I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the Blue Mountains during our two-week road trip in November 2023. The waterfalls were stunning, particularly after recent rain, and seeing the Three Sisters at both sunrise and sunset was a truly unforgettable experience as the sunlight bathed the rock formations in a warm glow. We only managed to see a small portion of what the Blue Mountains have to offer, and I can’t wait to go back and discover more.
During our trip, we made several stops and stayed overnight at a few places, ensuring we could savor each moment without rushing through the journey.
We made a short stop in Broulee to check out the beaches and lookouts on our way to our 3rd nights accommodation.
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
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
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.
Accessibility
Open and accommodating to individuals with access requirements.
Location: Coronation Drive, Broulee NSW 2537 Australia
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Complete Packing List
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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
- NRMA Broulee Holiday park
- BEACHFRONT BLISS / BROULEE
- The Bower At Broulee
- BLISSFUL BEACHFRONT UNIT – Broulee
- Oscar’s at Broulee Beach Luxury Coastal Living
- Sand at Broulee
- Teds at Broulee
- Picture-perfect pet friendly coastal home
- Barlings Beach Holiday Park
- Sunrise Road Everything at your fingertips
- Tomakin Tonic
- Barefoot Bungalow
- Beach Haven
- Kinnera Cottage
- Bada Bliss
- Searenity at Tomakin
- The Arthouse at Mossy
- Tomaga Tides
- Tides at Tomakin
- Dunes at Tomakin
- Jenkins Beach House Galwad y mor Call of the Sea
- Sunpatch at Tomakin Beach
- High and Dry Tomakin
- Abode Malua Bay
- Beachfront Malua Bay
- Tranquil Tallawang
Frequently Asked Questions
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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Narooma Part 3: Coastal Gem of Eurobodalla
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