Pretty Beach Campground – Murramarang National Park

Pretty Beach is one of those magical places that perfectly encapsulates the beauty of the Australian coast, and its campground is an absolute jewel of the Murramarang National Park. This spectacular destination is world-famous for one iconic reason: the sight of eastern grey kangaroos hopping onto the pristine white sand to graze and lounge by the ocean’s edge. This incredible, up-close wildlife encounter makes it a bucket-list destination for families and international visitors. The campground is set in a beautiful, grassy valley surrounded by coastal forest, offering a range of powered and unpowered sites suitable for tents, camper trailers, and caravans, all just a short, level walk from the magnificent beach.

The beach itself is a stunning, sheltered cove with calm, crystal-clear turquoise water, making it perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and stand-up paddleboarding for all ages. The facilities at Pretty Beach are outstanding for a national park, with modern amenity blocks providing hot showers and flush toilets, a laundry, and electric barbecues, ensuring a very comfortable stay. The campground is also the starting point for a key section of the magnificent Murramarang South Coast Walk, which leads hikers over beautiful headlands to other stunning beaches in the park. Due to its fame and fantastic amenities, bookings are absolutely essential and must be made many months in advance, especially for holiday periods. For a truly unforgettable family holiday that combines incredible wildlife, world-class beaches, and excellent comfort, Pretty Beach is a premier Australian camping experience.

• Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
• GPS Coordinates: -35.56736, 150.36599

Site Information

• Location: Murramarang National Park, north of Batemans Bay.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes.
• Road access: Access via unsealed roads. Generally 2WD accessible with care in dry weather.
• Site surface: Grass and dirt.
• Camping permitted: Yes, bookings and park entry fees are essential via the NSW National Parks website.
• Maximum overnight stays: Check booking details.
• Number of powered sites: 16 powered sites are available.
• Number of un-powered sites: 10 unpowered sites are available.
• Facilities: Hot showers, flush toilets, laundry, electric barbecues, picnic tables, rubbish bins.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: Yes, taps are available but boiling is recommended.
• Mobile phone coverage: Limited. Telstra service is patchy. A payphone is available.
• TV reception: Unlikely.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: Yes.
• Open fires: Not permitted. Use of provided barbecues only.
• Generator use: Not permitted.
• Number of sites available: 26 sites in total.

Essentials to Bring

• Beach gear: swimmers, towels, snorkel, fishing gear, paddleboard.
• Sturdy shoes for coastal walks.
• Binoculars for bird and whale watching (in season).

Activities

• Pet friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in National Parks.
• Fishing: Excellent beach and rock fishing nearby. A NSW Recreational Fishing Licence is required.
• Short walks: A primary trailhead for the Murramarang South Coast Walk.

Local Amenities (in Kioloa / Bawley Point)

• Local Pubs:
  • Bawley Point Bowling Club (~15 km)
  • The Milton Hotel, Milton (~35 km)
  • Star Hotel, Milton (~35 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A small general store and cafe in Kioloa (~5 km).
  • Cafes and takeaways in Bawley Point (~15 km).
• Local Attractions:
  • The famous kangaroos on the beach (on site).
  • Murramarang South Coast Walk.
  • The beautiful beaches of Kioloa and Bawley Point.
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Kioloa Beach Holiday Park (~5 km)
  • BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks – Racecourse Beach (~12 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • There are no designated free camps in the immediate area.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Kioloa Beach Holiday Park may offer public access for a fee. Check locally.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Kioloa (~5 km) or Bawley Point (~15 km) have limited fuel. Major stations in Ulladulla (~40 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available onsite (boil first). Otherwise, nearby towns.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite at the campground.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: NSW South Coast

• Summer (December – February): Hot and often humid, perfect for swimming. Average temperatures from 18°C to 26°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and mild evenings. Ideal for hiking and paddling. Temperatures range from 12°C to 23°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cool, crisp, and often sunny days with cold nights. The prime time for whale watching. Temperatures range from 6°C to 17°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm with pleasant weather. The coastal bush is vibrant with wildflowers. Temperatures range from 10°C to 22°C.