Platts Beach
Platts Beach is a secluded gem on the New South Wales South Coast, offering a raw, windswept beauty that feels a world away from the more crowded beaches to the north. Backed by low dunes and scrubby bushland, this long stretch of pale sand is perfect for those seeking solitude, long walks, and a genuine connection with the coastal landscape. The beach faces east, catching the morning sun and often delivering powerful surf that attracts experienced swimmers and bodyboarders, though always check conditions before entering the water.
Highlights & What to See
- Wild, Uncrowded Shoreline: Platts Beach is rarely busy, even in peak season. Its expansive sands invite long, contemplative walks, with the rhythmic crash of waves as your soundtrack.
- Surfing & Bodyboarding: The beach picks up consistent swell and offers a fun, often hollow wave suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers. The rip currents can be strong, so stick to the main bank near the southern end if you're less experienced.
- Beachcombing & Wildlife: After a storm, the high-tide line is scattered with colourful shells, cuttlefish, and sea glass. Keep an eye out for dolphins cruising the break or the occasional whale spout during migration season (May–November).
- Fishing: The gutters along Platts Beach are popular with local anglers targeting bream, whiting, and salmon. Grab a rod and try your luck at dawn or dusk.
Suggested Time to Spend
Platts Beach is best enjoyed as a half-day escape. Spend a couple of hours walking the sand, swimming, or surfing, then find a sheltered spot among the dunes for a picnic. If you're combining it with other nearby attractions, a two-hour visit in the morning or late afternoon is ideal to catch the best light and avoid the midday heat. There are no facilities, so come prepared with water, snacks, and sun protection.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Mollymook Beach: Just a 10-minute drive north, this family-friendly beach offers calm swimming, a surf club, and the popular Mollymook Golf Club with ocean views.
- Ulladulla: A vibrant harbour town with a working fishing fleet, the Ulladulla Harbour precinct has great fish and chips, a weekly market, and the historic Ulladulla Lighthouse.
- Bawley Point: About 20 minutes south, this laid-back village is known for its beautiful beaches, coastal walks, and the famous Bawley Point Café with its excellent coffee and baked goods.
- Murramarang National Park: Stretching along the coast south of Batemans Bay, this park protects pristine beaches, rock platforms, and coastal forests. The Murramarang South Coast Walk is a multi-day trek that passes through stunning scenery.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Mollymook Beach — Dfadden / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Ulladulla — Nick-D / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Bawley Point — Nick-D / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Murramarang National Park — Pascal Vuylsteker from Paris, France - Australia / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Batemans Bay — MrMosely / CC0
- Jervis Bay — Charliekay / CC BY-SA 4.0