Best Beaches from Kiama to Bendalong South Coast NSW
The NSW South Coast has beaches suited to very different types of trips. Some are better for swimming with children and easy beach days, while others are more suitable for surfing, walking, coastal scenery or travelling with pets.
If you are staying around Kiama, Sussex Inlet, Manyana or Bendalong, it usually makes more sense to choose beaches close to your accommodation rather than driving between distant coastal towns. The six beaches below are particularly useful because they combine strong local character with easy access from areas where South Coast Holidays has accommodation.
| Beach | Area | Best for | Why visit |
| Easts Beach | Kiama | Families, swimming, coastal walks | Sheltered from much of the wind and swell and directly connected to the Kiama Coast Walk |
| Werri Beach | Gerringong | Surfing, swimming, longer beach days | Surf breaks, lagoon, ocean pool and nearby Gerringong |
| Cudmirrah Beach | Sussex Inlet | Surfing, beach walks, quieter coastal days | Three-kilometre beach backed by dunes near Swan Lake |
| Berrara Beach | Berrara | Swimming, surfing, quieter beach trips | Reef setting, picnic facilities and a less built-up coastal setting |
| Manyana Beach | Manyana | Surfing, walking, coastal views | Local surf beach stretching towards Green Island |
| Washerwomans Beach | Bendalong | Families, swimming, dogs | Relatively sheltered beach with 24-hour off-leash dog access |
Easts Beach, Kiama
Address: Off Ocean Street, Kiama NSW 2533
Best for: Families, swimming and coastal walks
Cost: Free
Easts Beach sits south of central Kiama between two headlands and is sheltered from much of the wind and swell. Destination Kiama describes it as suitable for bathers of all ages, making it one of the more practical choices around Kiama for a relaxed family beach day.
Another advantage is its position on the Kiama Coast Walk. Families can combine swimming with a shorter coastal walk rather than committing to the entire route. From Easts Beach, the trail continues south through Kiama Heights towards Loves Bay, while the longer southern section eventually reaches Werri Beach.
Why choose Easts Beach: It suits families who want an easy beach day with the option to add a walk or coastal viewpoint without travelling somewhere else.
Werri Beach, Gerringong
Location: Pacific Ave, Werri Beach NSW 2534
Best for: Surfing, swimming and spending several hours by the coast
Cost: Free
Werri Beach stretches between two rocky headlands on the eastern side of Gerringong. It is particularly well known for surfing, with reef breaks around the southern end and additional breaks along the beach. Werri Lagoon sits at the northern end, while an ocean pool provides another swimming option at the southern end.
A bike track runs behind the dunes, and Gerringong’s cafés and shops are nearby, making Werri Beach easier to turn into a half-day or longer outing than a beach with few surrounding facilities.
It is also the southern end of the Kiama Coast Walk. The Loves Bay to Gerringong section is approximately six kilometres and takes around two hours, so stronger walkers can combine the beach with part of the coastal trail.
Why choose Werri Beach: It gives mixed groups more options. Surfers can head for the breaks, swimmers have access to the ocean pool, and other family members can walk, cycle or visit nearby Gerringong.
Cudmirrah Beach, Sussex Inlet
Address: Pacificana Drive, Sussex Inlet NSW 2540.
Best for: Surfing, long beach walks and quieter coastal days
Cost: Free
Cudmirrah Beach runs for approximately three kilometres between Sussex Inlet entrance and Cudmirrah village. It is known for consistent beach breaks and is home to the Sussex Inlet Surf Life Saving Club, which also provides one of the main access points.
Sand dunes separate the beach from nearby Swan Lake, giving visitors access to two different coastal environments within the same area. Swan Lake is also used for canoeing, fishing and other water activities.
For families with children, the long sandy stretch is good for walking and playing, but swimming decisions should always be based on conditions on the day because Cudmirrah is also a recognised surf beach.
Why choose Cudmirrah Beach: It suits visitors staying in Sussex Inlet who want an open-ocean beach rather than spending every day around the canals and waterways.
