South coast hidden gems: Lovely Lake, Blue Pools and Target Beach are secret swim spots to die for
Find your own piece of paradise and escape the packed beaches We reveal some of the best secret swim spots on the south coast.
The South Coast News
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The south coast has some of the most popular beaches in the state, but where are the secret spots where you can get away from the big holiday crowds?
We reveal some of the south coasts most magical but lesser known swim spots.
NORTH HEAD NATURAL ROCK POOL, BENANDERAH
The idyllic North Head Rock Pool at Benanderah near Batemans Bay is a hidden gem, and while it’s not easy to find, it’s worth the effort.
After navigating your way down the back roads of the scenic Murramarang National Park and a jaunt beneath the bay’s northern headland you’ll find one of the region’s most beautiful natural rock pools.
Snorkel with fish or relax on the rocks and soak up the sun in pure serenity, but check the tide charts as the pool is best a few hours each side of low tide.
The 20 minute drive from Batemans Bay is well worth it. Or if you want to stay closer you can camp at the nearby North Head Campground.
TARGET BEACH, JERVIS BAY
Its sand is the whitest in the world, but mention Jervis Bay and most people will think of Hyams Beach.
Not far away is somewhere just as special but without the crowds. Secluded and peaceful, Target Beach overlooks Point Perpendicular at the northern side of the bay.
The beach is located on the Beecroft Peninsula, and can be reached by a two kilometre walking track winding its way through temperate rainforest.
The beach is great for fishing and is protected from the wind in a nor-easter, and the views are a fantastic reward for completing the walk. Care should be taken when swimming as rips and currents may be present.
MOWARRY BEACH, SOUTH OF EDEN
This beautiful crescent shaped beach within a scenic bay is pristine and protected from the elements.
Surrounded by greenery and lapped by sapphire waters, it is an ideal spot to spot one of the many resident bottle-nosed dolphins.
Inside Ben Boyd National Park, the area behind the beach was once farmland, and has now become a popular spot for kangaroos.
Being one of the south coast‘s only true north-facing beaches means it catches the sun all day, while being protected from the cooler southerly breezes.
Mowarry is for the adventurous as it is accessible by 4WD drive only or by walking part of the 31 km Light to Light walk from Boyd’s tower to Green Cape Lighthouse.
MOONA MOONA LAGOON, HUSKISSON
Moona Moona Creek Lagoon has something special for beachlovers of all ages.
Tucked away between Huskisson and Vincentia, the entrance of Moona Moona Creek, which leads out into the ocean, creates a stunning water hole.
Small children can play in the sand, while teenagers and those young at heart can jump off the nearby jetty.
Next to the lagoon is a park with picnic and barbecue facilities and amenities.
Pack something to eat because once you’re their you’ll want to stay all day.
BLUE POOLS, BERMAGUI
Hidden at the bottom of almost 100 stairs, Blue Pools is a dream for swimmers and photographers alike.
Built around a rugged rocky coastline, bring your snorkel to mingle with stunning sea life.
Again there is something for everyone at Blue Pools. Swim laps, wade to your hearts delight or soak up the stunning coastal views.
A shallower wading pool for youngsters sits next to the main ocean pool.
Blue Pools can be found off Scenic Drive in Bermagui at the base of a beautiful coastal cliff face.
LOVELY LAKE, LAKE CONJOLA
With swimming kangaroos and a jetty to jump off, this lake is a lot of fun as well as a feast for the eyes.
Great for a sup or paddleboard, swimmers can even swim across the nearby national park to get away from it all.
The water is warmer than the ocean, so if you feel like just laying back and relaxing in pristine shallow waters then this is the place for you.
It sits around 20 km north of Ulladulla, and can be found via the Princes Highway and Lake Conjola Entrance Road.
BARLINGS BEACH, BROULEE
Found just a few kilometres north of Broulee, the northern end of Barlings Beach is a perfect little hideaway.
Just follow the dirt road of George Bass Drive after the Barlings Beach Holiday Park turn off, and explore your way to the scenic coastline.
The beach also has an abundance of caves and rock pools with lots of reef and sea life, making it perfect for snorkelling.
GARDEN BAY, MALUA BAY
While you’ve heard of Malua Bay, nearby Garden Bay is just right around the corner and never overcrowded.
It’s an easy beach to find by car, and the perfect place to enjoy a scenic picnic and a swim in crystal clear waters.
Unlike other beaches on the list it’s not far from the shops, so if you get your hunger on after a quiet swim there are plenty of options.
CIRCUIT BEACH, LILLI PILLI
Stunning Circuit Beach can be found by taking a scenic walk through lush bush.
Once you’re there this gorgeous beach is just a few wooden steps away at the end of Lilli Pilli Beach.
The one kilometre track wraps its way around the headland, at if you’re there at the right time you’ll have the whole place to yourself.
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