Tucked between two rocky headlands 14 km south of Batemans Bay, McKenzies Beach is a small, wild, undeveloped stretch of sand on the NSW South Coast. Dramatic reef formations on both sides of the beach create fascinating snorkeling terrain, with rocky ledges easing into deeper water where the ocean swells roll in. This is a raw, natural spot — no shops, no car parks, just the bush meeting the sea — and it demands respect from anyone who enters the water.
McKenzies Beach
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.5 mSwell Period 6.7 sWind Speed 3.8 knPrecipitation 15 mmTidal Phase slack
Last evaluated
© Peter NeaumThe spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Ocean swells and surf
McKenzies Beach is exposed to open-ocean swells and is a known surf break. Snorkeling should only be attempted in calm conditions as waves and dumping shore break can be dangerous.
Moderate risk: Rip currents
Strong rips can form between the rocky headlands, especially when swells are running. Inexperienced swimmers and snorkelers are at significant risk.
Moderate risk: Rugged surf and swell
McKenzies is known for rugged surf conditions and can be dangerous when the swell is up. Only snorkel when conditions are calm with minimal surf.
Moderate risk: Strong shore break and rips
The beach is exposed to ocean swells and can develop strong rip currents and a powerful shore break during moderate to high swell periods.
Low risk: Rocky entry and exit
Access to the water is over rocks at the edges of the beach. Slippery rocks and uneven footing create hazards when entering or exiting the water.
Low risk: Rocky reef and headlands
Shallow reefs lie to the east and west of the beach. Snorkelers must exercise caution near the rocky headlands, especially in low visibility or with surge.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
1 photo from the community
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
McKenzies Beach is located on George Bass Drive, approximately 14 km south of Batemans Bay and just south of Malua Bay. Look for the signed access point off George Bass Drive — a short walking track leads down to the beach.
Parking & facilities
Limited roadside parking is available along George Bass Drive near the beach access point. There is no formal car park.
No fees required — free access.
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Gallery ┬╖ 1 photos
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports