McKenzies Beach is a small, beautiful, undeveloped beach, popular with locals and visitors alike. It is a great spot for surfing or body boarding and snorkeling when the conditions allow. McKenzies Beach is located 14 kilometers South of Batemans Bay. Watch for the turn off from George Bass Drive as it is not signposted. Access to the beach is via a carpark next to the beach and there are no amenities.

Enclosed by two headlands with rocks that ease down to greet the ocean and form natural reefs, conditions must be perfect if you’re entering the water to snorkel. The beach is known for its rugged surf and is open to the swell, which can impact on visibility.

 

 

Places to explore for experienced and fit snorkelling enthusiasts include the ampitheatre around the rocks at the southern end of the beach. Enter the water round the corner facing Jimmy’s Island – water depth is from five to eight metres deep. The ampitheatre is a special world of its own with spectacular rock formations and marine life such as baby cuttle fish.

photo by Josh Burkinshaw

 

At the northern end of the beach, the wave and current movements have led to an exposed long reef to explore – the reef system is shallower and, in a nor-easter, is well protected.