South Durras Review at Batemans Bay, Australia

South Durras, Batemans Bay

Lazy Society Beach rating: 4/5

Type: 11 different beaches to choose from wide long beaches, small hidden bays, and rocky pebbly beaches.

Waves: Calm to medium breaks

Feel: Peaceful and spread out. You may have the beach to yourself even during the peak summer months.

Good for: Boogie boarding, body surfing, beach sports, snorkelling, diving, fishing, rock pools

Water Temp: Warmest from mid-February to mid-March

Facilities: Although South Durras beaches lack major facilities such as cafés and bathroom facilities (unlike places like Mollymook and Broulee), it makes up by showcasing their true natural beauty.

Patrolled: No, take care when swimming due to rip tides.

South Durras is a little slice of paradise located around 15 minutes north of Batemans Bay. It’s an ideal place to enjoy some family quality time, catch a few waves, do a spot of fishing or just relax and unwind. Getting to this slightly rugged but idyllic spot feels like you’re going through Jurassic Park with the rain forest coming over you, especially onboard my Jeep Wrangler with the top down. This is definitely a true getaway with plenty of stunning beaches to choose from, the natural environment and you’ll be able to get into a chill zone without any distractions.

South Durras Beaches

Lots of beaches to choose.

There are many unspoiled beaches to choose from and it all depends on what you’re in the mood for. 

Cookies Beach: Recognised as the main beach of South Durras is long and uncrowded.

Durras Beach: Located around 100 meters from the BIG4 Holiday Park, it is a long wide beach that is perfect for swimming and long walks. I love how you have to walk through a little bush reserve to reach this beach on a fine day. You’ll get a stunning view of the crystal-clear water which will take your breath away.

Richmond Beach: A secluded hidden treasure beach located south of the Murramarang Beachfront Resort and protected by a large headland. There are plenty of shady spots so this is a perfect beach to enjoy a quiet picnic, fishing, swimming, or snorkelling.

Mill Beach: A quiet and small protected cove that is great for swimming and snorkeling.

Emily Miller Beach: A small quiet and beautiful beach surrounded by bushland and easily accessible via road or a bush walk.

Dark Beach: A unique beach with a combination of pebbles and sand, this beach will test your navigation and exploratory skills.

Myrtle Beach: This is one for the adventurers being a 600-meter hike from the road and is known to be the unofficial nude beach in Batemans Bay. Highly recommended by those into that sort of thing.

Oakey Beach: A wide sandy beach off the beaten track popular for swimming, snorkeling, bushwalking, and fishing. The North Head campground is also ideal if you want to pitch a tent up and extend you’re into camping and the constant sound of waves with a car park and toilet facilities so it’s a perfect spot.

North Head Beach: This beach gives great views of Batemans Bay and Tollgate Island. It has some amazing rock pools which are deep enough to snorkel in.

Wobbegong Beach: A hidden rocky gem that is slightly difficult to reach. This one is more for the sightseers.

Honeysuckle Beach: A typically English beach full of pebbles and slightly remote and rugged.

My tips for South Durras

Kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding in Durras Lake
  • If you’re looking to book a south coast getaway with a young family, I highly recommend checking out deals at NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Resort early as possible. Accommodation ranges from beach houses, a selection of villas, safari tents, caravan sites, and camping options. This huge resort has plenty to keep the kids entertained including a heated pool with a shallow end/slide, games room, a kids club, outdoor play equipment, bike hire, and an own protected family-friendly beach. While the kids are having a good time, you can act as a member of The Lazy Society by stumbling into the Wasphead poolside bar or beach bistro for dining out or just chilling out with a drink in hand. If you do feel like cooking you can use the kitchen facilities or BBQs scattered around the resort to whip up a quick meal.  I note the Trip Advisor reviews aren’t so shiny but we’ve only had good experiences at this resort. Another option worth checking out is the BIG4 Holiday Park which is also stunning but has fewer kids/dining facilities than Murramarang and the beach is a bit choppy.  
  • If you want to feel at home check out Airbnb for accommodation options and book early.
  • Book a lazy weekend trip when the water is warm and kids are back at school – the beginning of February to the end of March is ideal.
  • Do all your shopping at Batemans Bay before heading up to South Durras. There is a general store for essential items such as milk, bread, and bait if you’re into fishing but items can be expensive. 
  • Pack in a good quality beach tent (like the one recommended below) that is easy to put and won’t blow away, as it can get a bit windy sometimes. It’s also worth taking proper camping gear and snorkels for this expedition as you never know what gems you’ll find.
  • Hire a kayak or stand-up board from Bay and Beyond and take it for a ride on Durras Lake.
  • Take note of any blue bottle jellyfish washed on the beaches before swimming. If so, I highly recommend driving down south to my favorite spot Broulee instead.

How to get to South Durras, Batemans Bay

From Sydney Airport:

From Canberra:

Check our lazy weekend guide to Batemans Bay here.

SOUTH DURRAS WEATHER

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