Beaches
Mallacoota’s beaches, on the coast of the Croajingolong National Park, are secret pockets of wilderness waiting to be discovered. Remote, secluded and scenic, you won’t believe your eyes once you step in.
Breathe in the ocean breeze, explore rock formations, caves, bays, and marvel at an entire ecosystem of immaculate beauty.
All beaches within and near Mallacoota are linked by the Mallacoota Coastal Walk, except for Big Beach -when the mouth is open- and Santa Barbara Bay. Go for an easy walk, take a dip in glimmering waters, catch some waves, and simply unwind in the wild.
Tip Beach
Big Beach
Bastion Point
Shipwreck Creek
Santa Barbara Bay
Secret Beach
Quarry Beach
Pebbly Beach
Betka Beach
Davis Beach
Tip Beach
Big Beach
Bastion Point
Shipwreck Creek
Santa Barbara Bay
Secret Beach
Quarry Beach
Pebbly Beach
Betka Beach
Davis Beach
Tip Beach
Big Beach
Bastion Point
Shipwreck Creek
Santa Barbara Bay
Santa Barbara Bay is the only sandy beach found on the wild and remote Gabo Island, and the sole safe harbour for boats -equipped with a jetty. Surrounded by striking pink granite boulders, those staying overnight can enjoy a great spot to view one of the largest colonies of Little Penguins in the world. For a high dose of cuteness, watch them come ashore and waddle back to their burrows spread across the island. This bay is a favourite hangout for whales, dolphins and seals too! The snorkelling, diving, spearfishing and fishing opportunities here are endless.
Gabo Island can be reached only by small aircraft or boat, and it’s about a 30-minute trip from Mallacoota.
Secret Beach
1.5 km south of Quarry Beach, hidden-gems explorers will find Secret Beach. This isolated stretch of shore is a great swimming spot with rock pools, and a sea cave accessible during low tide. When stepping into the cave -located at the northern end of the beach- watch out for the rough rock overhead near the entrance.
To get here, you can either follow the walking path from Quarry Beach or take a short, 5-minutes drive. The beach is a 10-minute walk from the car park, accessible only by staircase.
Quarry Beach
This stunning beach, located only 5 km south of Mallacoota via Betka Road -and next to the Mallacoota Airport- features impressive rock formations with jagged headlands of up to 30 m high. Just these marine sandstone sedimentary rocks make a visit to Quarry Beach worth it! From the parking area, head about 70 m to the left along the beach, and check out an excellent example of these grand formations.
Swimming, fishing, and surfing are enjoyed right near the parking area, if you venture beyond, beware of the rocky surroundings. Quarry Beach is an unpatrolled beach, and part of the Mallacoota Coastal Walk. The last stretch of the road to the beach is dirt, so caution is advised.
Pebbly Beach
You’ll find a lovely little path leading to Pebbly Beach, another charming spot surrounded by lush nature, with prime seascapes and rock formations. And lots and lots of Pebbles. Towards the western end of the beach are several rock-pools with curious algae and molluscs, so take the chance and witness the rich marine life of Mallacoota’s shore!
To get here, follow the road beyond Quarry and Secret beaches until you reach the small parking bay.
Betka Beach
The stunning Betka River meets the ocean and Betka Beach and provides a lovely swimming area for the kids and families within the inlet. There is a big grassy area with picnic tables, gas BBQs, and nearby toilet facilities.
At low tide, you can walk south along the beach, make your way around the rocky outcrop onto the next beach, and then again onto a third one. Access the Mallacoota Coastal Walk from the picnic area towards Quarry Beach, or around a short loop track -1.2km- back to the car park. This beach is not patrolled.
Davis Beach
This is a popular surfers’ stretch of beach between Tip Beach and Betka Beach. From time to time, the seasonal Davis Creek River joins the ocean here. The Heathland Walking Track starts from here and winds past the creek back toward Betka Road. If you choose to cross the road, you can link the Heathland Track with the Casuarina Walking Track and get back into town near the Miva Miva centre. You can also continue further still through the Shady Gully Bushland Reserve before joining the Lakeside shared pathway.
To get there, turn left just before the Betka Bridge. You can either park at the first car park 20 m in, and follow the path beside the river. Alternatively, drive to the end of the road and walk down the steps till you reach the sandy beach.
Tip Beach
Tip Beach is nestled between Bastion Point and Betka Beach. To get there, follow Nelson Drive through the Golf Course, and find Tip Beach entrance at the end. Head to the viewing platform 20 metres down the track, or continue to the beach.
As you turn right, you’ll find a massive sand dune, just before a protruding rock face. The view from the top is spectacular, and the run to the bottom is exhilarating. Take the kids and a board along and have a go at dune riding!
Big Beach
Few people know that Big Beach is the long extension of beach continuing on from the Bastion Point beach. When the mouth is closed you can walk well over 15km along this beautiful stretch of beach.
You can access Lake Barracoota from Big Beach and take in the scenery of the expansive sand dunes along the way.
Walking up Big Beach 10km – 20km (one way) will take you beyond Gabo and Tullaburga Islands.
When the mouth is open you will need to access Big Beach by boat via Harrisons Channel.
Bastion Point
A sunrise and sunset over Bastion Point will never disappoint. This is Mallacoota’s main swimming beach, patrolled during summer school holidays. To access the supervised swimming area, simply head from the stairs to the first viewing platform, and take in the expanse of the open ocean. Bastion Point overlooks NSW’s border, and Gabo and Tullaburga Islands. Visitors craving for even more sweeping vistas, head to the second and third platforms at the base of the rock walls, and get a glimpse of Bastion Point itself. Both platforms come with a set of steps leading onto the beach, towards the stretch of sand extending to Betka Beach, past Tip Beach and Davis Creek.
At Bastion Point, you’ll find the ocean access boat ramp, toilets at the main car park, and a rinse-off shower near the first lookout.
Bastion Point is a short walk from town via Betka Road and is also reachable through the bush along the Pittosporum Walk. This beach can be busy over the summer months, especially with families, so drive carefully.
Shipwreck Creek
The delightful Shipwreck Creek, on the shores of the Croajingolong National Park, is the site of a small but popular camping area. Although access is via a dirt road, it can be reached by 2WD along the Betka Track from Mallacoota, or on foot along the Coastal Walking Track. Shipwreck Creek, which flows as a shallow stream across the northern end of the wide, 350 m long sandy beach, is only a short walk from the car park. Picnic area, BBQs and toilets are available at the day visitor area.
