Depot Beach, Murramarang National Park: Swimming & Getting There
Depot Beach is a quiet, forest-backed bay inside Murramarang National Park on the NSW South Coast, north of Batemans Bay. Tall gums lean over the road in, then the trees open onto a wide curve of pale sand, rounded boulders and calm water, with kangaroos grazing behind the dunes.
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It's one of the few places in NSW where coastal rainforest, with tall eucalypts and giant tree ferns, grows almost to the shoreline. Even in peak season it rarely feels crowded, which is why it's one of our favourite South Coast swims in Swim New South Wales.
Swimming at Depot Beach
The middle of the beach has calm, shallow entry points, and on low-swell days it's perfect for a long, slow float. The water shifts between emerald and clear turquoise depending on the light and tide, and the sand underfoot is soft and pale.
Both ends have rock pools and reef. The southern end near the boat ramp is popular for fishing and exploring the reef, while the northern end feels wilder and more remote. On clear days the snorkelling is good, but the reef zones are where conditions turn first when the swell picks up.
Depot Beach is unpatrolled. If you're unsure of conditions, stay in the shallows in the centre of the beach, and never swim alone. The rock platforms are slippery, so wear sturdy shoes if you're exploring.
Part of the appeal is everything around the water: lyrebirds calling from the undergrowth, kangaroos on the grass and the Depot Beach Rainforest Walk looping through the forest just behind the sand.
How to Get to Depot Beach
By car: Depot Beach is about 20 minutes north of Batemans Bay. Head north on the Princes Highway, turn right at Mount Agony Road toward Durras North and follow the signs through the forest to Depot Beach. Day visitors park near the beach access path at the end of the road. NSW National Parks entry fees apply; NPWS lists $8 per vehicle per day, paid at the machines in the park.
On foot: the Depot Beach Rainforest Walk loops through the coastal forest with interpretive signs, and longer walks connect to Pebbly Beach and North Durras.
By public transport: there's none. The nearest town is Batemans Bay, so you'll need a car or a private transfer.
Know Before You Go
- Park entry fees apply (NPWS lists $8 per vehicle per day). Annual passes are also valid.
- Depot Beach is unpatrolled. Swim with caution, never alone, and stick to the centre of the beach if you're unsure.
- The southern end and reef areas can become hazardous in bigger swell. Rock platforms are slippery, so wear sturdy shoes.
- Keep your distance from kangaroos and don't feed wildlife.
- Take all rubbish out of the national park.
- The park may close in severe weather or high fire danger; check NPWS alerts before you go.
Depot Beach FAQs
Do you have to pay to visit Depot Beach?
Yes. It's inside Murramarang National Park, where NPWS charges a vehicle entry fee (listed at $8 per vehicle per day).
Is Depot Beach good for swimming?
On calm, low-swell days, yes. The centre of the beach has gentle, shallow entry. It's unpatrolled, so take care and avoid the reef ends in bigger swell.
Are there kangaroos at Depot Beach?
Kangaroos often graze on the grass behind the dunes. Enjoy them from a distance and never feed them.
How far is Depot Beach from Batemans Bay?
About 20 minutes' drive north, via the Princes Highway and Mount Agony Road.
