Get set to get wet!
Written by Dan Hassel

Lenard's (Terrace Beach)

Accessibility: 5/10, track varies largely depending on usage and rainfall. Track is dirt with many uneven surfaces and large bumps. 4WD is not necessary but recommended as sometimes the track can form ruts and holes.
Popularity: 4/10, very minimal tourist visits, especially during winter but has a few local surfers that are there every swell.
Surf Potential: 7/10, The point enjoys 3 feet of NE swell with a SW wind, and the beach can generate solid beach breaks and enjoys a WSW wind.
Dive/Fish Potential: 3/10 Due to large amounts of sea urchins on the point, there is a limited abundance of aquatic life on the point. Some possible fish species however, include red and banded Mowong, along with Bream and Salmon.
Scenery: 8/10, Large sedimentary rock-faces line the cliffs with a low canopy of tea trees and pristine beaches with aqua waters.
Overall: 5/10, Far from the worst spot but definitely not the best either.

Leanard's Lookout, Ben Boyd National Park. Photo: John Spencer

Bar Beach

Accessibility: 8/10, Getting there is no issue, as the roads are sealed and in good condition, however getting a car park is the issue, especially on a nice day or when there are waves.
Popularity: 9/10, Between any tourists visiting the town, as well as general beach goers and surfers, Bar beach is often very populated.
Surf Potential: 8/10, When the right swell hits with the correct wind on low tide, some pretty good waves can be ridden here, as long as there aren't too many people out.
Dive/Fish Potential: 5/10, There is good fishing and diving off of Long Point, however, it can be heavily fished during some seasons. You will find any of the common reef species off the point.
Scenery: 7/10, One side gives you a great view of the bay over to Pambula Beach, while the other side has a view over the lake to the town, which looks especially good at night. During May to November, whales can be seen jumping out to sea as they make their way to Antarctica.
Overall: 7/10, A great spot all year round, whether you intend to go surfing, diving or sight-seeing, this is the place to be.

Bar Beach Kiosk and the bay. Photo: Getaway Merimbula

Barmouth Beach

Accessibility: 6/10, The roads are never an issue, however, the track is fairly out of the way (about a 35 minute drive from Merimbula) and there is a steep descent to the beach with lots of stairs meaning a certain level of fitness is required and is not wheelchair accessible.
Popularity: 3/10,Because of how out of the way the track is, there are much less people than other surrounding beaches such as Pambula Beach or Lions Park.
Surf Potential: 1/10, Being so protected by a large headland means that barely any swell gets into this beach, however on the right angle, this beach can be a great, safe place to learn to surf.
Dive/Fish Potential: 4/10 Barmouth has very tropical seeming waters, and is protected in a SE, which can sometimes be a difficult wind direction. There is a great run for snorkelling along the southern headland, but the fishing is limited to any salmon passing by, unless you fish in the mouth of the river. When fishing the mouth, expect any species that are found in the lake such as bream, flathead and trevally.
Scenery: 7/10, Barmouth has a very colourful rockface and white sand beach, with very clear waters and a great view over the river to Pambula Beach.
Overall: 4/10, Overall, somewhere you'd visit for the view. The surf is horrendous so the aesthetic is the key selling point.

Barmouth Beach from Haycock Headland. Photo: John Yurasek