With beautiful beaches and national park adventures nearby, Bawley Point makes a tempting NSW South Coast weekend getaway.
Around 3.5 hours from Sydney, this small coastal village sits between Ulladulla and Batemans Bay, surrounded by sandy beaches, scenic walking tracks and rugged national parks. If your ideal summer escape involves seaside walks, leisurely coffee stops and plenty of time by the water, put Bawley Point on your radar.
The neighbouring village of Kioloa adds another reason to explore, with beautiful coastal scenery and a café worth stopping for. However, much of Bawley Point’s appeal comes from its easy-going pace of life.
Spend the morning by the water, wander along the coastal tracks and settle in for a leisurely lunch. Here’s what you need to know before heading to Bawley Point.
Things to do in Bawley Point
Start with a beach-hopping morning. Gannet Beach offers snorkelling opportunities when conditions suit, while Racecourse Beach is a lovely spot to unpack a picnic beside the ocean. Nearby Bawley Beach is known for its surf breaks, but has no Surf Life Saving patrol services listed. Check conditions before entering the water.
For a glimpse into the region’s Aboriginal heritage, follow the Murramarang Aboriginal Area walking track. This coastal loop passes middens and other culturally significant sites, with interpretive signs sharing the area’s Aboriginal heritage and views stretching towards Brush Island. Stay on the marked route and leave shells, stones and cultural material undisturbed.
Places to explore nearby
Head south to Pretty Beach in Murramarang National Park, where sandy shores meet spotted gum forest. The Pretty Beach to Snapper Point walking track offers a shorter coastal outing, making it a good addition to a weekend of beach exploring. Check park alerts before setting out.
Nearby Pebbly Beach is known for its resident eastern grey kangaroos, which you may spot near the shore. Bring a picnic, give wildlife plenty of space and enjoy a slower afternoon beside the coast.
For a change of scenery, continue to Depot Beach and follow its rainforest walk beneath towering trees. There’s also a rock-platform walk to explore at low tide, giving you another perspective on this stretch of the South Coast.
Where to eat in and around Bawley Point
Start the day with a stop at Bawley Beach Bakery in the village. Pick up a traditional meat pie, sausage roll or freshly baked treat for an easy takeaway breakfast before exploring Bawley Point’s beaches and coastal scenery.
In nearby Kioloa, Saltwood Cafe and Lifestyle in Kioloa serves breakfast, brunch and lunch, with café favourites, seafood, burgers and quality coffee. On selected evenings, visitors can enjoy pizza, pasta and cocktails. The coastal-inspired boutique also offers homewares and clothing to browse.
For a special dining experience, travel north to Mollymook and discover Rick Stein at Bannisters. Located within Bannisters by the Sea, this premium seafood restaurant showcases fresh, locally sourced South Coast produce, including oysters, prawns, grilled fish and seasonal seafood specialties.
Also in Mollymook, The Rooftop Bar & Grill at Bannisters Pavilion offers a more relaxed alternative, with a modern Australian menu and cocktails. The restaurant welcomes non-hotel guests, making it an option for rounding off a day of South Coast exploring.
Getting to Bawley Point from Sydney
Bawley Point is approximately 3.5 hours’ drive from Sydney. Follow the Princes Highway south to Termeil, then turn onto Bawley Point Road towards the coast. Allow extra time for holiday traffic and stops along the way.
Turn the road trip into a weekend getaway with accommodation ranging from holiday parks around nearby Merry Beach to bushland stays at Interludes by Willinga Park, or cabins at Jackson Ranch by Bannisters. Choose your base, check seasonal opening hours and leave room for an extra afternoon by the sea.
