My partner and I did a two week road trip from Melbourne to the Blue Mountains in New South Wales last year in November 2023. We had been saying for 15 years that we wanted to see the Blue Mountains, but it was never the right time, things would come up that stopped us from going like not enough money, bushfires and floods in New South Wales.
We made a short stop in Broulee to check out the beaches and lookouts on our way to our 3rd nights accommodation.
I haven’t visited the locations without photos yet, but I’ll update my post with pictures and details as soon as I do.
Welcome to Broulee, where pristine beaches meet lush coastal landscapes. I invite you to explore our hidden gem nestled on the New South Wales South Coast. Broulee captivates with its tranquil ambiance, offering a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle. With North and South Broulee beaches beckoning, along with the enchanting Broulee Island Nature Reserve, there’s adventure at every turn. Whether you’re chasing waves, embarking on scenic walks, or simply soaking in the breathtaking vistas, Broulee promises unforgettable moments amidst nature’s embrace. Join me as we uncover the beauty and charm of this coastal paradise together.
Broulee
Getting to Broulee
Reaching Broulee involves approximately a four-hour journey by car from Sydney and slightly over two hours if departing from Canberra. The locale is conveniently situated less than 20 minutes by car from Batemans Bay. For those preferring to fly, Moruya Airport offers a nearby alternative, only 10 minutes away, where car rental options are available for regional exploration. Positioned 5km from the center of Moruya, airport taxis are readily accessible for the brief journey southwest. Car hire services at the airport also enable visitors to independently navigate the Eurobodalla area at their leisure. Regional Express provides direct flight services from Sydney to Moruya on five days a week, with the return journey including a stopover in Merimbula.
Broulee Lookout
This lookout offers convenient walking and driving access right up to its entrance. However, there are no toilet facilities or BBQs available.
Address: Wirrunna St and Albert St, Broulee NSW 2537
I opt for these sneakers for walks like these; they’re available in various colors, but the White 130 is my favorite as it complements any outfit I wear. Find it here on Amazon
South Broulee Beach
South Broulee Beach, located in a serene coastal village on the NSW South Coast, offers a peaceful getaway. Managed by the Broulee South Surf Life Saving Club, it ensures visitor safety with regular patrols, including during summer holidays and weekends until Anzac Day. Accessible amenities such as beach wheelchairs, accessible bathrooms, and designated parking make it inclusive for all. Mobility mats during summer holidays further enhance accessibility.
Nestled in a tranquil coastal village on the NSW South Coast, South Broulee Beach offers a serene escape. It’s situated near a camping site, providing a perfect backdrop for a peaceful beach getaway.
Accessibility Features
- Beach Wheelchair Availability
- Accessible Bathroom Facilities
- Designated Accessible Parking
- During the summer school holidays up to Australia Day and then on weekends until Anzac Day, the beach is monitored daily by patrols.
- For the duration of the summer holidays, mobility mats are available on the beach while patrols are active, enhancing accessibility.
Location: South Broulee, NSW, 2537
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My sister introduced me to this hiking sandal brand; they’re incredibly comfortable, and she mentioned hers lasted nearly a decade. Find out more on Amazon
Whenever I head to the beach, I make sure to bring along my beach tent for some shade against the scorching sun. Discover it on Amazon
This game is enjoyable to play during a full day at the beach. Find on Amazon
I really appreciate these water shoes—they give me confidence while walking in the river by protecting my feet from unseen objects. Discover them on Amazon
North Broulee Beach
Located 20 kilometres south of Batemans Bay, Broulee features a long, expansive beach sheltered by Broulee Island. It’s a popular spot among tourists and a perfect destination for families.
Broulee offers excellent fishing, as well as top-notch diving and snorkeling opportunities. The surf here is among the best on the South Coast, making it a hit with surf enthusiasts. The beach’s protection and gentle slope into the water make it a safe and preferred choice for families. Additionally, visitors can explore Broulee Island, a nature reserve that boasts spectacular coastal views.
