Short Point Beach

One of the most beautiful places. While the beach itself can be quite choppy and unpredictable, Short Point offers amazing views and a great picnic spot. You can often watch dolphins surfing in the waves. Walk around the rocks, enjoy fish and chips at one of the many picnic benches for dinner, lay on the grass in the sun, or make the trek down to the beach itself. Personally, I prefer the other beaches around Merimbula and Pambula for swimming or relaxing with a book. However, I love Short Point for its views and scenic space. Apparently, it’s a good surfing beach as well, as I always see surfers there.

There’s a carpark overlooking Short Point Beach where the Bega Valley Shire Council has thoughtfully provided curved slatted sun lounges, a wooden viewing platform, picnic tables, and a stylish amenities block for visitors to enjoy the stunning view. A sleek silver coffee van named High Tide has made this spot its permanent home. Complementing the extraordinary scenery, there is an attractive piece of public art perfectly positioned for photo opportunities. The well-maintained paths, accentuated with sandstone blocks, reflect well-spent rates, offering views of Back Lake and the expansive Short Point Beach with Tura Beach visible in the distance. At the bottom of a set of stairs that curve down from the wooden platform, you’ll find a pair of outdoor showers, also offering a magnificent view of Back Lake. The sand is soft and golden, the waters are a translucent blue-green, and the waves break cleanly on sandbars with small white caps. I would gladly return to swim here again another day!

Tura Beach is a long, expansive stretch of sand. I agree with others that the waters can be powerful since it faces directly into the ocean and is not a patrolled beach. However, it is very clean, with hardly any litter, garbage, or even seaweed. We visited for a week in November 2022 and didn't encounter any blue bottle stingers. If you are a strong swimmer or just want to enjoy the sand, this place is not very busy and therefore quite serene by nature. It also seems to be a very dog-friendly beach.

Not suitable for kids and families due to its steepness and rough waves. Ideal for adventurous surfers and divers, but be aware there are no lifeguards! Typically not crowded.

Fantastic beach, perfect for a stroll, fishing, and exploring the rocks! However, it's a fairly hazardous spot for swimming, so a solid understanding of rip currents and other dangers is essential!