Bendalong, NSW: Flat Rock Beach or Washerwomans Beach?
The tiny community of Bendalong, NSW, has four gorgeous beaches. Flat Rock Beach feels like the best secret, although Washerwomans Beach is longest and best for swimming.
Bendalong, NSW, is one of those low key beach communities that line the New South Wales coast. It’s in the Shoalhaven region, roughly half way between the Jervis Bay Territory and Ulladulla.
It would be very, very easy to miss Bendalong on the drive south down the Princes Highway. Bendalong, NSW, barely qualifies as a village, let alone a town. It is mainly taken up by forest, but along the coast, Bendalong has a marvellous selection of beaches.
Flat Rock Beach in Bendalong, NSW
Furthest north is Flat Rock Beach, which gets its name from the big slab of rock stretching out into a sea. It feels like a secret, desert island beach, largely because it is backed by trees. Flat Rock Beach is only around 90 metres long, and carries the vibe of the other beaches in Bendalong.
These aren’t the great, sweeping white sand affairs that make the eyes light up and the mouth drool. They’re the small, tucked away romantic beaches that make you feel you’ve discovered your own little slice of paradise.
Get your Aussie beach kit on the cheap
Fix up great deals on swimwear, beach towels and snorkelling gear now.
And look for discounts on sunglasses, sun cream or a really good book.
Dee Beach, Washerwomans Beach & Boat Harbour Beach
The other three beaches in Bendalong are Dee Beach, Washerwomans Beach and Boat Harbour Beach. Of these, Dee Beach has the most dangerous rips, so if you’re planning on swimming, go for Washerwomans Beach or the highly protected Boat Harbour Beach.
Washerwomans Beach is the longest of the four, although all have fine sand and a strong castaway vibe. Washerwomans Creek empties at the northern end of Washerwomans Beach, while Boat Harbour Beach is north facing as the coastline curves around to Bendalong Point.
Just further south outside of Bendalong is Manyana Beach, well known as a surf spot.
Sydney to Bendalong, NSW
The distance from Sydney to Bendalong is around 211km. The Sydney to Bendalong drive should take around two hours and 49 minutes. Excellent beaches you can stop at along the way include Windang Beach in Wollongong, Callala Beach and Murrays Beach.
More New South Wales travel
How long does the Canberra to Sydney bus take?
Go surfing at Killalea Beach on the drive from Sydney to Kiama.
What is the best La Perouse beach in Sydney?
Stay at the Crowne Plaza Terrigal in Terrigal on the Central Coast.
How was the world water speed record set at Blowering Dam?