Broulee Beach is open to dogs, allowing your furry companions to enjoy the sand and surf any time of day. At Broulee Surf School and Surf the Bay Surf School, you can take lessons in surfing or stand-up paddleboarding. Alternatively, you can rent a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and venture out to explore the nearby rivers and creeks around Broulee. The clear aquamarine waters offer excellent visibility, providing glimpses of large spotted stingrays, soldier crabs, eagle rays, and a diverse range of birdlife.
To organize all my beach essentials, I use a beach bag. You can find one available on Amazon.
I make sure to bring a cozy rain jacket since it can get quite cold during autumn, winter, and spring. I enjoy watching the sunset, but it can be freezing while waiting for it to descend. Find one easily on Amazon Women Amazon Men
Accessibility
Open and accommodating to individuals with access requirements.
Location: Coronation Drive, Broulee NSW 2537 Australia
I always bring my beach chairs for a comfortable seat in the sand. You can find them available on Amazon.
I rely on this mosquito spray outdoors, especially near water, as mosquitoes are drawn to it. Perfect for deterring insects. Discover it on..Amazon
I always bring along a boogie board to ride the waves. You can find one available on Amazon.
For added sun protection, I suggest opting for a beach umbrella. You can easily find one on Amazon.
I bring a beach mat for comfortable seating. You can find one available on Amazon.
Explore The Great Outdoors
Nestled in the Eurobodalla region on the NSW South Coast, Broulee village is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. This tranquil location boasts pristine waters, vibrant marine ecosystems, and a laid-back atmosphere. Positioned between Mossy Point to the north and Broulee Island to the south, its extensive beach is surrounded by natural bushland and features mild surf conditions.
During autumn, winter, and spring, the coastal weather can get chilly, so I make sure to bring my beanie as a precaution. You can easily find one on Amazon Men Amazon Women
When I’m near the coast, I make sure to have warm gloves with me as it tends to be colder by the ocean. You can find them available on Amazon. for women and men.
Activities to Enjoy
Touring the Broulee Island Reserve should be at the top of your list when you visit. Linked to the mainland by a permanent sandbar, the 4km circuit showcases stunning views, indigenous flora, and marine avian species. It’s also a prime spot for whale watching from May to November and offers great surfing at Pinks Point. Start your walk north from the Broulee Surf Club or head south along North Broulee Beach.
Broulee Beach welcomes dogs at any time of the day. For those looking to catch some waves, Broulee Surf School and Surf the Bay Surf School provide surfing and stand-up paddleboarding lessons. Alternatively, rent a SUP and venture into the surrounding rivers and creeks. The waters around Broulee are crystal clear, perfect for spotting large spotted stingrays, soldier crabs, eagle rays, and diverse birdlife.
Broulee Island Nature Reserve Walk
Broulee Island, permanently connected to the mainland via a sandbar, is always reachable. It’s located at North Broulee Beach’s southern tip or you can start from Broulee Surf Club and go north past the rocks to Shark Bay. From there, a brief stroll on the beach takes you to the island. The site offers stunning views over the ocean and through pristine rock pools, making it a haven for photographers. The trail is lined with native vegetation and is a hotspot for spotting various bird species, including the superb fairy wren and the white-bellied sea eagle.
- Walk Length: 4 kilometers (round trip)
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour, or 2 hours with the beach walk
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Starting Point: Either north from Broulee Surf Club or southward along North Broulee Beach
Accessibility
Not equipped to accommodate individuals with access requirements.
Whenever I go to the beach, I bring sand toys like a bucket and shovel to build sandcastles. Find on Amazon
Things To Do In Broulee And Surrounds
Discover an array of activities in Broulee, a classic Australian seaside destination nestled along the southern coast of New South Wales. With its pristine waters, excellent surf breaks, and expansive sandy beaches, Broulee epitomizes the essence of a laid-back beach holiday.
The ambiance is one of carefree relaxation, where children pedal bikes, beach towels adorn decks, and surfboards rest atop roof racks. It’s a place where slipping into a barefoot lifestyle feels natural and immediate.
