What are the best things to do in Broulee, NSW?

The best things to do in Broulee on the NSW South Coast include snorkelling at Broulee Island and surfing lessons at Broulee Beach with the Broulee Surf School. Just don’t get too excited about the Broulee Crematorium…

Broulee on the New South Wales South Coast is a classic Australian beach town. There’s the usual combination of holiday rental accommodation, caravan park, surf club and beaches. But there are plenty of things to do in Broulee, too.

First up, don’t get too excited about the Broulee Memorial Gardens (aka the Broulee Crematorium). These aren’t one of Australia’s great gardens for visitors, like the Maleny Botanic Gardens on the Sunshine Coast or Breenhold Gardens in the Blue Mountains. The Broulee Memorial Gardens is basically a crematorium, with some gardens attached.

Things to do in Broulee, NSW: Broulee Island snorkelling

Much more interesting is Broulee Island, one of the best snorkelling spots in New South Wales. There are two specific areas which offer great snorkelling. First is Pink Rocks, the north-eastern point of the island. The neighbouring bay is protected from the ocean swells and has extensive seagrass meadows. Stingrays love to hang out here, as do mercifully harmless shark species.

On the southern side of Broulee Island, there’s a reef system and sand flats. These combine to attract dozens of fish species. Keep your eye out, however, for weedy sea dragons and green turtles.

You don’t need a boat to get to Broulee Island, either, as it’s connected to the mainland by a sandy spit or tombolo. The beaches on the Broulee Island tombolo are usually calm for swimming.

Broulee Surf School at Broulee Beach, NSW

Should you prefer the ocean a little more feisty, however, it’s possible to surf at Broulee Beach. The Broulee Surf School operates from here, and its beginner lessons are one of the best things to do in Broulee. The introductory lessons at the Broulee Surf School show you how to put on a wet suit, negotiate the break, and ride the waves. You should be standing on the board by the end of the first lesson.

Broulee Beach on the New South Wales South Coast — Broulee Beach is home to the Broulee Surf School. Photo by Jonathan Poyner; Eurobodalla Coast Tourism.

The two hour group surfing lessons at North Broulee Beach cost $50. The Broulee Surf School also offers stand-up paddleboarding lessons and SUP hire. But you might be better off getting a stand-up paddleboard from the Region X Boatshed at Mossy Point.

Mossy Point is essentially part of Broulee, although they’re officially separated by Candlagan Creek. From Mossy Point, you can paddleboard or kayak up the Tomaga River, spotting stingrays around the boatshed opposite Tomakin Beach. All are easily reached on the drive from Batemans Bay to Narooma.

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