5 Best Beaches in Sussex Inlet, NSW: A Complete Coastal Guide
Looking for the best beaches in Sussex Inlet? This charming coastal destination on the NSW South Coast is surrounded by beautiful sandy shores, sheltered lagoons and scenic waterways. From the rolling surf of Cudmirrah Beach to the peaceful surroundings of Berrara Lagoon, the area offers plenty of opportunities for swimming, surfing, beach walks and family-friendly adventures.
Located in the Shoalhaven region, approximately three hours’ drive from Sydney and Canberra, Sussex Inlet is an ideal destination for a relaxing beach holiday. Whether you’re travelling with children, exploring with your partner or simply looking for somewhere to unwind, these five beaches are worth discovering during your stay.
Which Sussex Inlet Beach Is Best for You?
Each beach around Sussex Inlet offers a different experience. The best choice depends on whether you’re planning a family outing, searching for surf or simply looking for somewhere peaceful to enjoy the coast.
| Beach | Best for | Key highlight |
| Cudmirrah Beach | Surfers and beach walkers | Long sandy shoreline and surf breaks |
| Berrara Beach | Families and nature lovers | Ocean beach and nearby tidal lagoon |
| Sussex Inlet Entrance Beach | Fishing and photography | Scenic sandbanks and inlet views |
| Kirby’s Beach | Quiet coastal exploration | Rock platforms and fishing spots |
| Cudmirrah Nature Reserve Beach | Adventurous travellers | Secluded scenery and Mermaid Pools |
For a classic South Coast beach day, Cudmirrah Beach is a convenient starting point, particularly during the summer patrol season.
Families interested in combining beach activities with sheltered waterways may prefer Berrara Beach and its nearby lagoon, while visitors seeking quieter natural scenery can explore Kirby’s Beach or Cudmirrah Nature Reserve Beach.
1. Cudmirrah Beach – Best for Surfing, Coastal Walks and Beach Lovers
Cudmirrah Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Sussex Inlet, known for its expansive sandy shoreline, rolling waves and beautiful coastal scenery.
Stretching approximately three kilometres from the Sussex Inlet entrance to Cudmirrah village, the beach is backed by natural sand dunes separating Swan Lake from the Pacific Ocean. Its consistent beach breaks make it a favourite among surfers, while the long stretch of sand is ideal for leisurely walks and coastal photography.
The beach is also home to Sussex Inlet Surf Life Saving Club, which provides a convenient access point and seasonal lifesaving patrols. Families can enjoy picnics and beach activities along the shore, while experienced surfers can explore suitable breaks when conditions allow.
Visitors travelling with dogs can enjoy walks along permitted sections of the beach, provided they follow local council regulations. Dog access and off-leash rules vary by location, so check the signs before heading onto the sand.
Information:
- Location: Pacificana Drive, Sussex Inlet NSW 2540.
- Cost: Free.
- Best for: Surfing, long beach walks, photography and coastal relaxation.
- Good to know: Cudmirrah Beach is exposed to ocean swell and rip currents. Always swim between the red and yellow flags when lifesavers are on patrol.
2. Berrara Beach – Best for Families, Lagoon Activities and Scenic Beaches
For visitors seeking a quieter coastal atmosphere, Berrara Beach offers a beautiful combination of ocean scenery, rocky reefs and nearby sheltered waterways.
Located in the peaceful village of Berrara, this sandy beach stretches between two natural rock reefs. The surrounding coastal vegetation and relatively undeveloped setting create a relaxed environment, making it an appealing alternative to busier beaches.
The northern reef can sometimes provide protection from ocean swell, creating more suitable conditions for swimming. However, conditions change with the tides, wind and surf, so visitors should always assess the water before entering.
One of Berrara’s biggest attractions is nearby Berrara Lagoon, a tidal waterway surrounded by natural bushland. Its sheltered sections are popular with families for paddling and enjoying the water when conditions are suitable.
Visitors can also explore Berrara Creek by kayak or spend time walking along the shoreline. The combination of ocean beach and lagoon makes this area especially attractive for families wanting a variety of coastal experiences in one location.