Berrara Beach, Berrara
Address: Berrara Beach, Berrara NSW 2540
Best for: Quieter beach days, swimming and surfing
Cost: Free
Berrara Beach lies between two rock reefs near the villages of Berrara and Cudmirrah. The northern reef can sometimes provide protection from swell, creating more suitable swimming conditions, while the reef breaks also attract surfers. Families should still check the water conditions before entering, particularly around reef areas.
Compared with larger destination beaches, Berrara has a quieter setting and fewer town-based distractions. It works particularly well for visitors who want to spend several hours by the water and then return to accommodation nearby rather than building the day around shops or attractions.
Why choose Berrara Beach: It is a useful alternative to Cudmirrah if you prefer a smaller beach setting, picnic facilities and the possibility of more protected swimming conditions around the reef.
Manyana Beach, Manyana
Address: 4 The Bulwark, Manyana NSW 2539
Best for: Surfing, beach walks and coastal views
Cost: Free
Manyana Beach runs from Manyana village towards Cunjurong Point and Green Island. The beach consists of a smaller section below Inyadda Point and a larger stretch running approximately 900 metres towards Green Island. It is also a popular local surfing spot.
The northern headland provides views along the coastline, so the area also works well for visitors who prefer walking and sightseeing to spending the whole day swimming.
Manyana is an unpatrolled surf beach with strong currents and ocean rips. Swimming is only recommended when conditions are calm and suitable, or at nearby patrolled beaches. Always check local safety conditions before entering the water.
Why choose Manyana Beach: It is particularly convenient if you are already staying in Manyana. Rather than treating the beach as a day trip, you can visit for a walk, return to the holiday house for lunch and come back later if conditions are suitable.
Washerwomans Beach, Bendalong
Address: 88 North Bendalong Road, Bendalong NSW 2539
Best for: Families, swimming and travelling with a dog
Cost: Free
Washerwomans Beach stretches approximately 840 metres between Dee Beach and Boat Harbour Beach. Its curved shape provides some protection from larger swell, and NSW Government information specifically identifies it as a suitable place to swim and spend time with the family.
It is also a 24-hour off-leash dog beach, making it one of the most useful choices in this guide for families travelling with pets.
Why choose Washerwomans Beach: It combines family-friendly positioning, easy Bendalong access and dog-friendly use in one location.
Where to Stay Near South Coast NSW Beaches
Staying near the beach you plan to use most often can make a significant difference to the trip. It reduces driving, makes shorter morning or afternoon visits easier and lets families return to the property for lunch or a break. South Coast Holidays offers a curated selection of holiday properties across the South Coast, spanning Kiama, Bendalong, Manyana, Sussex Inlet, and the surrounding coastal regions.
Stay Near Easts Beach
| Property | Sleeps | Approx. distance to beach |
| Headland Hideaway | 4 | 500 m to Easts Beach |
| Easts Haven | 6 | 650 m to Easts Beach |
| Kiama Cliff Retreat | 10 | 3 km to Easts Beach |
| The Glenlorne | 10 | 3 km to Easts Beach |
For families who want to spend most of their time around Easts Beach, staying nearby makes it easier to fit beach visits around meals, rest and other activities.
Stay Near Cudmirrah Beach
South Coast Holidays has several properties within a short drive of Cudmirrah and Berrara beaches.
| Property | Sleeps | Approx. distance to the beach |
| Sun N Sea | 8 | 1 km to Cudmirrah Beach |
| Chloes Waterfront Oasis | 4 | 3 km to Cudmirrah Beach |
| The Blue Lagoon | 9 | 4 km to Cudmirrah Beach |
For families prioritizing quick beach access, Sun N Sea is our closest option to Cudmirrah Beach, while our other featured properties offer a great balance between easy beach drives and serene surrounding waterways.
Stay Near Manyana Beach
South Coast Holidays has several properties within easy walking distance of Manyana Beach.
| Property | Sleeps | Approx. distance to beach |
| Manyana Views | 10 | 350 m to Manyana Beach |
| Ebb And Flow | 8 | 450 m to Manyana Beach |
| Lookin Good | 4 | 700 m to Manyana Beach |
For families who plan to spend most of their time around Manyana Beach and Cunjurong Point, staying this close makes short beach visits and returning to the property during the day much easier.
