A seaside explorer’s ultimate guide to the 23 best beaches near Canberra
I’ll admit it — living in Canberra sometimes makes me crave the coast. When the city heat kicks in, there’s nothing better than jumping in the car and heading east. Within two hours, the landscape shifts from city streets to glimmering blue horizons.
Over time, I’ve explored countless beaches that make the drive absolutely worth it. From family-friendly shores to secluded coves surrounded by bushland, these coastal escapes never disappoint.
If you’re looking for your next weekend adventure, here are my top picks for the best beaches near Canberra that guarantee sunshine, salt air, and total relaxation.
1. Barlings Beach, Tomakin
– Media credit: dylangoldenmedia
Distance from Canberra by car: 2 Hours 15 mins
Barlings Beach is a classic coastal escape with shimmering blue water and a view of offshore islands that never gets old. Locals love it for its gentle surf and wide sandy stretch — perfect for a family picnic or a relaxed swim.
There’s plenty of space to spread out, and if you walk along the headland, you might spot dolphins riding the waves.
| Pro tip: Bring a pair of reef shoes and explore the rock pools at low tide — you’ll find tiny fish and colourful shells everywhere. |
2. Bawley Beach, Bawley Point
– Media credit: visitshoalhaven
Distance from Canberra by car: 2 Hours 22 mins
Bawley Beach sits in one of the prettiest corners of the South Coast. Its twin breaks make it ideal for both beginners and seasoned riders.
The northern side has a jetty and boat ramp, while nearby Bawley Point Reserve provides shady picnic tables and a playground. Many locals also cast a line from the rocks — fishing here is almost a ritual.
| Pro tip: Stay until late afternoon; the sunsets over the point are spectacular and rarely crowded. |
3. Broulee Beach, Broulee
– Media credit: scottleggo
Distance from Canberra by car:: 2 Hours 15 mins
Broulee’s long curved coastline is a magnet for Canberrans. South Broulee Beach has great surf and convenient facilities — showers, toilets, and even wheelchair access — while Shark Bay offers calmer waters for floating and snorkeling.
A short walk across the sandbar takes you to Broulee Island Nature Reserve, where walking trails reveal panoramic views of the coast.
| Pro tip: Bring binoculars — sea eagles and migrating whales are often visible from the island lookout. |
4. Corrigans Beach, Batehaven
– Media credit: theislahotel
Distance from Canberra by car: 2 Hours 49 mins
A few minutes from Batemans Bay, Corrigans Beach is the go-to for families. The calm, shallow water makes it safe for little ones, and the area’s huge playground and BBQ facilities make spending the entire day effortless.
There’s even an accessible path along the foreshore for prams and wheelchairs.
| Pro tip: Walk to the nearby marina for an ice-cream break and birdwatching, as pelicans gather around the fishing boats. |
5. Depot Beach, Bawley Point
Distance from Canberra by car: 2 Hours 14 mins
Tucked inside Murramarang National Park, Depot Beach feels like another world. The 600-metre stretch of soft white sand is bordered by tall spotted gums, and kangaroos often graze right by the picnic area.
It’s a brilliant base for camping, swimming, and bushwalking through rainforest trails.
| Pro tip: Arrive early — the goannas here are friendly but curious, and they love stealing unattended snacks. |
6. Denhams Beach, Batemans Bay
– Media credit: josh_burkinshaw
Distance from Canberra by car: 2 hours 5 mins
One of the closest beaches to Canberra, Denhams Beach offers calm water sheltered by rocky headlands. Locals come here for morning swims and dolphin spotting. It’s unpatrolled, but the gentle waves make it a relaxing, low-key escape.
| Pro tip: Pack a snorkel set — the clear shallows near the southern rocks are full of tiny fish and the occasional stingray. |
7. Emily Miller Beach, South Durras
– Media credit: cfphoto
Distance from Canberra by car: 2 Hours 17 mins
If seclusion is what you seek, Emily Miller Beach is your dream destination. Hidden inside Murramarang National Park, it’s divided by a dramatic rocky outcrop and flanked by crystal-clear water.
