You’ve packed your suncream, a towel and about 7,482 items the kids deemed absolutely necessary for a trip to the South Coast. So where exactly should you and your trolley load of beach toys, pink goggles, floaties and sun tents go now?

Here’s a list of some our favourite, kid-friendly, surf-patrolled beaches in South Shoalhaven. Remember to always swim between the red and yellow flags, read the safety signs and always keep a close eye on your children.

Narrawallee

Located to the north of Mollymook, this beach is PERFECT for families. The south end is patrolled during the summer, so it’s good for stress-free swimming with the kids. The northern end isn’t patrolled, but has an awesome picnic area by the inlet that is super popular with local families. The inlet is perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding and the shallow waters make for an excellent paddling pool for littler kids.

Hot tip: Aside from the Hello Huey coffee van, food is limited here, so pack snacks to keep the fam happy and hydrated.

Dogs: Dogs are welcome off-lead in the middle section of Narrwallee beach at limited times. Check out our guide to local dog-friendly beaches to get all the details.

Patrolled Times: Daily Summer Patrols from 20 December 2023 to 29 January 2024.

Parking: South End has free but limited parking on Surfers Ave and Victor Ave; the North End has free parking at the end of Matron Porter Drive.

Accessibility: There are stairs to access the beach from Surfers Ave and Victor Ave.

South End Mollymook

Affectionately called Kiddie Corner by locals, there’s no better place to take the kids than the southern corner of Mollymook beach – especially when there’s a southerly blowing. Flanked by Mollymook Golf Club and Mollymook Surf Club, this patrolled beach has a cafe, toilets and accessible access to the beach. In the right conditions, the beach is sheltered, calm and perfect for kids.

After an iconic Mollymook experience? Grab some hot chippies or an icecream from the Beach Hut. Or head to the Golf Club for sweeping views of Mollymook Beach. And if the paddle and sand castle building didn’t burn enough of your kids energy, check out Livy’s place. And accessible park to be enjoyed by kids (and adults) of all ages. A great way to end a day at the beach (just ask the kids about the pirate ship …it’s a hit!).

Patrolled Times: Weekend Patrols from 23 September 2023 to 28 April 2024; Daily Summer Patrols from 4 December 2023 to 29 January 2024

Parking: Free parking behind the Surf Club.

North End Mollymook

Magic Mollymook! When a northerly is blowing, this perfect little pocket of the South Coast is paradise! The clearest aquamarine water, great snorkeling and a patrolled beach – you’ll soon know why it’s our favourite.

Hot Tip: Grab some hot chips from Grey Dolphins in the Tallwood Avenue shops before you head to the beach, or better yet; get settled and send the most energetic adult.

Patrolled Times: Weekend Patrols from 23 September 2023 to 28 April 2024; Daily Summer Patrols from 4 December 2023 to 29 January 2024

Parking: Free parking on Beach Rd. We recommend getting in early as this gets packed in the summer months and parking spots can be hard to find. There are more spots available on Bannister Head Rd, with a set of stairs that lead down to the middle of Beach Rd.

Patrol times can change

Please note, patrol times are subject to change. Please check the SLS Beachsafe website for real-time information on the status of each patrolled beach, as well as unique patrol schedules for each beach within the date ranges.