Information:
- Location: Berrara Road, Berrara NSW 2540. Lagoon access is also available around Lakeland Avenue.
- Cost: Free.
- Best for: Family beach outings, surfing, lagoon activities and scenic walks.
- Facilities: Parking, picnic areas and public toilets.
- Good to know: Berrara Beach is unpatrolled. The lagoon may appear calmer than the ocean, but currents can develop near its opening, particularly when the tide is changing.
3. Sussex Inlet Entrance Beach – Best for Sandbanks, Fishing and Waterfront Views
Sussex Inlet Entrance Beach offers a different experience from the exposed surf beaches nearby. Situated where the Sussex Inlet waterway meets the Pacific Ocean, the area features small sandy beaches, shifting sandbanks and picturesque views across the inlet.
The seven-kilometre waterway connects St Georges Basin with the ocean, creating a unique landscape where sheltered inland waters meet the open sea. At lower tides, exposed sandbanks can provide interesting opportunities for coastal photography and observing the changing shoreline.
The area is also popular with recreational fishers, who can enjoy the scenic surroundings while casting a line from suitable shore locations.
Families may find sheltered sections farther along the inlet more appealing for gentle paddling when conditions are safe. However, the ocean entrance itself requires particular caution, as strong tidal currents can develop even when the surface appears calm.
For visitors who enjoy peaceful coastal walks, Sussex Inlet Entrance Beach is a lovely place to experience the natural beauty of the waterway without venturing far from town.
Information:
- Location: Sussex Inlet Entrance Beach, accessible from the Lakehaven Drive area, Sussex Inlet NSW 2540.
- Cost: Free.
- Best for: Fishing, sandbank photography, waterfront walks and exploring the inlet.
- Good to know: Strong tidal currents make swimming near the ocean entrance hazardous. Sandbanks and shallow-looking water should not be assumed safe, particularly for young children.
4. Kirby’s Beach – Best for Fishing, Rock Pools and Quiet Coastal Exploration
Kirby’s Beach is a lesser-known coastal destination near Berrara, offering a quieter alternative for visitors interested in exploring the natural shoreline.
Accessible from the eastern end of Pope Avenue, the beach is surrounded by coastal vegetation and rocky formations. Its relatively secluded setting makes it appealing to visitors who enjoy beach walks, photography and discovering less-developed sections of the NSW South Coast.
The nearby headland and rock platforms are particularly interesting at low tide, when visitors may be able to observe natural rock pools, coastal formations and marine life.
Kirby’s Beach is also recognised locally as a fishing location, with opportunities for beach and rock fishing where conditions are suitable.
For those who enjoy exploring on foot, the surrounding coastline connects with walking routes towards Berrara and The Cove. Some rock platforms can only be negotiated at very low tide, making careful planning essential.
Information:
- Location: Eastern end of Pope Avenue, Berrara NSW 2540.
- Cost: Free.
- Best for: Beach fishing, rock pool exploration, photography and peaceful coastal walks.
- Good to know: Kirby’s Beach is unpatrolled. Avoid exposed rock platforms when waves are breaking over them, and never turn your back on the ocean.
5. Cudmirrah Nature Reserve Beach – Best for Secluded Beaches and Natural Scenery
For travellers looking to discover a more secluded stretch of coastline, Cudmirrah Nature Reserve Beach offers a rewarding outdoor adventure.
Also known as Berrara South, this remote beach is backed by largely undisturbed coastal bushland, creating a peaceful setting away from the more accessible beaches around Sussex Inlet.
Unlike the other beaches on this list, reaching Cudmirrah Nature Reserve Beach requires additional planning. Access involves crossing Berrara Creek by paddling when conditions and tides permit, making it better suited to confident outdoor enthusiasts than visitors looking for a simple family beach outing.
One of the area’s natural highlights is the Berrara Mermaid Pools, a series of rock pools towards the southern end of the beach. The surrounding rock formations and ocean views make this a scenic destination for photography and coastal exploration.
Visitors can also enjoy the natural landscape, where native vegetation, sandy shores and rocky headlands create a particularly beautiful section of the South Coast.