Stay Near Washerwomans Beach
South Coast Holidays has several properties within easy walking distance of Washerwomans Beach.
| Property | Sleeps | Approx. distance to beach |
| Sting Ray Bay | 8 | 200 m to Washerwomans Beach |
| Kia-Ora | 4 | 300 m to Washerwomans Beach |
| Belong At Bendalong | 10 | 600 m to Washerwomans Beach |
For families travelling with children or a dog, staying this close to the beach makes short morning walks and repeat visits much easier.
What to Know Before Visiting South Coast NSW Beaches
Check Swimming and Surf Conditions Before You Go
Conditions can vary significantly between beaches and from one day to the next. Easts Beach and Washerwomans Beach are relatively sheltered options, while Werri Beach, Cudmirrah Beach and Manyana Beach are recognised surf beaches.
Always check local conditions and beach signage before entering the water. Where lifesavers are present, swim between the red and yellow flags.
Check Whether the Beach Is Patrolled
Not every South Coast NSW beach is patrolled year-round, and patrol arrangements can vary by season. If supervised swimming is important, especially when travelling with children, check current patrol information before choosing where to swim.
Take Extra Care Around Reefs and Headlands
Several beaches in this guide have reefs, rock platforms or headlands nearby. These can be slippery and exposed to waves, particularly in rough conditions.
Berrara Beach, for example, sits between two rock reefs, while Werri Beach and Easts Beach are bordered by headlands. Keep children close when exploring these areas.
Check Dog Access Before Visiting
Dog rules differ between beaches. Washerwomans Beach is a 24-hour off-leash dog beach, making it the clearest option in this guide for visitors travelling with a dog. For other beaches, check current council signage and restrictions before allowing your dog off leash.
Choose Beaches Close to Where You Are Staying
The South Coast covers a large area, so choosing beaches near your accommodation can save considerable driving time. Guests staying around Kiama can easily base a trip around Easts Beach, while accommodation in Manyana and Bendalong can place you within walking distance of Manyana Beach or Washerwomans Beach. Around Sussex Inlet, Cudmirrah and Berrara provide nearby ocean-beach options.
This also makes it easier to visit the beach for a few hours, return to your holiday home for lunch or a break, and head back later in the day.
FAQs About South Coast NSW Beaches
Which South Coast NSW beach is best for families?
Easts Beach in Kiama and Washerwomans Beach in Bendalong are two of the more family-friendly options in this guide. Easts Beach is relatively sheltered and suitable for a relaxed beach day, while Washerwomans Beach is also relatively protected from larger swell.
Conditions can still change, so families should check beach conditions and patrol information before swimming.
Which South Coast NSW beaches are best for surfing?
Werri Beach, Cudmirrah Beach and Manyana Beach are the main surfing options covered in this guide. Werri Beach has several surf breaks, Cudmirrah is known for consistent beach breaks, and Manyana is a popular local surfing beach.
Which beach is dog-friendly?
Washerwomans Beach in Bendalong is a 24-hour off-leash dog beach. It is therefore one of the most practical options in this guide for visitors staying on the South Coast with a dog.
What are the best beaches near Kiama?
Easts Beach is a convenient option south of central Kiama for swimming, family beach days and access to the Kiama Coast Walk. Werri Beach in nearby Gerringong is another option if surfing, an ocean pool and a longer coastal outing are priorities.
What beaches are near Sussex Inlet?
Cudmirrah Beach and Berrara Beach are two useful ocean-beach options near Sussex Inlet. Cudmirrah is better suited to surfing, long beach walks and open-ocean scenery, while Berrara offers a smaller and quieter beach setting.
Where can I stay within walking distance of a South Coast NSW beach?
South Coast Holidays has several properties within walking distance of beaches featured in this guide. Examples include Headland Hideaway, around 500 m from Easts Beach; Manyana Views, around 350 m from Manyana Beach; and Kia-Ora, around 550 m from Washerwomans Beach.
