There are many beaches near Canberra. Canberra is located in the southeastern part of mainland Australia, within the Australian Capital Territory, an enclave surrounded by the state of New South Wales.
And some beautiful coastal spots are just a short car ride away. You can get to these awesome spots in about 2-3 hours from Canberra. Perfect for a weekend trip or even a long day out. There are also a few small beaches near Canberra that we will look at below.
You’ve got everything from quiet little bays to big stretches of sand where families love to hang out. Some have great waves for surfing, others are super calm for little kids to splash around safely.
Let me tell you about the best beaches in Canberra area that you should definitely check out.
Top 10 Best Beaches Near Canberra
1. Bimbi Beach
Known for: The Nearest and peaceful spot with calm waters.
You can reach this spot in roughly 17 minutes from central Canberra. It sits on the western foreshore of Lake Ginninderra in Belconnen.
It is a popular spot for families who want a relaxed swim, a picnic, or a gentle paddle without coastal crowds. The park design gives good vehicular access close to the water, so you can easily bring chairs and picnic gear.
There is plenty of grassy space for kids to run and birdlife to spot while the calm water makes swimming safe for most visitors.
2. Yerra Beach
Known for: Natural beauty with a mix of sandy stretches and rocky edges, great for exploring.
This one is approximately 20 minutes from central Canberra. Yerra Beach on Lake Ginninderra features a brightly coloured floating rope enclosure for the main swimming area and a smaller toddler enclosure.
The site has practical facilities for day trips, including toilets, electric barbecues, and a playground. It is also a good spot for kayaking, fishing and easy shoreline walks at sunset.
3. McKenzies Beach
Known for: Sand so white it almost hurts your eyes, and you can walk for ages.
This beach goes on forever. It’s about 2 hours 45 minutes from Canberra, near Batemans Bay. The sand here is incredible – really white and soft. Great for long walks if that’s your thing. Some couples love coming here just to walk and talk.
The beach is pretty wide so even when it’s busy, you can find space. The waves can be a bit bigger here, which body surfers really like. If you enjoy playing in waves, this is your spot.
There are toilets and showers, but no shops right at the beach. Make sure you bring snacks and drinks. The main town is just a few minutes away if you need to buy anything.
4. Denhams Beach
Known for: You can bring your dog, and fishing is really good here.
About 2.5 hours from Canberra, this beach is awesome because dogs are allowed. Finally, a place where you don’t have to leave your pet at home! Just keep them on a leash, and everyone’s happy.
The beach is about 2 kilometres long with nice golden sand. Lots of people come here to fish, especially from the rocks. If you’re an early bird, the sunrises here are stunning. The whole ocean lights up orange and pink.
There’s decent parking and basic toilets. You can also do some bushwalking from here. Sometimes you’ll see kangaroos and lots of different birds. Pretty cool when you’re not expecting it.
5. Honeymoon Bay
Known for: Looks like something from a tropical postcard with amazing blue-green water.
This place lives up to its romantic name. It’s near Jervis Bay, about 2-hour and 45 minutes drive. The water here looks tropical – that amazing blue-green colour you see in travel magazines. Hard to believe you’re still in Australia sometimes.
The bay is not large, and it is sheltered by the water and, thus, remains calm. Even those who are not great swimmers are at home. The sand is exceptionally white, and the bushland surrounding it makes one feel that it is a special and exclusive place.
Kayaks are carried here by individuals due to the calmness of the water. Lucky, you may even see dolphins or seals. Parking spaces become crowded very quickly; therefore, arrive early, particularly on weekends. Bring your own lunch as there are no shops around.
Read Also: The 10 Best Beaches in Northern Territory
6. Kioloa Beach
Known for: Kangaroos actually come onto the beach, and it’s in a beautiful national park.
This is about 3 hours from Canberra, but worth every minute of driving. It’s inside Murramarang National Park, so you get beach time plus bushwalking and wildlife. The coolest part? Kangaroos often hang out on the grass right behind the beach.
It has a long and sandy beach, with forest immediately behind it. You are likely to find kangaroos simply hanging around the beach in the early morning or during the evening. It’s pretty amazing. You can also camp here, in case you want to make it a weekend.
It has a rough surf, and it should be visited by those who are not afraid of the water. Family spots are closer to the rocks, but they are more pleasant. When it is school time, the school has lifeguards, and the facilities are excellent with BBQ places.