Situated as the southernmost village among a series of coastal communities spanning between Batemans Bay and Moruya, Broulee enjoys a picturesque location. Its neighboring locales, Mossy Point and Tomakin, embrace a large bay flanked by Long Nose Point to the north and Broulee Island to the south. Each village is bordered by tranquil estuarine inlets and boasts three sheltered beaches: Barlings, Tomakin, and Broulee.
In Australia, prolonged sun exposure can cause sunburn easily. Hence, I make sure to have a hat and sunscreen with me at all times. Find it here on Amazon hat, Amazon sunscreen.
Surfing:
Broulee is a haven for surfers, offering a variety of surf beaches catering to all skill levels. North Broulee stands out as an ideal spot for beginners, boasting a sheltered position and a sandy bottom conducive to learning. On the other hand, South Broulee beach presents a more challenging break, attracting intermediate and advanced surfers. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Pink Rocks, located on the northern side of Broulee Island, promises exhilarating waves, especially on big swell days.
I rely on a beach wagon to transport my beach tent, umbrella, cooler, and other essentials. You can locate one available on Amazon
Scenic Walks:
Take a scenic stroll starting from the lookout at Broulee Headland, where you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the ocean, town, coastline, and hinterland. The expansive rock platform at the foot of the headland offers safe exploration opportunities. During spring, this spot offers close encounters with migrating whales, providing a boat-free whale watching experience. Follow the platform around to discover a serene sheltered beach and the sand-spit leading to Broulee Island Nature Reserve. Explore the island’s hidden treasures, including the remnants of a hotel and a sea port railway, now engulfed by native bush and frequented by diverse birdlife, offering an immersive experience in a stunning coastal environment.
This first aid pack is ideal for extended hikes and overnight stays in the wilderness, equipped with a torch, camping knife, fire starter, light stick, wire saw, and a Paracord bracelet featuring a fire scrapper, whistle, and compass. Check them out on Amazon
This first aid pack is ideal for extended hikes and overnight stays in the wilderness, equipped with a torch, camping knife, fire starter, light stick, wire saw, and a Paracord bracelet featuring a fire scrapper, whistle, and compass. Check them out on Amazon
History of Broulee:
Broulee holds a significant place in the history of the Eurobodalla region, being the first port in the area and hosting a brief settlement on the island. Ships sought refuge in the sheltered waters near Broulee Island, facilitating cargo transfer across the beach. Moreover, it served as the location for the district’s inaugural court proceedings.
Established officially in 1837, land sales commenced three years later in 1840, coinciding with the onset of farming activities. By 1841, it became the hub of a police district spanning from Jervis Bay to Eden.
Captain Oldrey erected the region’s pioneering hotel, Erin-Go-Bragh, situated at the northern tip of Broulee Island, marking a milestone in the Far South Coast’s hospitality sector.
As Moruya emerged as a prominent port, Broulee gradually declined, leaving behind scant remnants of its former prominence. The court and Erin-Go-Bragh Hotel relocated to Moruya by 1859, with Broulee experiencing effective abandonment by 1892. During this period, shell grit extraction from the island for cement production became a notable activity.
In 1926, Broulee experienced a resurgence in popularity among holidaymakers, prompting land purchases and the construction of holiday cottages. The Eurobodalla Shire Council assumed ownership of all Broulee Island land in 1964, subsequently declaring it a Nature Reserve in 1972.
Broulee Island Nature Reserve:
Broulee Island, accessible year-round via a permanent sandbar, can be reached from North Broulee Beach’s southern end or by parking at Broulee Surf Club and heading north around the rocks to Shark Bay, then strolling briefly along the beach to the island.
Spanning about 42 hectares, the island features diverse vegetation, including mangroves and an open forest dominated by southern mahogany trees, with scattered rainforest species in some areas.
With historical significance to Aboriginal communities, the island and its surroundings once supported a short-lived settlement. Remnants of this history, including Aboriginal middens and traces of the island’s former hotel, a grave, and a jetty, can still be seen.
