private haven in Mossy Point. (Image: @abbie_melle)

Best for: Keen golfers and those who want to flop and drop
Address: 340 Old Mossy Point Rd

Hotels and motels in Batemans Bay

The Isla

The Isla  is all about laid-back luxury, giving guests immediate access to world-famous surf breaks, quirky cafes and unspoilt beaches.

the property exterior of The Isla, Batemans Bay accommodation
The Isla could be your next island retreat. (Image: Destination NSW)

Although you will want to spend your days exploring the surrounding attractions, you can also kick back and chill here in comfort, listening to the sound of crashing waves from the comfort of your king-sized bed in your design-led room.

a classy and contemporary exterior of The Isla, Batemans Bay accommodation
Chill out with your loved ones at The Isla. (Image: Destination NSW)

Go for the Grande Suite, which has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a plunge pool. It also made it onto our list of Australia’s best retro motels.

an outdoor pool at The Isla, Batemans Bay accommodation
Lounge and sip cocktails by the pool. (Image: Destination NSW)

Best for: Road-trippers who appreciate an eco-conscious retrofit
Address: 222 Beach Rd, Batehaven

Abode Malua Bay

Abode Malua Bay  has a range of room types to accommodate large family groups. This hotel, which has 52 simple suites, is a jumping-off point for activities such as sea kayaking and surfing and long beach walks at sunrise past stands of wind-bent trees.

an aerial view of Abode Malua Bay near the beach
The beach is just a few steps away from Abode Malua Bay. (Image: PewPew Studios)

Guests in the apartment-style hotel, which has inter-connecting rooms and pet-friendly rooms, should borrow a bike and ride along the pristine beachfront.

a beachfront accommodation at Abode Malua Bay
Settle in your humble beachfront home at Abode Malua Bay. (Image: PewPew Studios)

Best for: Families or groups who like to be beside the seaside
Address: 4 Kuppa Avenue, Malua Bay

Bay Breeze

The newly renovated Bay Breeze Motel  is another boutique option located on the waterfront in Batemans Bay. The motel has had a refresh and its light-filled rooms and views of Batemans Bay and the pristine coastal seascape have huge appeal.

a comfy bed at Bay Breeze, Batemans Bay
Drift off to your comfy bed at Bay Breeze.

But the retro motel with its breezeblocks, archways, terracotta tones and prickly pear plantings also screams romance, smacking of pared-back Palm Springs glam.

a rustic and contemporary living room interior at Bay Breeze, Batemans Bay accommodation
The accommodation comes with rustic and contemporary furniture.

Best for: Those who like the convenience of being able to wine and dine in Batemans Bay
Address:
21 Beach Road, Batemans Bay

Airbnb and holiday homes in Batemans Bay

The Coco Cabana

While this tiny house in beautiful Broulee may be a diminutive dwelling, what it lacks in size it makes up for in attention to detail.

Every square inch of Coco Cabana  has been outfitted in style, from the oversized deck to the creature comforts such as the beautiful bed linen, private outdoor shower and big-picture windows overlooking tropical plantings.

coco cabana Batemans Bay
Shack up by the beach at Coco Cabana.

Best for: Surfers who want to take advantage of the tiny home’s proximity to the beach
Address:
A stone’s throw away from the beach in North Broulee

Jaguar Stay

Canberrans cottoned onto the joys of a break in Batemans Bay decades ago. And ACT residents lucky enough to have jagged a weekend at Jaguar Stay  probably want to keep these five-star architecturally designed and accessible villas to themselves. Oh well.

Located on a 50-hectare working cattle farm, the property has ambulant access and a swimming pool and is next to Mogo Zoo. The six one-bedroom villas all have plunge pools and polished interiors, and an outlook of green grass and gums.

Enjoy a luxurious stay in a private villa on a working cattle farm.

Best for: Romantics who want a luxe retreat near to nature
Address:
312 Tomakin Rd, just minutes from the village of Mogo

Caravan parks, camping and glamping in Batemans Bay

NRMA Batemans Bay Holiday Resort

You can forget about roughing it during your stay at the NRMA Batemans Bay Holiday Resort , where the luxury comes from the provision of facilities that will keep kids entertained for hours.

