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

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

AI Prompt

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

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

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

Want to see more stories from Australian Traveller in your Google search results?

  1. Click here to set Australian Traveller as a preferred source.
  2. Tick the box next to "Australian Traveller". That's it.
Carla Grossetti
Carla Grossetti has written across print and digital for Australian Traveller and International Traveller for more than a decade and has spent more than two decades finding excuses to eat well and travel far. A prestigious News Corp cadetship launched her career at The Cairns Post, before a stint at The Canberra Times and The Sydney Morning Herald gave way to extended wanders through Canada, the US, Mexico, Central America, Asia and Europe. Carla was chief sub editor at delicious and has contributed to Good Food, Travel & Luxury, Explore Travel, Escape. While living in London, Carla was on staff at Condé Nast Traveller and The Sunday Times Travel desk and was part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK.
View profile and articles
hero media

7 Lake Macquarie secrets the locals don’t want you to know

Credit: Beau Pilgrim

An untapped side to this popular holiday spot is hiding in plain sight.

Laid-back Lake Macquarie draws in holidaygoers and day trippers with its casual coastal allure and raw beauty. But even though it’s just 90 minutes from Sydney, most visitors have only scratched the surface of what this region has to offer.

Foodie hotspots, quaint towns, tranquil waterways and compelling art are all waiting to be discovered. You just need to know where to find them.

1. Most visitors don’t make it to the western side

Explore beyond the western side. (Credit: Beau Pilgrim)

While there’s no harm in walking the well-worn path in this idyllic pocket of the world, the area west of Lake Macquarie is defined by stretches of ancient rainforests and quaint towns with a more local feel. Toronto is the largest town on this side and features a golf course and sailing clubs, while peninsula-based Wangi Wangi is fantastic for bushwalking and swimming.

2. There’s a booming arts scene

Museum of Art and Culture, YAPANG
Discover the Museum of Art and Culture, YAPANG.

Lake Macquarie is a must-visit destination for creatives. Discover the Museum of Art and Culture, YAPANG; this modern gallery is set on a five-hectare sculpture park and showcases a free rotating program of exhibitions and events, with a strong focus on contemporary Aboriginal art. In Wangi Wangi, explore the Wangi Owl Trail, which includes Dobell House, the preserved home of prolific artist Sir William Dobell. And enjoy live music every Saturday evening at the recently renovated Toronto Hotel.

3. It’s a nature lover’s paradise

three people swimming in lake macquarie
In and out of the water, find a natural paradise. (Credit: Beau Pilgrim)

Lake Macquarie is a playground for nature lovers. It’s home to Australia’s largest saltwater lake, a 110-square-kilometre haven for swimming, fishing, boating and sunset views. Another oasis is the Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area, a 761-hectare protected reserve with wildflowers, Second World War heritage sites and spectacular views to Pulbah Island. The upgraded Toronto baths, complete with jetty decking and netting, make for a sheltered spot for a refreshing dip, while the Awaba Mountain Bike Park gives adrenaline junkies their fix.

4. The dining scene is unbeatable

8 at Trinity lake macquarie
Treat yourself to 8 at Trinity.

Gourmands are well looked after in Lake Macquarie. At Emerson’s on the Lake in Toronto, the modern Australian fine dining menu spoils seafood lovers with the freshest ocean produce and stunning lake views. Sitting on Trinity Point’s waterfront, 8 at Trinity is another standout offering, serving Mediterranean fare in an open-air setting. For a more relaxed affair, the microbrewery trail lets craft beer enthusiasts sip on inventive brews from The Yard, Lake Mac Brewing and Bread & Brewery.

5. There are hidden coves and waterways

kayakers on lake macquarie local secrets
Get out onto the lake. (Credit: Beau Pilgrim)

There’s no better way to experience Lake Macquarie than directly on its waters, and in doing so you’ll discover a world of hidden coves and secluded waterways. Jump in a kayak for a tour with the friendly team at School of Yak and paddle to Cockle Creek, Awaba Bay, Green Point and Fennel Bay, discovering underwater life along the way. Or go all in and stay the night on one of Lake Macquarie Houseboats’ spacious vessels or hire a BBQ pontoon boat for the day from Lake Macquarie Boat Hire to enjoy a feast in the sunshine while admiring the marine life and picturesque waterscape.

6. It’s a birdwatcher’s paradise

ll blue wren sitting on a tree branch
Keep an eye out for local birdlife. (Credit: Walter Coppola)

Twitchers are in for a real treat as hundreds of fascinating bird species such as Australian pelicans, black swans, white-bellied sea-eagles and superb fairy-wrens call this area home. Take a self-guided tour around top spots including Bird Cage Point and Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area (near Morisset) or be guided in a clear-bottom kayak through the waterways with Lake Macquarie Kayak Adventures, observing feathered friends as you go.

7. The lake has islands

sail lake macquarie
Charter a boat to see Lake Macquarie’s islands.

Hop on a private boat, kayak or charter around the lake to discover the plethora of small islands peppered around Lake Macquarie. The largest is Pulbah Island, a 69-hectare nature reserve home to goannas and sugar gliders with secluded beaches. Sandy islands such as Spectacle Island and Pelican Island have a tropical lagoon-like look to them as they sit in the tidal path of Swansea Channel, which filters the sand and creates a pristine environment. Stop by for a dip and a picnic.

Start living like the locals at visitlakemac.com.au.