MALONEYS BEACH has long been praised by holidaymakers for its safe, tranquil beach surrounded by wildlife.
Once remote, accessed by a sandy road through forest it is now just a few minutes up the highway from Batemans Bay yet still feels an era apart offering the same relaxed atmosphere that makes it great place to visit and even better place to live.
The beach is a great place to start in getting to know this area. Pristine water to dunk in and to the east is a little cove that welcomes snorkling. Directly behind Maloneys is the Murramarang National Park and to the east are remote rock platforms and isolated beaches to explore.
Add to that the discovery of neighbouring Long Beach and there is more than enough to keep you occupied for a good week before even leaving the village to explore further
Some history
Maloneys Beach was once farming land from the creek up to the Murramarang National Park.
The creek was filled with bream and mullet and the fishing from the rock ledges was second to none. Back then, for both Long Beach and Maloneys Beach, there were no houses, no bridges and the roads were all but rough tracks up until the early 70’s.
With the Nelligen bridge, completed in 1964, replacing the punt service across the Clyde river in place since 1895, links between Canberra and Batemans Bay were much improved. There was a call for expansion to accommodate holidaymakers into the area.
This saw the farm land of Maloneys Beach subdivided, the little bridge over the creek built and the first houses developed sometime after 1971. The old bush track was then sealed for easier access.
Today Maloneys Beach is as it always was. Serene, a beautiful walk at dawn or sunset and a great place to sit quietly leaving the bustle of Batemans Bay across the water.
Walks are one of the pleasures of the area along with watching the kangaroos down by the beach. In fact there are more kangaroos In Maloneys Beach than the “acclaimed” Pebbly Beach to the north and these ‘roos haven’t been “tamed” to the point of aggressively annoying tourists for food. Want to see kangaroos in the wild beside a beach. Then come to Maloneys Beach and meet the friendly locals.
Maloneys Beach also attracts snorklers to the area offering Chain Bay and adjacent Acheron Ledge to explore.
There are no gutters on the beaches, with the best fishing off the extensive rock platform either side.
Follow Northcove Road down to Maloneys Beach and onto Chain Bay. There is a sandy track down to the beach car park and a basic boat ramp. You can snorkel from the calm and shallow beach to the left toward the rocks.
If you go out a little from the shore you will find rocky formations with plenty of holes, nooks and crannies where sea creatures like to hide. Expect to see lots of seaweed varieties and sponges. Abundant fish life in small groups and larger schools, rays, starfish and shell fish can be spotted if you take the time to explore.
The headland of Reef Point is accessed by the foreshore or via a track on the headland.
From Reef Point, if you are in a kayak or boat, you can access Three Islet Reef, Yellow Rock and North Head and even further north to South Durras. Here you’ll find deeper water suitable for experienced divers and snorkellers, and maybe spot pelagic fish such as small tuna and kingfish.
Kayaking: Local kayak tour companies make it possible to enjoy a guided tour through this area with a focus on kayaking and exploring otherwise remote, unaccessible and amazing locations. Their tours are designed to make the most of the breathtaking paddling through Murramarang National Park on the north shore of Batemans Bay.
To the north east of Chain Bay you will find two beaches Acheron Ledge and Acheron Ledge North. These are both remote and care should be taken in accessing and using them via Chain Bay. Ideally advise someone of your adventure before you leave as phone service might not be available if you get into trouble.
If you prefer an easier option take the Acheron Ledge walking track. Everything you need to know can be found HERE.
