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.

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.

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.

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.

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .

Your ultimate Batemans Bay beach guide