Bawley Point: Beaches, Surf Breaks and Coastal Walks
Accommodation in Bawley Point
Bawley Point is defined by its beaches and coastal activities. Murramarang Beach begins at Malibu Drive in town and stretches south to the mouth of Swan Lake. Murramarang Beach is unpatrolled and can have strong rip currents. The coastal sections differ in their named surf breaks, walks and other activities.
Beaches and Water Sports
Bawley Beach has two surf breaks that attract surfers and bodyboarders year-round. The large southern headland of Bawley Point shelters the beach. Guillotines is another surf break in Bawley Point. It is popular with bodyboarders and shortboarders who prefer shallow, hollow waves. There are also sheltered spots for swimming and snorkelling near Guillotines, where stingrays are found.
Gannet Beach in Bawley Point is suitable for snorkelling and surfing. Swimming, surfing, beach and rock fishing, and exploring rock pools are also popular in the Murramarang Aboriginal Area. Visitors looking to experience the coast through a range of activities will find different options here: surf breaks, sheltered snorkelling spots and rock pools.
Beach Access and Visiting the Area
Dogs are allowed off leash at Cormorant Beach at any time, seven days a week. Check the local signs when you arrive. At low tide, visitors can get from Cormorant Beach to neighbouring Bawley Beach via the northern headland. Conditions at low tide vary, so take the tides into account when planning your visit.
Bawley Point Reserve has a picnic area, a children’s playground and public toilets. As facilities may change, check their current status before your visit. The playground and picnic area are specific features of the reserve; the public toilets add to the facilities available on site.
Coastal Walks and Cultural Sites
The Murramarang Aboriginal Area Walking Track is a 2.2-kilometre coastal walking track. Information signs along the way explain culturally significant Aboriginal sites. This makes the track an option that combines a walk with information about these places. There are also opportunities for leisurely walks and beach games at Murramarang Beach.
The Murramarang Aboriginal Area is near Bawley Point. It protects the largest Aboriginal shell midden on the South Coast. A signposted track there offers panoramic views. These features complement the beaches and surf with another way to experience the coastal landscape and its cultural significance.
Plan a Stay to Suit You
If you’re looking for a hotel in Bawley Point, you can start by considering which coastal activities you want to focus on during your stay. For surfing and bodyboarding, the two surf breaks at Bawley Beach and Guillotines are useful landmarks; for snorkelling, consider Gannet Beach and the sheltered spots near Guillotines. For a walk, try the 2.2-kilometre coastal track or the leisurely paths at Murramarang Beach. This lets you tailor your destination search to your interests without treating the different beach sections and their features as the same.
Discover more destinations: Mollymook, Bewong, Milton, Pyree, Myola, Bangalee, Cambewarra, Culburra Beach.
For the broader travel overview: Shoalhaven City Council.