For photographers, the island offers captivating ocean views and pristine rock pools. The island walk is renowned for its native flora and abundant birdlife, such as the superb fairy wren and white-bellied sea eagle.
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Kayak and Cycling
Rent a kayak from Region X located by the Tomaga River in Mossy Point and embark on an adventure through the tranquil estuary. For cyclists, consider hiring a bike to journey along the North Head to Mossy Point Cycleway, a level pathway that meanders beside the dunes at Bengello Beach. As you ride, observe the surfers in action and keep a lookout for wildlife such as kangaroos, echidnas, wallabies, or goannas.
This backpack is ideal for walks to store water bottle, sunscreen and is lightweight. Check on Amazon
Broulee, North Head to Mossy Point Cycleway
The Broulee to Mossy Point Cycleway offers a flat, scenic route with shared pathways and on-road riding. Start at Heath Street near the Surf Club or any other convenient point.
Heading south, you’ll ride past Bengello Beach, known for surfing and wildlife sightings like kangaroos and wallabies. At the end, thrill-seekers can enjoy skydiving near the airport.
As you head north again, stop at Mossy Point for a break before continuing past Broulee Beach. Don’t miss the lookout near the car park for great photo opportunities.
Accessibility: We warmly welcome individuals with access needs and strive to ensure their comfort and inclusion.
Location: Heath Street Broulee NSW 2537 Australia
Broulee Tours and Activities:
- Region X
- Surf The Bay Surf School
- Broulee Surf School
- Mogo Wildlife Park
- Moruya Country Market
- Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden
- Montague Island
- Crank It Up Batemans Bay Festival
- Questacon – National Science and Technology Centre
- Hyams Beach
- Malua Bay Beach
- Bar Rock Lookout and Australia Rock
- Cupitt’s Estate
- Mount Ainslie Lookout
- National Zoo & Aquarium
- National Gallery of Australia
- SAGE Farmers Market
Places To Get Food
Accommodation
- River Haven Tourist Park
- Makai Barlings Beach
- Barlings Beach Holiday Park – Tomakin
- The Oaks Ranch Mossy Point
- NRMA Broulee Holiday Park
- The Lodge Broulee
- Bower At Broulee
- Ingenia Holidays Tomakin
Packing suggestions for Broulee
Warm Gloves: When I’m near the coast, I make sure to have warm gloves with me as it tends to be colder by the ocean. You can find them available on Amazon. for women and. men.
Water Shoes: I really appreciate these water shoes—they give me confidence while walking in the river by protecting my feet from unseen objects. Discover them on Amazon
Warm Jacket: I make sure to bring a cozy rain jacket since it can get quite cold during autumn, winter, and spring. I enjoy watching the sunset, but it can be freezing while waiting for it to descend. Find one easily on Amazon Women Amazon Men
Beanie: During autumn, winter, and spring, the coastal weather can get chilly, so I make sure to bring my beanie as a precaution. You can easily find one on Amazon Men Amazon Women
Sneakers: I opt for these sneakers for walks like these; they’re available in various colors, but the White 130 is my favorite as it complements any outfit I wear. Find it here on Amazon
Hiking Sandal: My sister introduced me to this hiking sandal brand; they’re incredibly comfortable, and she mentioned hers lasted nearly a decade. Find out more on Amazon
Sunscreen: With a potent SPF but without the oily sensation of other sunscreens, it’s a game-changer when you’re out in the sun, especially on those active, sunny days! Take a look here on… Amazon
A reliable Rain Jacket: North Face. It’s a must-have in our backpack! This North Face jacket ensures you stay dry while also feeling comfortably warm (unlike many others that can make you feel like you’re in a sauna). Find it here on… Amazon
Mosquitoes Spray: Ideal for repelling mosquitoes and other insects. Explore it on… Amazon
Day Pack: Osprey Talon 22: Ideal for walks to store water bottle, sunscreen and is lightweight. Check on Amazon
Hiking Boots: Merrell Moab: For men and women. Check them out on Amazon
Reusable water bottle: To steer clear of disposable plastic, take a look at them on… Amazon