Information:
- Location: Cudmirrah Nature Reserve Beach, accessed from the Berrara Creek area near 22 Berrara Road, Berrara NSW 2540.
- Cost: Free.
- Best for: Secluded coastal exploration, photography, nature lovers and experienced walkers.
- Good to know: Access depends on safe creek-crossing conditions. Rock pools can be affected by dangerous waves and surges, so avoid entering them when the ocean is rough.
Tips for Visiting Beaches Around Sussex Inlet
Before heading out to explore the beaches around Sussex Inlet, a little preparation can make your coastal experience safer and more enjoyable:
- Choose patrolled beaches: Cudmirrah Beach offers seasonal lifesaving patrols. Always swim between the red and yellow flags when patrols are operating.
- Check tides and surf conditions: Water levels and currents can change quickly around the Sussex Inlet entrance, Berrara Lagoon and exposed rock platforms.
- Plan for family safety: Sheltered waterways may offer gentler conditions than ocean beaches, but children should always be closely supervised near water.
- Follow pet access rules: Dogs are permitted in designated areas subject to local council regulations. Check current signage for leash requirements and restrictions.
- Respect the coastal environment: Stay on designated access paths, take rubbish with you and leave shells, fossils and marine life undisturbed in protected areas.
For more coastal adventures, explore our guide to the best things to do in Sussex Inlet, including boating, fishing, paddleboarding and local dining.
Find Your Perfect Sussex Inlet Beach Accommodation with South Coast Holidays
Exploring the beautiful beaches of Sussex Inlet is even more enjoyable when you have a comfortable holiday home to return to after a day by the water. Whether you’re planning a family beach holiday, a romantic coastal escape or a getaway with friends, choosing accommodation in the right location gives you more freedom to enjoy your stay.
South Coast Holidays offers a collection of holiday homes across Sussex Inlet and the surrounding NSW South Coast. From waterfront stays to spacious family-friendly properties, guests can explore accommodation options suited to different group sizes and holiday styles.
Staying in Sussex Inlet provides a convenient base for visiting Cudmirrah Beach, Berrara Lagoon and the surrounding coastal attractions. After a morning of swimming, surfing or exploring the shoreline, you can return to your holiday home to prepare a meal, relax with family or enjoy a peaceful evening.
Explore our Sussex Inlet holiday accommodation and find the perfect place to stay for your next South Coast beach getaway.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sussex Inlet Beaches
What is the best beach in Sussex Inlet for families?
Berrara Beach is a popular option for families because of its natural surroundings and proximity to Berrara Lagoon, where sheltered sections may offer opportunities for paddling when conditions are suitable. Cudmirrah Beach is another option during patrol hours, when families can swim between the red and yellow flags.
Can you swim at Sussex Inlet Entrance Beach?
Some sheltered sections farther along Sussex Inlet can be suitable for swimming or paddling under appropriate conditions. However, strong tidal currents near the ocean entrance create significant hazards, so visitors should avoid swimming close to the entrance itself.
Which Sussex Inlet beaches are dog-friendly?
Dogs are permitted in certain areas around Cudmirrah Beach, subject to council regulations and leash requirements. The Swan Lake Ski Beach area also has designated off-leash times. Always check the latest Shoalhaven City Council rules and local signage before visiting with your pet.
Are there quiet beaches near Sussex Inlet?
Yes. Kirby’s Beach and Cudmirrah Nature Reserve Beach offer relatively secluded surroundings compared with the more accessible Cudmirrah Beach. Both are particularly appealing to visitors who enjoy coastal walks and natural scenery.
Is Cudmirrah Beach good for surfing?
Yes. Cudmirrah Beach is well known for its beach breaks, attracting surfers throughout the year. However, the exposed coastline can develop strong rip currents, so surfers should assess the conditions and their experience level before entering the water.
When is the best time to visit Sussex Inlet beaches?
Summer, from December to February, is popular for beach holidays, swimming and water activities. Autumn and spring can offer pleasant conditions for coastal walks and quieter getaways. Regardless of the season, always check the weather, tides and surf conditions before visiting.
