Your ultimate Batemans Bay beach guide

Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
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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.

sunset at Broulee Beach
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
Sign up your kids for surfing lessons at Surf the Bay Surf School. (Image: Destination NSW)

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.

an aerial view of Corrigans Beach
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.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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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.

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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.

Labrador on Tomakin Beach
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).

the Wimbie Beach in Batemans Bay
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.

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.
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The ultimate new summer guide for the Sutherland Shire

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
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    Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

    The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

    It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

    If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

    Savour the summer dining scene

    Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire
    Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

    The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

    Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

    Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

    Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

    And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

    Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

    Dive into ocean pools

    ocean pool on the sutherland shire
    The ocean pools beckon.

    Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
    swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

    Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

    Experience local arts and culture

    Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience
    See the art at Hazelhurst Arts Centre, then enjoy a picnic with or without your pooch.

    Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

    Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

    Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

    Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

    a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire
    Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

    The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

    If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

    Get into nature

    Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney.
    Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

    You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

    Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

    If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley  Walk  past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

    Hit up the beautiful beaches

    aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade
    Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

    The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

    If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

    Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.