Meet the site
Barlings Beach lies between Tomakin and Guerilla Bay, south of Batemans Bay, and a small island at its end is joined to the shore by an underwater sand spit. Spirit Divers rated the beach Easy, with a maximum depth of 11 m, describing it as a nice site to get the camera wet and excellent for shore-based training, with multiple rocky gutters and resident wobbegong sharks living in small caves. The Marine Life Network's 'Broulee Bay' entry describes rocky headlands near Barlings Beach with weed-covered reef mostly at 6–10 m, sheltered except in southerlies. The Nature Coast Marine Group lists Barlings Island as a snorkel site: sandy bottom with baitfish and mullet, seagrass beds, sea squirts, urchins and encrusting coralline algae, with the Tomakin side rated novice and the Burri Point side intermediate.
The gutters are the main attraction for divers. They run out from the rocks and are lined with kelp and weed, with small caves and ledges where wobbegongs rest. Blue groper, sweep, luderick, bream and leatherjackets move through the gutters, and stingrays, flathead and mullet are found on the sand. Seagrass beds near the spit shelter juvenile fish, pipefish and sometimes seahorses.
The site suits new divers, training groups and photographers. It is shallow, easy to navigate and sheltered in north-easterly weather, which complements Guerilla Bay nearby. The Marine Life Network describes the marine life as relatively sparse compared with the boat sites, so it is more about relaxed diving and training than spectacle. It is also a pleasant snorkel for families on the Tomakin side.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Barlings Beach and Barlings Island is recorded as Shore/Rock Platform in Batemans Bay. The listed access is shore. Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Barlings Beach and Barlings Island suitable for my certification?
The record lists Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Barlings Beach and Barlings Island through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Wobbegongs, blue groper, sweep, luderick, bream, leatherjackets, stingrays, flathead, mullet, baitfish, pipefish, sea squirts, urchins, seagrass, kelp
Location
Beach and small island joined by an underwater spit between Tomakin and Guerilla Bay, south of Batemans Bay; rocky gutters with resident wobbegongs to 11 m.
Facilities nearby
Car park at the entry; toilets at Tomakin boat ramp; shops at Tomakin; air fills in Batemans Bay.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
spiritdiversdotcomdotau.wordpress.comncmg.org.aumarinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.