Your Ultimate Batemans Bay Beach Guide

Get beached: Put the NSW South Coast town of Batemans Bay on your radar for your next beachside holiday.

There really is something for every kind of beachgoer in Batemans Bay, on the NSW South Coast. Batemans Bay beaches amount to 83 confetti’d along the coastline.

The area is home to a designated marine park and sanctuary, which has 85,000-odd hectares of estuaries, creeks, rivers and lakes and is home to dolphins, seals, penguins and migrating whales. There are sheltered nooks for families at Corrigan’s Beach, recreational fishing spots at Long Beach, dog-friendly Tomakin Beach, stunning Surf Beach and slate-coloured Mossy Point where you can spot stingrays. Here are 10 of the best beaches in and around Batemans Bay.

1. Broulee Beach

You will see surfers slogging through the churning waves at this beautiful beach break which is surrounded by a tangle of rich greenery.

Surf until dusk at Broulee Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

The long curve of beach is protected by Broulee Island, some 20 kilometres from Batemans Bay, and is known to surfers who you will find huddled around the lookout gazing out to sea.

You can’t go to Broulee Beach without visiting Mossy Point Cafe. It’s one of the best places to enjoy coffee and breakfast in Batemans Bay. Want to learn to surf? Hit up one of the salty-haired instructors at Broulee Surf School. It’s one of the best things to do in Batemans Bay.

kids holding surfboards at Surf the Bay Surf School, Broulee Beach

Best for: This is a favourite beach for surfers, fishos and families. In fact, it has some of the best surf on the NSW South Coast.

2. Corrigans Beach

This calm cove is on the bucket-and-spade lists of families road-tripping to the NSW South Coast. Located just four kilometres south of Batemans Bay, it is known for its calm pearly waters and glassy conditions and proximity to local cafes. Corrigans Beach is in Batehaven and has two concrete boat ramps protected by a break wall, which makes it a lure for fishermen and women.

Laze on the long stretch of cream sand at Corrigans Beach.

Best for: Fisher folk and families who flit back and forth between the beach and the playground at Corrigans Beach Reserve. There is an off-leash area at this beach so worth a detour for those with dogs.

3. Denhams Beach

Denhams Beach is the most northerly beach in a string of three Batemans Bay beaches that bracelet the NSW South Coast. Although it’s ostensibly in suburbia, it’s very much an in-the-know destination for Canberrans who have been keeping it on the down-low for decades. It is the first surf beach that is set to the south of Batemans Bay and it’s a popular beach for beginners. Go with the current of locals flowing down from their holiday houses and keep an eye out for dolphins.

the sea view of Denhams Beach, Batemans Bay

Learn to surf up the northern end of Batemans Bay at Denhams Beach.

Best for: Families and those who want to learn to surf at one of Batemans Bay beaches.

4. Long Beach

Long Beach is a suburb of Batemans Bay in the Eurobodalla Shire. Bring some coffee in a thermos, pack your fishing rod and a camp chair and walk to one of the rock ledges in the bays that link up to Long Beach. Long Beach stretches from Square Head to Chain Bay with a small headland that divides Long Beach from Maloneys Beach. There are tables here that are prime real estate for picnics. Pick up some oysters and fresh seafood and enjoy.

Best for: Long beach walks and recreational fishing; this Batemans Bay beach lies on the north bank of the Clyde. Pick up some oysters to enjoy a picnic.

5. Mossy Point Beach

There are a lot of must-dos in Mossy Point. It’s one of the boho-chic outlying villages in Batemans Bay and it’s as low-key as it is lovely. Fuel up on coffee from The Mossy Cafe and head into the cold bright day with Region X on a half-day sea kayak tour. You can also choose your own adventure and carve off up Candlagan Creek, which is popular with families with little ones as it’s a protected place to swim.

Best for: Spotting sting rays that congregate around the Mossy Point Boat Ramp. Spot whales during the season, and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, turtles and sea eagles.

6. Malua Bay Beach

They come in a steady line. Birdwatchers with binoculars. A fisherman who looks like he’s pulled an all-nighter. A family trying to tucker out their kids ahead of their daytime nap.

a family spending time at Malua Bay Beach

Opt for a family beach getaway at Malua Bay Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

This is a patrolled beach during summer and is popular year-round as some great accommodation options are nearby. Malua Bay is also one of the most consistent beaches for surfing – a fact validated by the clots of surfers who you will see here at dusk and dawn, their eyes like shutters, squinting at the horizon.

a couple holding hands at the Malua Bay Beach

Spend quality time with your boo at Malua Bay Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

Best for: Surfers and families who base themselves here during a Batemans Bay beach holiday.