7. Lilli Pilli Beach
Known for: Perfect for little kids because the water is super calm and safe.
This is a beach in an inlet in Batemans Bay, which is only 2.5 hours out of Canberra. The water is actually mild – toddler-friendly or those who want to swim relaxingly. It is a kind of big natural swimming pool.
The sand is pleasant and golden, and there is grass in the background of the beach with shade trees. Good on hot days when you want to get out of the sun. It is also ideal on paddleboards and kayaks because of the calm water.
Picnic tables, parking, and good toilets. Cafes and stores are available in the town nearby. It is nice that the beach is never extremely crowded. It is more of a local secret.
8. Broulee Beach
Known for: Super safe for families with really calm water that kids love.
This place is about 2.5 hours from Canberra, and it’s honestly one of the best family beaches around. The water stays pretty calm because there are headlands protecting it from big waves. Your kids can swim here without you worrying too much.
There are heaps of parking, clean toilets, and nice grassy spots for picnics. The town has some good coffee shops too, so you can grab breakfast before hitting the beach. In summer, there are lifeguards during busy times, which makes parents feel better.
Kids go crazy for the rock pools at one end of the beach. They spend hours looking for little crabs and colourful fish. The sand is really nice and soft, perfect for building sandcastles or just lying around.
9. Corrigans Beach
Known for: Water so clear you can see your feet when you’re swimming.
This beach is near Batemans Bay, about a 2.5-hour drive. It’s smaller than some others, but that’s what makes it special. You feel like you’ve found a secret spot. The water is amazingly clear – like looking through glass.
If you like snorkelling, bring your gear. Fish are swimming around the rocky bits at both ends of the beach. Nothing too fancy, just cool stuff to look at underwater. The beach faces east, so morning light is really pretty for photos.
Parking can be tricky when it’s busy, so get there early. There’s a grassy area behind the beach that’s perfect for lunch. If you don’t pack food, Batemans Bay town is right nearby with lots of places to eat.
10. Murramarang Beach
Known for: Wild kangaroos that actually come onto the beach – it’s incredible!
About 3 hours from Canberra in Murramarang National Park. This beach offers something you won’t find in many other places – kangaroos on the beach! They come down to eat the grass behind the sand, especially in the morning and afternoon.
The beach is also beautiful with a stretch of golden sand. The waves may be fierce, they should be attempted by people who swim with confidence.
But the animal sightseeing is fantastic. In addition to kangaroos, there are also echidnas, plenty of birds, and even whales in the season of their migration.
The park has excellent walking tracks, and you may camp in it. This is surely among the best beaches in Australia when one would like to spend time at the beach, plus a view of native animals. It is quite a special experience altogether.
Getting There and What to Bring
Most of these beaches are a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Canberra. Leave early in the morning to beat traffic and get more beach time. Summer weekends can be busy on the roads.
Pack the basics – sunscreen, hats, water, and snacks. Many of these beaches are pretty remote, so having supplies is important. Don’t forget your camera because the scenery is amazing.
Check the weather and surf conditions before you go. Some beaches are better on calm days, others are fine even with some waves. If you’re planning to swim or surf, definitely check conditions first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough in Canberra?
Yes, that is sufficient time to see the key attractions of Canberra, museums, and other natural places in the vicinity, not to mention a visit to the coast in the course of a day.
Which beach near Canberra is best for families?
Corrigans beach is a good family beach in Batemans Bay due to the calm waters, playgrounds nearby, and the good facilities.
Can we swim at Batemans Bay beaches?
Yes, Batemans Bay beaches like Surfside, Corrigan’s, and Broulee are great for swimming, with calm spots for families and surf breaks for wave lovers.
What is the best time to visit the beaches near Canberra?
The most appropriate season is late spring or early autumn (November to March) when the weather is hot, and the ocean is best for swimming in.
Final Thoughts
There are many famous beaches in the Canberra area. Each one has something different to offer. Whether you want family fun, romance, adventure, or just to chill out, there’s a perfect beach waiting for you.
The best part is they’re not super touristy yet. You get beautiful beaches without massive crowds and high prices. The natural environment is still pretty much unspoiled, and the facilities are decent without being overdeveloped.
So grab your beach gear and go explore. These beaches are some of the best-kept secrets on the New South Wales coast. You’ll be planning your next trip before you even get home!
