The Best Beaches on the South Coast NSW
If a day at the beach is your idea of a perfect escape, the NSW South Coast delivers some of the most diverse coastal experiences in Australia.
From world-famous white sand beaches to quiet coves, surf breaks, and wildlife-rich national parks, this region offers something for every type of beach lover.
Below is a curated guide to the best beaches within reach of Berry and Mt Hay Retreat.
🌊 Beaches Near Berry (10–20 minutes)
Seven Mile Beach (Shoalhaven Heads & Gerroa)
Seven Mile Beach
One of the closest beaches to Berry, Seven Mile Beach stretches for miles and offers both calm northern waters and open surf conditions to the south.
Highlights:
- Gentle swimming at Gerroa (north end)
- Long beach walks and open coastline
- Whale watching (May–November)
- Birdlife and picnic areas within Seven Mile Beach National Park
Food nearby:
- The Blue Swimmer at Seahaven
- Bangalay Dining (Shoalhaven Heads)
This is the most accessible “daily beach” from Berry and Mt Hay Retreat.
🏄♂️ Iconic Surf & Coastal Parks (30–60 minutes)
Killalea Beach – “The Farm”
Killalea Beach – The Farm – A Hidden Treasure!
Killalea Regional Park
Killalea, commonly known as “The Farm,” is one of NSW’s most highly regarded surf beaches and part of a protected coastal reserve.
Why it stands out:
- National surfing reserve
- Consistent, high-quality surf breaks
- Dramatic headlands and coastal scenery
- Bushwalking and birdwatching in Killalea Regional Park
Nearby walk:
- Mystics (Minnamurra Beach) via rainforest tracks and river crossings
This is one of the most complete coastal experiences on the South Coast.
🐢 Jervis Bay Region (1.5–3 hours)
Pristine Sands of Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay
Hyams Beach
Famous for its exceptionally white sand and clear turquoise water, Hyams Beach is part of the broader Jervis Bay coastline.
Highlights:
- Bright white silica sand beaches
- Snorkelling, swimming, and diving
- Bushwalk access to quieter surrounding beaches
- Popular, especially in peak summer periods
Nearby alternative:
- Chinamans Beach (quieter, less crowded)
Jervis Bay as a whole offers some of the clearest water in NSW.
Murrays Beach (Booderee National Park)
Murrays Beach, Booderee National Park – Great Sheltered Swimming Spot
Murrays Beach is a sheltered, calm swimming beach located within a protected national park managed in partnership with the Wreck Bay Aboriginal community.
Highlights:
- Protected, calm swimming conditions
- Snorkelling with fish, turtles, and blue gropers
- Coastal walking tracks and lookouts
- Aboriginal cultural significance and interpretation
A short walk connects to scenic headlands and wildlife-rich coastal trails.
🌿 Wild & Remote Beaches (1.5–2 hours)
Pretty Beach
Pretty Beach & Pebbly Beach
Murramarang National Park
These beaches are known for their natural beauty and resident kangaroos that often graze near the shoreline.
Highlights:
- Kangaroos on the beach (Pebbly Beach especially)
- Long, quiet stretches of coastline
- Bushwalking trails including Snapper Point
- Unspoilt national park setting
This area is ideal for visitors seeking a more remote, nature-based beach experience.
Bawley Point (Guillotines Surf Break)
Bawley Point is a rugged coastal destination known for powerful surf and dramatic rock formations.
Highlights:
- Guillotines surf break (experienced surfers/bodyboarders)
- Rocky headlands and coastal viewpoints
- Frequent stingray sightings
- Strong swell and raw coastal scenery
Best suited for experienced ocean users and coastal walkers.
🌅 Why the South Coast Beaches Stand Out
What makes this stretch of coastline special is its variety:
- Calm, family-friendly swimming beaches
- World-class surf breaks
- Wildlife-rich national parks
- Remote, undeveloped coastal stretches
- Easy access from Berry and Mt Hay Retreat
Within a short drive, you can experience entirely different coastal landscapes in a single day.
Final Tip
Many of the best beach experiences are early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the light is soft and the coastline is at its quietest.
From Mt Hay Retreat, you are never far from the ocean.
Louise, Mt Hay Retreat
