Culburra Beach

Culburra Beach is a long ocean beach and coastal town in the Shoalhaven region on the New South Wales South Coast, about 18 kilometres east of Nowra. Fronting the Tasman Sea between Crookhaven Heads and Penguin Head, it is known for its wide sandy shoreline, consistent surf breaks and views over Lake Wollumboola. The beach is patrolled in season and forms the centre of a popular family holiday destination with fishing, surfing and coastal walks.

Visitors can expect a wide, sandy ocean beach stretching approximately 3.6 kilometres between rocky headlands, backed by dunes and coastal reserve. The beach faces east to the Tasman Sea with open surf, a patrolled swimming area in season near the Culburra Beach Surf Life Saving Club, and northern and southern ends popular for fishing and walking. The town provides cafes, shops and picnic areas, with views to Penguin Head and Crookhaven Heads and access to Lake Wollumboola and coastal walking tracks.

The Culburra Beach area is part of the traditional lands of the Jerrinja people of the Yuin Nation. European settlement developed in the early 20th century as a coastal holiday village, with the name Culburra derived from an Aboriginal word. The beach and nearby Crookhaven Heads have long been associated with fishing and coastal recreation in the Shoalhaven region.

The area holds cultural significance for the Jerrinja Aboriginal community and is valued for its coastal lifestyle, surfing culture and community beach traditions. Lake Wollumboola adjacent to the beach is recognised for its environmental and cultural importance as a coastal lake and bird habitat.