Your ultimate Batemans Bay beach guide

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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.

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.

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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Dive into summer with hikes, great bites and wellness in The Tweed

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

Slip, slop, slap.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed
Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant
Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed
Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house
Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

Husk Farm Distillery
Join a Farm to Bottle tour. (Image: Salsingh Photography)

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Cycle the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.
Cycle the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes. 

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed
Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Tweed Holiday Parks
Stay for longer and indulge in plat at Tweed Holiday Parks.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .