Ah, Batemans Bay. Kissed by sunshine and sea breeze, tempting with turquoise waters and curious wildlife. It’s one of our favorite family destinations on the NSW Coast, only four hours’ drive from Sydney or two and a bit from Canberra.
Then again, I’ll confess: it’s hard to find a single spot on this coast that doesn’t tempt us back. But Batemans Bay is the kind of accessible wildness that makes family adventures genuinely easy. The water is so clear you can watch stingrays glide beneath the boardwalk without getting your toes wet. Kangaroos graze on beaches and in the locals’ gardens. It’s the hub of the Eurobodalla Coast, with plenty of cozy cafés and good seafood eateries, but just a stone’s throw away from untouched national parks.
Best place to stay in Batemans Bay:
- boutique motel: Bay Breeze Boutique Accommodation
- self-contained beachfront villas: Batemans Bay Marina Resort
- classic holiday park: BIG4 Batemans Bay at Easts Riverside Holiday Park
So… what to do in Batemans Bays with kids?
Meet kangaroos at the beach in Murramarang National Park
If your wall calendar has ever featured “kangaroo on beach”, well, this is the exact location. Pebbly Beach, just about 20 km north of Batemans Bay in Murramarang National Park, delivers the cliché in real life. In fact, the rest of the beaches in the park do the same, with even less people around. Kangaroos love lounging on the grassy sand dunes behind Pebbly Beach, Pretty Beach or Maloneys Beach.
Arrive early or late in the day when the roos are most active. In the heat of the day you’ll find them napping under the bush. Please also keep a friendly distance and never feed them — it harms them quite badly as their digestion system is made to deal with grass.
Paddle the Clyde River
Batemans Bay is basically a giant estuary begging you to float on it. The Clyde River is wide, calm and perfect for beginners — or parents paddling solo while the kids “complain‑assist” from the front seat. Bring a dry bag and enough snacks.
Paddle east from the bridge along the shoreline to remain on the calmest waters. Beware though that wind can work against you on such a big water surface, as well as the tide.
If you want to explore remote beaches and pristine waters on a guided kayak tour,join this one. Minimum age requirement is 10.
Say hi to the animals at Mogo Wildlife Park
Ten minutes inland, Mogo Wildlife Park is one of the most peaceful and spacious zoos you’ll ever find. Enclosures are designed to emulate natural habitats here, and they allow you to observe the hyenas, lions, tigers, silvery gibbons, white rhinoceros, red pandas, and many more rare, unique species in a relaxed environment. Occasional delighted squeals may or may not be yours.
Details:
- Open 9 a.m.–4 p.m., daily.
- Address: 222 Tomakin Rd, Mogo NSW 2536.
- Book online.
- Free parking; easy stroller terrain; small café on site.
Walk the Cullendulla Boardwalk
Just a few minutes drive north of town lies Cullendulla Creek Nature Reserve, offering one of the best kid‑friendly walks. The Mangrove Boardwalk is 2 km return and flat. Along the way, look for crabs marching out of their tiny holes at low tide, enjoy views of Snapper Island and the Tollgate Islands, and finally, have a picnic (or a splash) on Cullendulla Beach.
Hit the beaches: surf, swim or sandcastle
You’ll run out of sunscreen before you run out of beaches. Big waves, turquoise hues, serene waters or hopping kangaroos – you choose. Here are some of the best ones:
Surf Beach. Patrolled in summer, and aptly named: a spacious surfing beach with consistent waves. Lovely grassland with picnic shelters and a playground behind the sand, cafés and restaurants nearby.
Broulee Beach. Naturally protected by Broulee Island, water conditions are usually gentle and the sand dips gradually.
Cookies Beach. The favorite of families with young kids. The southern end of the bay (where the boat ramp is) is particularly sheltered. Natural rock pools at both ends of the bay offer plenty to explore at low tide. Nearby Wasp Head walk is short, easy and scenic.
Pretty Beach. Truly the prettiest in Murramarang National Park. The sand is white, the hues are perfectly turquoise, and the grassy sand dunes are popular among kangaroos. Not a typical swimming beach though, waves can be powerful.
Guerilla Bay. Great for snorkelling, with clear and pristine water and loads of rocks off the beach.
Barlings Beach. Snorkeling and tide pool explorers’s heaven, also good for coastal walks.
Don’t go to the beach in Australia without sun protection – ever, I mean it:
And sun protection doesn’t only mean a UPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen (to protect both delicate skin and our amazing marine life). That’s the bare minimum. I also recommend:
- UPF 50+ rash guard for kids AND adults (here’s a great choice for men and women)
- wide-brimmed sun hats, preferably with a chin strap for kids
- sunglasses (a comfy, easy-to-use one for kids, too)
- a wind-resistant sunshade, like this one (our family favorite, after many failed attempts!), because most beaches don’t offer natural shade (and can be quite windy).
Eat, because everyone’s starving again
After all those exciting activities, grab classic fish and chips under pelican supervision at Innes’ Boatshed. Or eat pizza with harbour views at Starfish.
Batemans Bay Sunday Market is on the first and third Sunday of every month, 9 am to 1 pm, on Clyde Street.Check out their website here.
Take in the views at the best lookouts in Eurobodalla National Park
About 40 minutes south of Batemans Bay, Eurobodalla National Park is worth the drive. It’s a wonderful, untouched stretch of coastline: a mosaic of wild beaches, rocky headlands, and dense coastal forest. Oh, yes, kangaroos and wallabies, as well, grazing peacefully on those picturesque grassy headlands.
This national park is made for people who crave solitude (let’s ignore the little ones’ screams of joy, we parents have learnt that, haven’t we?). Long, undeveloped shorelines roll on for kilometres. Short strolls lead to amazing lookouts: One Tree Point Lookout, Moruya Heads lookout, Potato Point Lookout and Jemisons Point.
Hike the Bingi Dreaming Track in Eurobodalla National Park
But the crown of Eurobodalla National Park is the Bingi Dreaming Track: part hiking trail, part cultural journey. It follows a 14 km long traditional coastal route used by the Brinja-Yuin People, lined with wildflowers, middens, and long rolls of ocean swell.
Visiting with young kids who tend to complain when walks get too long? We were. So we did only the 6 km portion of the track between Bingi Point and Mulimburra Point. I fell for the sandy coves, sand dunes and colorful rock formations, with barely a footprint in sight. I’m confident I want to return here, maybe for a solo walk another time.
Coastal hiking gear: my checklist
After countless bushwalks and coastal rambles, here’s what I usually have for sensible comfort and peace of mind for those adventures that can easily end in a coffee shop (strictly before 3pm, otherwise you’d find them closed).
Footwear
- Proper hiking shoes with good grip, like the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus, both for women and men – Essential for rocky patches, slippery steps, and those unexpected mud puddles that mysteriously appear even after a dry spell. Don’t twist your ankle in flip-flops, most of these walks are not strolls on a paved promenade.
- Water shoes or reef shoes – If your hike ends at a beach or rock pool, these are a godsend to explore the rock at low tide.
Sun & insect protection
- Wide‑brimmed, adjustable sun hat (and this is my favorite for kids) – The Aussie sun is fierce even in winter. A hat with a chin strap means it won’t fly off when the coastal breezes decide to make an appearance.
- Reef‑safe sunscreen (high SPF) – Protects your skin and the beautiful marine life if you end up swimming. A good habit for every outdoor day.
- Insect repellent bands – For those lush, shaded bush sections or twilight walks.
Hydration & the fuel for fun
- Durable reusable water bottles (preferably metal to avoid microplastic) – Always carry more water than you think you’ll need.
- Electrolyte‑boosted drinks and energy bars – For those moments when the kids (or you) declare “I can’t possibly take another step!”
- Compact picnic blanket – For impromptu breaks, lunch with a view, or simply sitting on damp ground without getting a soggy bottom.
