You don’t have to venture far from Bateman’s Bay to find paradise and lose the crowd. Photo: @local_famous_photography.
The last thing anyone wants – after crawling down the Clyde and battling the Bay’s bottlenecked traffic to finally settle into holiday mode – is to bump into your neighbour at the toilet block or spot a work colleague sunning themselves right beside you.
For many Canberrans, Batemans Bay is practically a second home and our summer routine is set in stone. But if you’re craving something new this summer, you need only venture slightly off the well-worn path to find hidden local gems.
From snorkelling spots to secluded retreats, here are seven lesser-known beaches near the Bay to explore this summer:
1. Garden Bay
Low-key vibes and lapping waves make Garden Bay a gentle, family-friendly option. Photo: David Symons.
Ideal for casual beach-goers looking to dip a toe in, Garden Bay is a sheltered cove with a low-key local vibe. Its calm waters are ideal for littlies to wade safely and beginner snorkellers to get comfortable exploring its rocky edges.
The grassy knoll overlooking the beach is a picnic-perfect spot, complete with a nearby swing set for kids who prefer to stay dry.
Shade is mostly BYO, and there are no toilets nearby, meaning Garden Bay is probably not an all-day destination, but it’s ideal for a family-friendly morning at the beach.
Hot tip: Grab a coffee en route from Three66 Cafe in Mosquito Bay – but arrive at Garden Bay early as the small carpark fills up fast.
2. Lilli Pilli Beach
While still sheltered, Lilli Pilli offers more to explore for paddleboarders, snorkellers and curious kiddos. Photo: Hayley Nicholls.
For those who like their beach days long, Lilli Pilli Beach offers amenities and a broader stretch of sand.
Rocky headlands form a stunning backdrop and natural windbreak, lending Lilli Pilli its cosy, protected vibe.
Gentle, rolling waves make it an ideal training ground for junior boogie boarders, while paddleboarders and snorkellers will find plenty to explore while safely enveloped by the bay.
With carparking and toilets steps from the sand, Lilli Pilli is a fuss-free spot to settle in for the day.
Hot tip: On breezy days, the northern end is typically best protected. At low tide, the southern end transforms into a natural playground of rock pools and jutting ledges – a guaranteed hit for curious kids and grown-ups alike.
3. Guerilla Bay
Off the beaten track, yet one of the best snorkelling spots on the South Coast. Photo: Moira Symons.
Driving down the winding trail to Guerilla Bay may feel like you’ve taken a wrong turn, but push past that uncertainty and you’ll be rewarded with one of the best snorkelling spots on the South Coast.
Whatever your skill level, Guerilla Bay provides a magical experience with its diverse marine life and striking geological features.
A small rocky island – accessible by foot at low tide – creates a natural barrier separating safe lagoon-style snorkelling from more adventurous waters. At the northern end, experienced snorkellers and scuba divers rave about ‘the pot’, a deep hole brimming with rock formations, flora and fauna. There’s even a cave to swim into, if you’re keen to meet the resident crabs.
The southern beach is a haven for swimmers and kayakers, but leave the boards at home – there’s no surf here.
Though parking is limited and amenities are nil, for those seeking adventure, Guerilla Bay is a must.
4. Circuit Beach
Don’t forget to bring “Wilson” to keep you company at this secluded spot. Photo: @local_famous_photography
An idyllic paradise tucked into a gap in the rocky coastline, Circuit Beach is a 200-metre stretch of sand backdropped by lush vegetation. It’s giving Castaway vibes.
Definitely a hidden gem, this quaint cove is accessed via a short walkway from the nearby residential street, Denise Drive.
If you love snorkelling, bushwalks, or are just looking to retreat with a good book, this is the place.
The diverse textures and hues of its distinctive rock formations also make Circuit Beach an interesting spot for photographers and geology buffs.
In true Castaway/Robinson Crusoe-style, there are no amenities here, but its wild nature comes with a perk: it’s a 24-hour puppy paradise, with dogs allowed off leash at all times.
5. Quirriga Beach
For exploration or introspection, Quirriga Beach is a versatile spot with plenty of room to move. Photo: David Symons.
Inside Murramarang National Park, Quirriga Beach is a secluded slice of coastline ideal for those seeking solitude, sweeping views and rugged natural beauty.
It’s unkempt bushland and impressive rock platforms create surprising nooks and crannies ideal for an exciting family expedition, while the open stretch of sand suits a reflective walk or quiet meditation.
To get there requires a short bushwalk from Maloneys Beach, but be warned, while the walk is manageable, there is an initial stair climb of around 130 steps.
Annoyingly, kids leap up these like gazelles, but adults may want to stretch first (or pack an oxygen tank).
6. McKenzies Beach
If you’re frothing for foam, drift past McKenzies when conditions are right. Photo: @local_famous_photography.
Finally, one for the surf-seekers!
Back in civilisation, McKenzies Beach is easy to find via a generous carpark directly off George Bass Drive. A short bush track descends into the sandy cove. While it’s well-maintained, it is steep enough to present a challenge if you’re bringing wheels.
One of the South Coast’s most photographed beaches, it is bordered by two towering headlands that slant towards the ocean, forming natural reefs. Experienced snorkellers rave about ‘The Amphitheatre’ at the southern end of the beach, while the northern end offers shallower and better-protected waters.
Given its swells, it’s essential to check conditions before visiting McKenzies.
7. Mystery Bay
There is no question that Mystery Bay is worth the drive. Photo: @local_famous_photography
If you don’t mind a coastal drive, venture further south and discover Mystery Bay.
Located just south of Narooma, locals named the area after five men who vanished without a trace during a geology expedition in 1880. It was presumed murder after their holed boat was later found still with personal belongings inside, but the case was never solved.
In contrast to its dark history, Mystery Bay is known for its crystal-clear waters and pristine beach, perfect for swimming, diving and fishing.
Its dramatic rocky outcrops also showcase the area’s tectonic history, with 500-million-year-old rock layers folding into incredible natural features.
Facilities at the nearby lookout include toilets, a picnic table and free BBQs.
So, whatever you’re seeking, you don’t have to look far to uncover hidden gems (and avoid your neighbours) near Bateman’s Bay.
What are your go-to secret spots? (If you’re willing to share the secret.)
