Wimbie Beach is a perfect playground for kids, dogs and those seeking a laid-back beach experience. Photo: Supplied.
Have you heard of Wimbie Beach? It’s a small piece of South Coast paradise that’s almost certain to be free of crowds and is child and dog-friendly. It’s a great spot to explore the pristine bushland nearby, find yourself a deserted part of the beach, relax with a picnic on the expansive grassed area, launch your kayak or just kick back and enjoy the serenity.
If you’ve spent time in the Batemans Bay area, you probably know about Surf Beach. It’s where the big waves are, and the beach, which is patrolled in summer, is popular with holidaymakers.
The only downside? It can get crowded during peak periods.
Fortunately, one beach along is Eurobodalla’s hidden gems, Wimbie Beach, where the waves are small, dogs are welcome on a time-share basis, and some fabulous walks are right nearby.
There’s a small sheltered picnic area and the big waves of Surf Beach are practically around the corner.
Why you’ll love it
- It’s quiet and peaceful at most times of the year so you won’t see the crowds or have to share the beach with too many people.
- There are trees for shade and expansive grassed areas at the reserve behind the beach – the perfect spot to catch up on your summer reading or switch off and watch the world go by.
- It’s an off-leash time share area, so your furry friends are welcome. Check access times before you go as these change throughout the year.
- It’s an excellent spot for kayaking or just floating around on inflatable pool float toys because the waves are minimal and most of the time, gently lap at the sand.
- There are often dolphins frolicking in the bay and it’s easy to spot them and enjoy their antics.
- You can take a short stroll to tracks that deliver panoramic clifftop views. At the southern end of the beach there are two walking tracks – one is a steep one up to the top of a cliff but while it’s hard work, it only takes a few minutes to get to the top. The views when you get there are worth it, and there are plenty of places where you can to relax with a picnic or just take in the views. We’ve seen the resident dolphins put on a show from several vantage points and we’re told it’s an excellent whale watching area during migration season. Just remember to wear sturdy walking shoes.
- The other walk from the southern end of the beach is an easy flat path that will take you along the coast and is an easy way to enjoy the scenery, including some impressive rock formations.
- It’s also an easy walk along the beach from Wimbie north to Surf Beach (which is also where you’ll find public toilets and shops) and further along to Denham’s Beach. Also at Surf Beach are shops with a supermarket, restaurants and most things you’ll need if you stay for a beach holiday.
Child-friendly waves at Wimbie Beach. Photo: Supplied.
Getting there
Getting to Wimbie Beach from Canberra takes only a couple of hours heading east on the Kings Highway. The scenic road passes through farmlands, forests and mountain ranges via Queanbeyan, Bungendore, Braidwood, Clyde Mountain and Nelligen before turning onto the Princes Highway and travelling south to the heart of Batemans Bay.
Oncee in Batemans Bay, turn left from the Princes Highway onto Beach Road, which will take you along the coast. Right after Surf Beach, you have a choice of two streets on the left that will both take you to Wimbie Beach – either Wimbie Street or Newth Place. Head to the end of either of these and you’ll find a small carpark and see the beach ahead.
View from the southern end of Wimbie Beach, looking over Wimbie Creek towards Denhams Beach. Photo: Supplied.
Wimbie Creek flows out on to Wimbie Beach and sometimes in the warmer months, small creeks and lagoons like Wimbie Creek can generate a temporary but unpleasant smell, which Eurobodalla Council says is a nuisance but unlikely to cause problems – but don’t let that stop you enjoying the area.
As reported in the Narooma Post, the smell is “entirely natural and temporary, and one of the few downsides of living in close proximity to our beautiful waterways.”
Key details
- Duration: Just over two hours’ drive from the Canberra CBD.
- Distance from Canberra: 155km from the centre of town.
- Recommended for: a back-to-basics beach experience that’s just a short stroll or drive from all the facilities you need.
Are there any other hidden gems on the South Coast we should write about? Let us know in the comments.
Loading ...