7. Surf Beach

Head to this Batemans Bay beach before dawn and your footprints are likely to be the first imprinted in the sand. A couple walking their labradoodle might follow. Or a young couple with a baby who tumble down to the low tide to splash in the shallows. It won’t be too long after this that you will see instructors from one of the local surf schools pulling into the car park.

These are just a few of the scenarios that might play out at Surf Beach, which is a patrolled beach during summer. Dogs are permitted at the Surf Beach Reserve.

sunset views at Surf Beach, Batemans Bay

Splash in the shallows at Surf Beach.

Best for: Beginner surfers who will appreciate the gentle ocean break. Sign up for a lesson with one of the local surf schools.

8. Tomakin Beach

Dog lovers unite at Tomakin Beach, which has a 24-hour off-leash area for dogs. It’s also worth a detour for keen snorkellers as the water is clear and calm. Craggy rock formations bookend the beach and is a popular place to swim and fish.

an aerial view of Tomakin Beach, Batemans Bay

Tomakin Beach is one of the pet-friendly beaches in Batemans Bay. (Image: John Hicks; Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)

The dog-friendly section of the beach stretches from Tomaga River Beach and from Cove Beach headland to the boat ramp at Mossy Point. Wanna see some stingrays? Head here at dusk when the sky explodes with colour and the rays are most active.

Dog lovers unite at Tomakin Beach.

Best for: Those with a penchant for a pet-friendly holiday in Batemans Bay.

9. Wimbie Beach

Wander along Wimbie Beach when the sun is bouncing off the sea in the early morning light. It’s the best time of day to launch a kayak, walk the dogs (on a time-share basis), or fossick about in the rock pools with your kids. Bring your boogie boards to push the kids off on a few waves. And bring your binoculars to try and catch a glimpse of the resident dolphins or whales (during the season).

Stroll with your fur babies along Wimbie Beach.

Best for: Families with fur babies who don’t want to stray too far from shops and cafes.

10. Caseys Beach

Caseys Beach is like a curved bracket in front of the seaside village of Batehaven. It is protected by a seawall and flanked by rocky headlands where you will find seagulls pecking about in the rock pools. And sea eagles soaring overhead. Visit at dawn and dusk to avoid the glare of the bright sunshine so you can be in a position to spot dolphins, which make regular cameos off the coast here. It’s fabulous to see how serious the locals are about their lifestyle here. Polish up on your beach talk. “Day for it." “How good is this?" “Alright for some!"

Best for: Swimming and fish and chips by the sea – read our pick of the top places to eat in Batemans Bay for some pointers.

Let us introduce you to the NSW South Coast town that has a little something for everyone.

From the waves that draw surfers to the oyster farm tours for foodies and wildlife attractions for families, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to finding things to do in Batemans Bay. We’ve broken it down into categories for fun, couples, families and things to do a bit further afield, if you have the time. So what are you waiting for? Get ready to dive into the best things to do in Batemans Bay.

Fun things to do in Batemans Bay

Looking for fun things to do in Batemans Bay? You can lose track of time at one of the local beaches, walk through the wilderness, enjoy some retail therapy, explore the botanic gardens or kayak along the Clyde River, known as Bhundoo to the local Yuin people.

1. Enjoy a Clyde River Oyster Tasting Kayak Tour

Join fourth-generation oyster farmers and local tour operator Region X for a taste of Australia’s Oyster Coast.

two people paddling along Batemans Bay during sunset

Witness the sunset over Batemans Bay while paddling on a canoe. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)

Paddle under the Batemans Bay Bridge to visit working oyster farms, explore the Clyde River, and spot crabs, fish, eagle rays and waterbirds. If you’d prefer to go it alone, you can choose to hire a kayak or stand-up paddleboard for an hour or an entire day.

a woman kayaking along Batemans Bay, Clyde River Oyster Tasting Kayak Tour

Join the Clyde River Oyster Tasting Kayak Tour to taste the freshest oysters in Australia. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)

2. Enjoy gourmet fish and chips on a river cruise

A cruise up the Clyde River onboard the MV Merinda in Batemans Bay is an exercise in nostalgia. Take a twilight dinner cruise or three-hour lunch cruise all the way to Nelligen on the cruise, which is one of the highlights on the self-drive Gourmet Coast Trail. Expect expert commentary and ocean-to-plate seafood from the Innes Boatshed, one of the best places for fish and chips in Batemans Bay.

the dining interior at The Innes Boatshed, Batemans Bay

Dine with your friends at The Innes Boatshed. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)

