Disconnect at Pebbly Beach (Only You and the Roos!)

If you’re looking for a quiet escape along the South Coast of NSW, Pebbly Beach could be just what the doctor ordered. An isolated campsite with good surf, great walks, a beautiful beach, made even better when you only have to share it with the resident roos and native wildlife.

Highlights

• The tamest kangaroos you’ll ever meet in the wild
• Stargazing!
• Hiking trails for all fitness levels along the coast
• The feeling of pure isolation, including lack of phone reception, yet being just 20mins drive from Bateman’s Bay for the essentials (coffee!)

Note: Pebbly Beach was damaged in the recent bushfires and some areas, including walks and the campground, have been closed. Check the National Park’s website for the most up to date information.

The Lowdown

My idea of the perfect way to spend my birthday is to go somewhere beautiful, unplug and just chill in nature with my girl. This year, we chose Pebbly Beach on the NSW South Coast – only 20 mins drive from Bateman’s Bay, yet so secluded.

Kangaroos on Pebbly Beach

Pebbly Beach is renowned for its extremely tame kangaroo population – you can literally stroke their lovely fur while they laze in the sun on the beach. These roos have it good!

For the animal lover, there is plenty of bird life too – I lost count of the number of species I saw on the first day! Lyrebirds, little scrub wrens and soaring sea eagles to name a few.

Keen surfers should definitely throw in a board or two. The waves weren’t amazing while I was there, but to get up with the sun and surf for a couple of hours each morning, was just what I needed. I was the only one in the water (and this was on a long weekend).

There is a walking trail heading north along the coast. Walk an easy 10 mins to the next little bay (where the surf is actually pretty good too) or truck along for hours.

When it finally comes time to leave, make sure not to rush on the way back out to the highway – the road to Pebbly Beach goes through some of the most stunning lush forest, it feels almost prehistoric.

Camping at Pebbly Beach

There’s a pretty great campground at Pebbly Beach. It’s recently shifted to online bookings, so you’ll need to hop onto the NSW Parks website to reserve a spot. There are basic amenities at the campground, and limited phone reception, so you’ll need to be fairly self-sufficient.

There’s room at the campground for tents, caravans, and motorhomes, so pack light or pack it all.

Looking for a perfect day on the South Coast?

Essential Gear

• Everything you’ll need for self-sufficient, no power camping
• Water, food
• Firewood
• Solar shower if you need it — cold showers only
• Vans/caravans/tents catered for, cabins available
• Surfboard
• Hiking gear
• Camera

How To Get There

Take the Princes Highway to Mount Agony Road and follow it to Pebbly Beach campground.
It’s about a 4 hour drive from Sydney and 30 minutes north of Batemans Bay.

Activities

• Watching the wildlife
• Surfing/swimming/ocean sports
• Beachcombing and exploring the rockpools
• Hiking
• Photography
• Camping
• Escaping civilisation

Skill Level

Beginner