You’ll likely share the beach with kangaroos and sea birds rather than people.
| Pro tip: Bring a picnic — there are no facilities, but the solitude more than makes up for it. |
8. Green Island, Cunjurong Point
– Media credit: local_famous_photography
Distance from Canberra by car: 2 Hours 48 mins
Accessible on foot during low tides, Green Island is a must for surfers chasing legendary 40–50 metre rides. The offshore reef creates perfect waves, while families can relax at nearby Lake Conjola’s calm inlet.
It’s one of the South Coast’s most scenic spots, especially at sunrise.
| Pro tip: Check tide times before you go — the island track disappears once the tide returns. |
9. Guerilla Bay, Batemans Bay
– Media credit: josh_burkinshaw
Distance from Canberra by car: 2 hours 12 mins
Guerilla Bay hides among ancient rock formations that date back hundreds of millions of years, so you’re in for a spectacular and historical view. Its twin coves are calm, clear, and ideal for snorkeling or paddle-boarding.
Picnic tables are scattered above the sand, shaded by eucalypts, allowing you to have a tasty snack under the sun.
| Pro tip: Bring a mask — the southern cove has some of the clearest snorkeling on the coast. |
10. Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay
– Media credit: josh_burkinshaw
Distance from Canberra by car: 2 hours 32 mins
Famous for its almost blindingly white sand, Hyams Beach is the crown jewel of Jervis Bay. The turquoise water is ideal for swimming, paddle-boarding, and photography. It can get busy in summer, but there’s a reason — it’s that beautiful.
| Pro tip: Stop by 5 Little Pigs café in nearby Huskisson for brunch before or after your swim. |
11. Honeymoon Bay, Jervis Bay
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Distance from Canberra by car: 2 hours 54 mins
Honeymoon Bay looks like it belongs on a postcard — clear water, crescent-shaped sand, and bushland framing every view.
It’s within the Beecroft Peninsula and occasionally closed due to Defence training, so check access beforehand. Snorkeling and kayaking are the top activities here.
| Pro tip: Bring cash for the small camping area — sites are first-come, first-served and fill fast on weekends. |
12. Kioloa Beach, Bawley Point
– Media credit: _wherestheway
Distance from Canberra by car:2 hours 27 mins
Surrounded by pristine bushland and fronted by Belowa Island, Kioloa Beach is a nature lover’s haven. Its calm water makes it perfect for kayaking and family swims. A lookout above the dunes is wheelchair accessible and ideal for spotting migrating whales.
| Pro tip: Camp at Kioloa Beach Holiday Park — you’ll wake up to ocean views and kangaroos grazing outside your tent. |
13. Lilli Pilli Beach, Batemans Bay
– Media credit: josh_burkinshaw
Distance from Canberra by car: 2 hours 8 mins
Hidden from the main road, Lilli Pilli Beach is a serene 200-metre curve of golden sand framed by tall gums. The calm surf is safe for kids, and a grassy reserve with BBQs and swings makes it a lovely lunch spot.
| Pro tip: Pick up fish ‘n’ chips in Batemans Bay before heading here — perfect picnic fare between dips. |
14. Maddens Creek, Dharawal National Park
– Media credit: travelling_our_backyard
Distance from Canberra by car: 2 Hours 43 Mins
Not exactly a beach but too stunning to skip, Maddens Creek boasts a natural waterfall and a deep rock pool surrounded by rainforest. It’s a 20-minute bushwalk from the carpark and a rewarding detour for anyone craving tranquility.
| Pro tip: Wear sturdy shoes — the track can be slippery, especially after rain. |
15. Malua Bay Beach, Malua
– Media credit: josh_burkinshaw
Distance from Canberra by car: 2 hours 9 mins
Malua Bay Beach is one of the South Coast’s most popular family beaches, boasting soft sand, a grassy reserve, and excellent picnic facilities. The nearby shop and café make it convenient for a full-day outing.