3. Batemans Bay Sculpture Walk

Immerse yourself in the local arts scene by floating along the 1.5-kilometre-long Batemans Bay Sculpture Walk. The walk carves through Batemans Bay CBD and along the breezy foreshore to the marina and rockwall, with lots of public art dotted along the pathway.

a silver ring sculpture along Batemans Bay Sculpture Walk

Walk past incredible sculptures along the seaside path in Batemans Bay. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)

Want to step it up? Bounce along the Broulee Island Nature Reserve Walk which is known for its birdlife, including the fairy wren and white-bellied sea eagle.

the Sculptures of the Clyde along Batemans Bay Sculpture Walk

Be part of the annual Sculpture for Clyde event along Batemans Bay Sculpture Walk. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)

4. Swim with seals

The Eurobodalla is known as ‘the land of many waters’. Heads are known to swivel when snorkelling or diving with fur seals on a tour with Montague Island Tours, which takes visitors to witness the largest seal colony in NSW, located just a 20 minute boat ride from Narooma on the mainland. Advanced divers will find a lot of fish and enjoy fascinating encounters with seals.

Swim in the company of the largest colony of seals in NSW. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Wildlife encounters with penguins, whales and more

There are plenty of wildlife encounters to be had in Batemans Bay. Other than diving with seals, you can enter Montague Island Nature Reserve with Montague Island Tours to visit a Little penguin colony. In the evening, you can watch the adorable creatures waddle onto shore as they return home. When it’s whale migration season, you can head out with an experienced guide to watch the the mighty marine creatures. A pod of dolphins will likely make a cameo, too. If you’re interested in whale watching, we’ve rounded up the best places in Australia to spot whales.

Spot whales off Montague Island. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism; @eurobodalla)

6. Mooch around a farmers market

Access locally grown or harvested food at SAGE Farmers’ Market, a legendary local farmers’ market held every Tuesday afternoon in Moruya Riverside Park.

people shopping around Sage Farmers’ Market

Shop around SAGE Farmers’ Market in Moruya Riverside Park. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)

The Batemans Bay Sunday Market, held on the third Sunday of each month, is also worth a visit, selling everything from fresh briny oysters to bric-a-brac, second-hand clothing and wood-fired sourdough. Moruya Country Markets is held every Saturday morning at Riverside Park and features bespoke art and craft, music and food stalls.

people buying local fruits and veggies at Sage Farmers’ Market

Fill your baskets with local produce at Sage Farmers’ Market. (Image: J Griffiths Photography)

7. Meet creative types at the Mogo Collective

The Mogo Collective stands out for its dedication to supporting local artists. The colourful collective is packed with everything from Indigenous artworks to paintings and property, knitwear, delicate jewellery, antique suitcases, furniture and food. Visit local artist Grace Paleg at her studio gallery in Batemans Bay where you can also purchase one of her pretty pastel artworks.

Find new and old treasures at Mogo Collective. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)

8. Enjoy brunch at The Mossy Cafe

Service is sparkly-eyed and charming at The Mossy Cafe, which you will find at Mossy Point along the coast road south from Batemans Bay to Broulee.

Order a smoothie at Mossy Point.

The menu options can be overwhelming here so, to aid in your planning, we’ve done the research: order beans and cheese jaffles and Grinch smoothies for the kids and a Middle Eastern brunch bowl for the grown-ups. Check out some of Batemans Bay’s top restaurants while you’re here.

a plate of burger and fries at Mossy Point

Grab a bite of burger and fries at Mossy Point.

Things to do for couples in Batemans Bay

Want to impress your Bumble date while in Batemans Bay? Sidestep around the obvious and lean into less-hyped experiences designed to surprise and delight.

9. Follow a local food trail

The recommendations dotted along the Eurobodalla Food Trail have been mapped out with foodies in mind. Inspired highlights on the self-drive itinerary include farmers’ markets, ocean-to-plate experiences and visits to coffee roasters that will please connoisseurs.

a close-up photo of bee harvesting during the Eurobodalla Food Trail

Learn sustainable bee farming practices during the Eurobodalla Food Trail. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)

Pack a hamper so you can source local produce and curate your own feast. The Gourmet Coast Trail also makes food the focus of its bespoke Batemans Bay itinerary.

a guy cooking food during the Eurobodalla Food Trail

10. Ride an e-bike along the riverside

Discover the Eurobodalla by looping around an extensive range of paths, trails and signposted routes. There are almost 400 kilometres of pathways and trails that snake along the coast. Take a guided tour or hire an e-bike from Bateman’s Bay Cycles for an easier ride. Cruise Bateman’s Bay’s foreshore, cycle to a manicured park to find a place to picnic, or spot whales during the migration season.