The NRMA Batemans Bay Holiday Resort has flipped the concept of campground and rebranded it as a resort with all the bells and whistles. In addition to the two-storey cabins, and pet-friendly deluxe digs, there are studio rooms, powered and unpowered tent and slab sites. It’s one of the best places to camp on the NSW South Coast.

the exterior of cabins with balconies at NRMA Batemans Bay Holiday Resort
Sleep in a cabin with a balcony at NRMA Batemans Bay Holiday Resort. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)

Best for: Families and those who want a camping holiday near nature on NSW South Coast
Address: 51 Beach Road, Batemans Bay, overlooking Corrigan’s Beach

NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort

This South Durras resort recently underwent significant upgrades with the entire park receiving a million-dollar makeover.

friends relaxing on the balcony of a cabin overlooking the beach at Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort in South Durras
Sip coffee by your front porch at NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort. (Image: Destination NSW)

You can choose to stay in a refreshed guest cabin or villa, pull up in your caravan or sleep under canvas at the new-look NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort , which has added a new bistro, bar and takeaway to make life even easier at basecamp. The facilities also include a kids’ club, e-mountain bikes, a lagoon-style pool and BBQ areas.

friends preparing for a surf surrounded by kangaroos at Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort in South Durras
You’ll be surrounded by kangaroos at NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort. (Image: Destination NSW)

Best for: Families who like to camp in comfort on the NSW South Coast
Address: Mill Beach, Banyanda St, South Durras

Houseboats in Batemans Bay

Clyde River Houseboats

Become a boatie during your short break in Batemans Bay and chug along the twists and turns of the Clyde River. Enjoy watching the scenery change onboard Clyde River Houseboats  where you will see shifting vignettes, from kangaroos feeding on the shoreline to oyster farmers checking their leases, to kids in dinghies riding the chop of the passing boats. Drop anchor off your Rivergum houseboat (8-10 berth) and cook the day’s catch. A houseboat holiday is one of the best ways to see the NSW South Coast.

Best for: Keen fisher folk, romantics, and those who like to fall asleep on an undulating waterway
Address:
29 Wray Street, North Batemans Bay

Carla Grossetti
Carla Grossetti avoided accruing a HECS debt by accepting a cadetship with News Corp. at the age of 18. After completing her cadetship at The Cairns Post Carla moved south to accept a position at The Canberra Times before heading off on a jaunt around Canada, the US, Mexico and Central America. During her career as a journalist, Carla has successfully combined her two loves – of writing and travel – and has more than two decades experience switch-footing between digital and print media. Carla’s CV also includes stints at delicious., The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Australian, where she specialises in food and travel. Carla also based herself in the UK where she worked at Conde Nast Traveller, and The Sunday Times’ Travel section before accepting a fulltime role as part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK. Carla and has been freelancing for Australian Traveller for more than a decade, where she works as both a writer and a sub editor.
See all articles
hero media

7 great day trips from your Coffs Coast homebase

Make this dazzling stretch of beaches and natural wonders your home base for a grand adventure

Whether you’re setting out solo, bringing a mate, or packing in the whole family, no road trip along Australia’s East Coast is complete without at least a few days spent exploring the Coffs Coast. A stunning stretch of NSW coastline nestled between ancient high-elevation rainforests and magnificent, undiscovered beaches, Coffs offers amazing biodiversity, stunning natural beauty, and heaps of local charm, without the crowds. Pull up in Coffs Harbour , your perfect home base for these unforgettable day-trips.

1. Southern Beaches

The Coffs region boasts 30 of Australia’s most beautiful, unspoiled beaches, directly abutting a dramatic tableau of mountains and rainforests. Drive South of Coffs Harbour to find up-and-coming surf destinations where it’s still possible to catch an empty wave. First up is the picturesque Sawtell village . Wander the famous fig-tree-lined main street packed with laid-back places to eat and drink. Enjoy panoramic views and seasonal whale sightings at Bonville Headland on the Southern end of the beach.

Nearby Bongil Bongil National Park boasts seven kilometres of empty beach, along with hiking and cycling trails through beachfront rainforests – keep an eye out for koalas living in the trees. Boambee Beach and Boambee Creek Reserve are great for families, with shallow waters perfect for kayaking and SUPing, plus an off-leash dog beach.

family eating lunch in sawtell
Experience small-town charm in Sawtell.

2. Orara Valley Tourist Trail

The Orara Valley Tourist Trail has it all: hinterland bushwalks, birdwatching, horse riding, pristine swimming holes and rolling green pastures dotted with dairy farms and historic villages. And it’s only 15 minutes west of Coffs Harbour.