Lifeguards patrol in summer, so it’s safe and lively without feeling overcrowded.
| Pro tip: Grab lunch at Sandy Foot Café — their fish tacos taste even better after a swim. |
16. McKenzies Beach, Malua
– Media credit: mcgrathbatemansbay
Distance from Canberra by car: 2 hours 12 mins
A hidden gem just south of Batemans Bay, McKenzies Beach is small, undeveloped, and beautifully quiet. It’s popular with local surfers thanks to consistent breaks and uncrowded line-ups.
The unmarked turn-off from George Bass Drive makes it feel like a secret hideaway.
| Pro tip: Arrive early for parking — there are only a handful of spots near the entrance. |
17. Mollymook Beach, Mollymook
– Media credit: holiday_haven
Distance from Canberra by car: 2 hours 34 minutes
Stretching two kilometres, Mollymook Beach combines natural beauty with resort-style amenities. It’s great for surfing, swimming, and even whale watching from the golf-course cliffs.
Nearby cafés and fine-dining spots, like Rick Stein at Bannisters, elevate the beach experience.
| Pro tip: Book a surf lesson with the local surf school — friendly instructors and ideal beginner waves. |
18. Murramarang Beach, Bawley Point
– Media credit: scottleggo
Distance from Canberra by car: 2 hours 22 mins
This long, open beach is perfect for walks and games on the sand. Backed by the Murramarang Aboriginal Area, it also offers cultural significance with ancient middens scattered along the dunes.
Keep your eyes peeled for whales offshore and sea eagles soaring above.
| Pro tip: Visit nearby Swan Lake for paddle-boarding after your beach stroll — it’s calm and scenic. |
19. Pretty Beach, Bawley Point
– Media credit: visitshoalhaven
Distance from Canberra by car: 2 hours 34 mins
True to its name, Pretty Beach is all lush greenery and sparkling ocean. Kangaroos wander through the campground, and gentle surf makes it safe for families.
It’s part of Murramarang National Park’s 44-kilometre coastline, dotted with hiking trails and lookouts.
| Pro tip: Book ahead if you want a campsite — the ocean-view spots go fast in summer. |
20. Shark Bay, Broulee
– Media credit: dylangoldenmedia
Distance from Canberra by car: 2 Hours 22 mins
Despite the name, Shark Bay is among the calmest and safest beaches around Boulee. The protected cove features clear water and soft sand, making it ideal for children and relaxed swimmers. It also faces Broulee Island, so the view is picture-perfect.
| Pro tip: Bring an umbrella — there’s little natural shade, and the midday sun can be intense. |
21. Seven Mile Beach, Gerroa
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Distance from Canberra by car: 2 hours 43 mins
Stretching over 12 kilometres, Seven Mile Beach is where you go to breathe. It’s perfect for long walks, windsurfing, or letting toddlers paddle safely at Crooked River Mouth. Even on busy days, you’ll find a quiet patch all to yourself.
| Pro tip: Time your visit for sunrise — the reflections on the wet sand are magical. |
22. Tuross Lake, Tuross Heads
– Media credit: josh_burkinshaw
Distance from Canberra by car: 2 Hours 37 Mins
Tuross Heads offers the best of both worlds: a calm lake for kayaking and an ocean beach for swimming. Birdlife thrives here, and you might see pelicans gliding overhead. After a paddle, drop by the Tuross Boatshed & Café for fresh seafood.
| Pro tip: Rent a stand-up paddleboard — the lake’s glassy surface is beginner-friendly and peaceful. |
23. Walkers Beach, Gerroa
– Media credit: belindadoyledesign
Distance from Canberra by car: 2 hours 50 mins
A true hidden gem, Walkers Beach sits between grassy knolls and feels worlds away from busier tourist spots. Only 350 metres long, it’s framed by caves and rolling headlands.
Getting there involves walking through a golf course, but the reward is absolute serenity.
| Pro tip: Go on a weekday morning — you’ll likely have the entire beach to yourself. |