Getting to this gem of a spot in the Murramarang National Park is your reward for exploring one of the most scenic nature reserves on the South Coast of New South Wales.
Kangaroos and campers alike love Pebbly Beach for the calm haven it provides. Clear blue waters and good breaks make surfing attractive during the warmer months, but there is more to do here.
Swimming and body boarding is fun on a calm, hot day. Note that this small beach isn’t patrolled by surf life savers, so check the conditions before swimming or surfing and stay near the shore.
Severals trails lead from the beach into the national park. One is the Pebbly Beach to Snake Bay walking track, a relatively easy 3.5-mile (5.6-kilometer) hike with sweeping coastal views, hidden caves and picturesque beaches. Or, try the steep trail to Durras Mountain for panoramic coastal views. Allow at least 4 hours for the return trip and carry plenty of drinking water.
The banksias, coastal rosemary and lomandra form a colorful backdrop to Pebbly Beach. Stay until dusk for a chance to see the resident kangaroos emerge from the forest to graze the grassy lawns. The story that kangaroos surf the waves here is persistent, but is actually a myth. Even so, kangaroos can often be seen hopping along the beach. These friendly marsupials are used to humans getting close up, which means you can even pet them.
Pebbly Beach is flanked by Depot Beach to the south and Pretty Beach to the north and in between lies a sprawling forest, so you could spend days discovering this area without getting bored.
Reach Pebbly Beach in just 15 minutes by car from the Princess Highway, which hugs the East Coast of Australia. For the final stretch through the national park, vehicle entry fees do apply if you haven’t got a NSW National Parks pass. Pay through the website of the National Parks and Wildlife Service or upon entering the park.
The beach is just east of Canberra, which is another 2 hours from the highway. Being just a small detour, a visit to Pebbly Beach is a great way to break up a long road trip to either Queensland or Victoria.
