Murramarang National Park: Beaches, Kangaroos and Walks Near Canberra

Murramarang National Park is the closest stretch of classic South Coast wilderness to Canberra, a string of beaches, headlands and spotted gum forest on the New South Wales coast near Batemans Bay. For Canberrans it is one of the easiest coastal escapes, famous above all for the kangaroos that graze right down onto the sand. This guide covers how to get there and what to do.

Where it is and how to get there

The park runs along the coast between Batemans Bay and Ulladulla, roughly a two and a half to three hour drive from Canberra over the Clyde Mountain. It makes both a long day trip and, better still, a weekend away.

The famous beaches

Pebbly Beach is the best known, where eastern grey kangaroos are a regular sight on the grass and sand in the early morning and late afternoon. Pretty Beach and Depot Beach are the other two main spots, each with a campground, sheltered swimming and walking tracks into the forest behind. The water is clean and the beaches are far quieter than the better-known coastal towns.

Walking

The park is the backbone of the Murramarang South Coast Walk, a multi-day coastal route, but you do not need to tackle the whole thing. Shorter sections link the beaches and climb to headlands with wide ocean views, and there are easy forest walks suitable for families.

The Murramarang Aboriginal Area

The coast here holds deep significance for the Walbunja people of the Yuin nation. The Murramarang Aboriginal Area protects one of the largest midden sites on the south coast, a reminder that this country has been lived on and cared for over many thousands of years. Visit with respect and stay on the marked tracks.

Practical tips

• There are park entry fees and camping is booked through NSW National Parks, so check and book ahead in peak periods.
• The kangaroos are wild animals. Keep your distance and do not feed them.
• Bring water, sun protection and fuel, as services in the park are limited.
• Summer and the Easter and spring school holidays are busiest. Autumn is quiet and mild.