Dawson Island Beach – a beautiful Murramarang swimming beach

Summary: Dawson Island Beach is one of the most remote beaches in the Shoalhaven. It's reached by foot (or by boat in low seas) and is a great beach for swimming.

How to get there: Bushwalk from Pretty Beach along the coast
Walking distance to swimming spot: 5.4km (return)
Duration: 1-2 hours
Grade: Easy/Moderate
Type of Swim: Beach (ocean)
Facilties: None
Cost: National Park entry fee
Dog Friendly? No Dogs
Unpatrolled

Technically Dawson Island Beach (or Dawsons Island Beach) consists of two separate beaches: Dawson Island North Beach and Dawson Island South Beach. The two adjacent beaches are named after Dawsons Island, a rock platform that lies 100 metres offshore.

The east-facing beach is fairly well sheltered by Dawsons Island with waves averaging about one metre, with rips only present during bigger seas. So it makes a good spot for a swim along the coastal walk.

Getting to Dawson Island Beach

The beach is only accessible on foot from Pretty Beach or Pebbly beach along the coastal walk in Murramarang National Park – or by boat. As a result the long and pristine beach is one of the most remote in the Shoalhaven. If you’re doing the Pretty Beach to Pebbly Beach Loop via Durras Mountain, you’ll pass this beach.