Batemans Bay Cycles in Batemans Bay, NSW

Join a cycling tour with Batemans Bay Cycles.

11. Enjoy a dozen oysters at The Wray St Oyster Shed in Batemans Bay

The Clyde River is surrounded by national parks and is itself part of the area’s marine park. This translates to fabulous farm-fresh oysters; go shuck yourself at The Oyster Shed on Wray Street or order a freshly opened dozen to slurp down on the deck outside the rustic blue shed overlooking the oyster leases.

farmers returning to Wray Street Oyster Shed, Batemans Bay with fresh oysters

Farmers harvest fresh oysters at Batemans Bay. (Image: Destination NSW)

Seeing the stingrays being fed near the oyster shed is also an in-the-know attraction.
a farmer holding an opened fresh oyster at The Oyster Shed, Batemans Bay

Slurp down newly harvested shellfish at The Oyster Shed. (Image: Destination NSW)

Things to do for families in Batemans Bay

Batemans Bay for families is all about getting out and about amid the national parks and marine reserves, kayaking, walking, wildlife and camping. Here are a few more ideas for families.

12. Visit Mogo Wildlife Park

Gorillas, rhinos, gibbons, Bolivian squirrel monkeys, giraffe, zebra, meerkats, cotton-top tamarins, snow leopards, Sumatran tigers, red pandas, ring-tailed lemurs, otters, siamangs and white lions are just a few of the 250 animals housed at Mogo Wildlife Park, which is committed to the conservation of endangered species. Mogo Zoo is located just outside Batemans Bay.

Get a chance to see local wildlife up close at Mogo Wildlife Park. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)

13. Catch a wave around Batemans Bay

Sign up for a surf lesson at Broulee Surf School near Batemans Bay to learn the basics or perfect more intermediate moves.

kids holding surfboards at Broulee Surf School

Get your surfboards ready. (Image: Destination NSW)

Founded in the 1990s by local surfing legend Kel Wehner, who pioneered the local surf scene, the accredited instructors at the family-run surf school know all the best breaks, regardless of whether you are new to surfing or want to level up to intermediate.

kids learning how to surf at Broulee Surf School, Batemans Bay

Learn how to stand-up paddle and surf at Broulee Surf School. (Image: Destination NSW)

14. Sunset Pizza Paddle

Incentivise your children to get off their screens and do something oarsome with local tour operator Region X. As well as providing opportunities to drop in a few dad jokes, you will enjoy some quality time together on your float and feast tour through the Clyde River National Park. Float like a leaf in the river while you enjoy fresh pizza delivered to your kayak while watching the setting sun paint the sky.

Free things to do around Batemans Bay

Some of the best things to do in and Batemans Bay are free. Basically, the top things to do in Batemans Bay revolve around nature. From visiting the botanical garden to hiking the Mt Budawang Trail or spending a day at the beach, here’s how to have fun without spending a penny.

15. Visit the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens

Thinking about rewilding your garden? Becoming a guerrilla gardener? Or simply indulging in some wilderness therapy? The Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens are a great place to start.

Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden in Mogo, NSW

Discover the flora and fauna of the Eurobodalla region. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)

Being outdoors is something that everyone in the family will enjoy as there are lots of plants and flowers here to appreciate. Regardless of the time of year, there will be surging displays of wildflowers and plants that hold their colour year-round. Kids will love exploring the feature gardens.

16. Take a hike or bushwalk

Lace up your boots and get a wriggle on. Mt Budawang Trail is only four kilometres long. But it punches up 430 metres to the summit along a route that can be rocky and rather hectic. Switch your photo format to panoramic so you can best capture the 360-degree view. Pack plenty of water as the trail, which threads through a diverse range of environments – from grassy woodland to wet gullies – will take a full day.

17. Spend the day soaking up the sun

There are a lot of beautiful beaches in Batemans Bay. But staking your claim to a patch of sand will depend on whether you’ve come to Batemans Bay to swim, soak up the sun, or surf.

a scenic view of Denhams Beach, Batemans Bay

Hear the sound of the gentle waves crashing on Denhams Beach.

You can check out every crescent of sand while on a road trip along the NSW South Coast. Or be a bit more strategic. Surfers will want to rise before the sun to get to South Broulee Beach when its breaking, while families might opt for Denhams Beach, where the bush abuts the sand. These are a few of the best beaches in and around Batemans Bay.

an overhead shot of the seascape at Denhams Beach

Denhams Beach lies on the Tasman Sea coast, southeast of Batemans Bay.

Your ultimate Batemans Bay beach guide