Safety & navigation (just in case)
- Compact first‑aid kit – Small scrapes, unexpected blisters, or a sudden spider bite (rare, but good to be prepared). Ours always has band‑aids, antiseptic wipes, and anti‑itch cream.
- Compact headlamp or small torch – For unexpected detours, chasing sunset views, or those bathroom visits at dusk.
- Printed map or reliable offline map app on your phone – Phone reception can be patchy in national parks. Don’t trust Google Maps blindly.
For the little explorers
- Child‑friendly binoculars – Turn any view into a treasure hunt for birds or distant boats.
- Small backpack for kids (with snacks inside) – They love carrying their own gear (if they don’t, they need to get used to it, anyway), and it gives them a sense of purpose.
Camp in Murramarang National Park
If you ever claimed “I’m not a camper,” Murramarang will convert you. Beachfront sites, kangaroos for neighbours, and fabulous coastal views to wake up to!
- Depot Beach campground: powered & unpowered sites, showers, great snorkelling.
- Pretty Beach Campground: powered & unpowered sites in a lush bush setting, hot showers, short walk to beach. Beach cabins available.
- Pebbly Beach campground: the most basic of the three, unpowered sites behind the beach. Pebbly Beach shacks, a self-contained holiday home, is right next to the campground.
Book via NSW National Parks, and book early for the school holidays.
Evening tip: bring a torch for wombat watching – best show after dark.
Explore quiet waterways
With your own kayak or canoe, you’ll find this region brimming with irresistible spots just waiting for you to launch and explore.
Glide into the glassy expanse of the Tomaga River from the Mossy Point public jetty. It’s a gentle paddle, perfect for spotting local birds or the occasional stingray in the shallows. Don’t miss the panoramic view from Mossy Point Lookout either before or after your adventure — it frames the river, the ocean, and the wild coastline like a perfect postcard.
For a completely different vibe, explore the tranquil beauty of Durras Lake. You can launch from either the Durras Lake Boat Ramp or the North Durras Boat Ramp, then weave through the paperbark reflections or venture out into the wide, open water. It’s a peaceful paddle, often with only the sounds of your paddle dipping and distant kookaburras for company.
Where to stay in Batemans Bay with kids?
Batemans Bay has a brilliant range, but they all offer something slightly different. Here’s how to pick the perfect base for your crew, depending on what kind of adventure you’re after:
For the “all-in-one beachfront fun” family: NRMA Batemans Bay Resort. Choose from cabins, studios or tents. Direct beachfront access, stunning sea views, a saltwater swimming pool and waterpark. It’s a full-service holiday, perfectly set up for busy families.
For the “walk to everything + river views” family: Bay Breeze Boutique Accommodation. Family rooms with balconies over the Clyde River. Direct access to the coastal promenade with a selection of restaurants and cafés. They even offer cribs and extra beds, making it easy for families with babies or larger groups who appreciate being at the heart of the action without compromising comfort.
For the “space to stretch + swim & play” family: Batemans Bay Marina Resort. Spacious, modern self-contained villas with a veranda, featuring a 16-yard outdoor pool and a tennis court for guests, access to Corrigans Beach and a boat ramp. It’s ideal for families who like a bit more independence, space, and on-site recreation beyond just beach time.
For the “classic holiday park + beach & facilities” family: BIG4 Batemans Bay at Easts Riverside Holiday Park. Beachfront access on the east riverside, villas and bungalows with swimming pool, playground and BBQs. This is the place for families who love the vibrant, communal atmosphere of a holiday park, with everything you need just a short walk from your door.
Batemans Bay isn’t just a pit stop on the South Coast road trip — it’s where the kids get their first kangaroo selfie, their new favourite ice‑cream flavour, and a sincere wish to never go home. And when they fall asleep (and you hopefully don’t) in the car minutes after leaving, you’ll know you’ve done the holiday thing exactly right.
Leave a Reply