Snorkelling McKenzies Beach

McKenzies Beach is a small, beautiful, undeveloped beach that should only be tackled by more experienced snorkelers. 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 visibility.

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

How to get there: Drive south from Batemans Bay, to the end of Beach Road and then left onto George Bass Drive. Just past Malua Bay, watch out for a turnoff on the left into a small car park.