Sample produce at a roadside stall, stop into Coramba Hotel for a quintessential country pub lunch, or try the Idle in Cafe in Nana Glen for coffee and scones. Then spend the afternoon kayaking the Orara River or mountain biking on Mt Coramba. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the 4WD touring route along the Orara Escarpment in Bindarri National Park , a rugged landscape with dazzling views that winds through untouched eucalypt rainforests and waterfalls.

A family sitting by the Orara Valley Tourist Trail.
Explore the green heart of Coffs.

3. Dorrigo National Park

Enjoy a classic day trip from Coffs to forest bathe in some of the oldest subtropical rainforests in the world at Dorrigo National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. These million-year-old ecosystems promise rare bird sightings, towering strangler figs, and epic walking tracks and picnic spots. Try the 6.6 km Wonga Walk to experience dreamy Crystal Shower Falls (where you can walk behind the falls) and the Skywalk Lookout, which offers spectacular views of the valley and coast. Then stop in Dorrigo town for a homey lunch. It’s worth noting that a section of the road between Ulong and Dorrigo – which dates to the 1880s – is unsealed, adding to the area’s end-of-the-earth allure but making travel difficult in adverse weather conditions. Alternatively, head to Dorrigo via the delightful township of Bellingen .

Three people standing at the SkyWalk lookout.
Wander the Skywalk.

4. Northern Beaches

For another tranquil expanse of sun, sand and surf breaks, head north to Woolgoolga (Tourism Australia’s Best Mainland Beach for 2025. Taste the coffee and local-produce breakfast at one of several cafes, then spot whales during their migration season along the Woolgoolga Whale Trail to the headland. Emerald Beach offers clear blue waters and another headland walk, perfect for taking in views of South Solitary Island, a dramatically rocky-cliffed island with a historic lighthouse. Red Rock, some 40km north of Coffs and named for its striking coastal rock formations, boasts a gorgeous estuary reserve that’s perfect for languorous days spent picnicking, swimming, fishing, and connecting with the relaxed local pace.

Freshly caught seafood by the beach, with sparkling ocean views.
Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking Woolgoolga Beach.

5. Jetty precinct

You could easily spend a whole day exploring the Jetty precinct – from its foreshores to the marina to Muttonbird Island. Start with fresh fish and chips from local institution Coffs Harbour Fisherman’s Co-op , before browsing the popular Harbourside Markets held every Sunday on the foreshores.

Take a scenic walk along the breakwall to Muttonbird Island , a cultural and ecological treasure with panoramic views and rich Gumbaynggirr heritage. The Giidany Miirlarl Education Space shares the island’s ancient stories, or join a guided moonlight tour to see the seasonal return of the muttonbirds.

Back at the Jetty Strip, find a buzzing mix of cafes, bars and restaurants with cuisines from around the world, open from morning until late. Don’t miss The Jetty Pavilion , a favourite for its unique menu blending modern Australian cuisine with vibrant world flavours.

walk to muttonbird island from coffs harbour
Walk the path where land meets sea and sky.

6. Grafton

Head inland from mid-October to early November to catch Grafton’s jacaranda season, when the town’s streets and parks are covered in purple. Even better, time your trip between 24 October and 2 November to attend the famous Jacaranda Festival, with special food items, performances and more. At any time of year, follow the self-guided Grafton Heritage Trail to discover the town’s historic buildings, landmarks and stories. Or get the blood pumping with a trip along the longest mapped white-water trail in Australia – the Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail. Book a tour with Exodus Adventures .

woman walking through jacaranda trees in grafton
Time your Grafton trip to see the jacarandas in full bloom. (Image: @myclarencevalley)

7. Nambucca

Just south of Coffs Harbour sits Nambucca, the ideal town for a relaxed, coastal day trip. Hire a canoe, kayak or boat to explore over 80 kilometres of waterways stretching from the hinterland to the ocean. For those who prefer to stay on dry land (or double up their adventure for the day), stretch your legs along the V-Wall – a scenic coastal walk along the Nambucca River – dotted with boulders painted by the community, sharing messages, art and local stories. Stop along the way to buy Sydney rock oysters direct from local farmers, or try your own hand at fishing. Before heading back to Coffs, refuel on fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas at Matilda’s in Nambucca .

a boat zooming through Nambucca Heads
Explore Nambucca’s waterways. (Image: Seen Australia)

Visit coffscoast.com and download the Coffs Coast Explorer App for more daytrips and trails.