Sunhat: Aqua Classic represents a technically refined, sun-protective swim fabric resistant to chlorine and saltwater, featuring a modest 4-way stretch. It’s lightweight, quick-drying, and exceptionally comfortable. Check them out on Amazon Amazon This one is waterproof and is for both women and men Amazon
Band Aid: I always carry a pack of band aid when walking for blisters and cuts. Check them out on Amazon
Nikon Coolpix P950 Camera: This camera is my go-to for capturing photos and shooting 4K videos of wildlife. Check them out on Amazon
Nikon Coolpix P950 Camera Bundle: This camera bundle includes Triple Battery + Deco Gear Backpack Bag Case + Filter Kit + Photo Video Software and Accessories, all with the same camera model. Check them out on Amazon
Compact Camera: The Sony DSC-HX99 is a versatile and powerful compact camera. With its 18.2 MP sensor and a remarkable 24-720mm zoom range, capturing both wide-angle landscapes and distant subjects is effortless. Its 4K video capability ensures stunning video quality, while the touchpad provides intuitive control. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or a traveler seeking a compact yet feature-rich camera, the DSC-HX99 delivers exceptional performance for capturing high-resolution images and videos in various settings. Check them out on Amazon
Binoculars: The MIQXUAS Night Vision Binoculars offer impressive performance for various activities like stargazing, bird watching, concerts, sports events, sightseeing, and hunting. With a 60X60 magnification power and a range of up to 10,000 meters, these binoculars deliver excellent clarity and detailed visuals. The waterproof design ensures durability and reliability in various weather conditions.
Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, these binoculars provide a clear view even in low-light environments. However, while they offer night vision capabilities, the quality might not match higher-end specialized night vision devices. The included carrying bag adds convenience for portability.
Overall, these binoculars are a solid choice for multiple outdoor activities, offering good value for their price point. Check them out on Amazon
First Aid Kit: This tool is ideal for extended hikes and overnight stays in the wilderness, equipped with a torch, camping knife, fire starter, light stick, wire saw, and a Paracord bracelet featuring a fire scrapper, whistle, and compass. Check them out on Amazon
First Aid Kit: I opt for this one during short hikes, as it’s smaller and fits more comfortably in my backpack. Check them out on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions About Broulee?
What is in broulee?
Here are the top attractions in Broulee:
- Broulee Beach: Enjoy the pristine coastline.
- Broulee Island Walk: Explore coastal trails.
- Broulee Yoga Shed: Experience yoga retreats.
- Surf the Bay Surf School: Learn surfing skills.
- Broulee Surf School: Master the waves.
- VoiceMap Broulee: Guided audio tours for an immersive experience.
Is Broulee Beach patrolled?
Dedicated volunteers, donning red and yellow attire, safeguard beachgoers during the summer season. Broulee Surfers SLSC ensures a watchful presence every weekend and public holiday from September to April annually.
Is Broulee Beach good for swimming?
Broulee Beach offers a picturesque and welcoming setting, with gentle waters for swimming and ample sandy space for beach fun. Adjacent, Broulee Island Nature Reserve presents scenic trails and stunning coastal panoramas, inviting visitors to explore nature firsthand.
Is the water quality good in Broulee?
Malua Bay, Cookies, South Broulee (Bengello), and Brou Beach ranked highest for water quality in the Eurobodalla, as per the NSW State of the Beach 2022/23 report.
How long does it take to walk around Broulee Island?
Embark on the island walk, a leisurely two-hour stroll starting from a carpark behind the dunes of North Broulee Beach. Locating the carpark is the initial challenge; refer to the map provided.
Where is Broulee Beach?
Located 20 kilometers south of Batemans Bay, Broulee boasts a vast, sheltered beach embraced by Broulee Island, a beloved destination for families and tourists alike.
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