The best NSW beach accommodation for groups

Avalon Cottage, Currarong  

Step out of this brightly appointed 1930s beach house in Currarong, in the Shoalhaven region, and you’re basically already in the water. Avalon Cottage, just down the street from Currarong Beach, suits families and friends alike, with its three bedrooms, expansive living areas and outdoor spaces. Grab dinner from Beach Safari, run by food personality and TV host Maeve O’Meara, during your stay – it's the fish and chip shop directly across the road.  

Sleeps: up to six 

Distance to beach: 100m 

Avalon Cottage, Currarong

Barranca Jervis Bay, Myola 

The Barranca brand is home to numerous properties in Kangaroo Valley, but it’s Marlu House and The Hideaway in Myola in Jervis Bay that offer beachside getaways in bush seclusion. Marlu House is a five-bedroom retreat set on 20 acres of native bushland. The luxuriously designed space is fitted with MCM House furniture, a large bath, outdoor areas including a shower and fire pit, and a huge kitchen. The Hideaway is an adults-only studio located 100m from the house, which can be booked together or separately. It mirrors Marlu House with a king bed, Leif bath products and chic, minimal design.  

Sleeps: 12 total – 10 at Marlu House and two at The Hideaway 

Distance to beach: 300m 

Barranca, Myola - Credit: Somethingswild Creative

Discovery Parks Emerald Beach, Emerald Beach  

A group holiday to Emerald Beach – just a 20-minute drive from Coffs Harbour – is made easy and affordable when you can book the crew into a cabin or campsite (or two) at this park. The family will be well catered for on a trip here. Let the kids run wild with a jumping pillow, swimming pool, waterpark and sports facilities. There is also free Wi-Fi, and kitchen and laundry facilities for convenience. Not even the pooch needs to stay behind – dogs are allowed at campsites, so be sure to pack the pup. While you’re in town, ensure you book in an excursion to The Big Banana Fun Park for an afternoon of slides, mini golf and banana snacks.  

Sleeps: cabins and campsites sleep up to six 

Distance to beach: 450m 

Discovery Parks Emerald Beach, Emerald Beach

Elements of Byron, Byron Bay 

Elements is the only resort in Byron Bay that’s actually on the beach (in this case it’s Belongil Beach). Positioned among rainforest, tea tree creeks and dunes, Elements, just a few minutes out of town (get there via solar-powered train!), is a tranquil oasis from the hustle and bustle. There are eight different villa options you and four others can book out, each with a tub (excluding the wheelchair-accessible villa), calm living areas (some include their own fireplace) and luscious green outlooks.  

Sleeps: villas can sleep up to five  

Distance to beach: 350m  

Elements of Byron, Byron Bay

Elevation, Byron Bay 

Also in Byron Bay, and well-suited to group holidaying, is luxury guesthouse Elevation. This thoughtfully designed property is a short walk to both the town centre and beach, and boasts just about everything you need for a group hang. An outdoor deck, pool, sunken outdoor lounge, heated spa and barbecue complement the very spectacular interior, home to four bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, a large living area and a kitchen.  

Sleeps: eight 

Distance to beach: 1.3km  

Elevation, Byron Bay

Kendalls on the Beach Holiday Park, Kiama 

You can hear the waves of Kendalls Beach lapping from your cabin at Kendalls on the Beach Holiday Park, a truly seaside spot in picturesque Kiama. Whether you like camping, caravanning or living large in a cabin, Kendalls caters for groups of any size. Book whatever accommodation suits the group best, and settle in for a getaway taking advantage of the park’s camp kitchen, barbecue facilities, kids’ playground, water views and pet-friendly sites. Don’t forget to visit the Kiama Blowhole – it's a 2km walk from the park and a sight to behold: spouts up to 30m high have been recorded! 

Sleeps: cabins can sleep up to six 

Distance to beach: 100m 

Kendalls on the Beach Holiday Park, Kiama

Montague Island Head Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage, Montague Island 

A secluded island getaway where you’re the only guests? That’s what dreams are made of, and dreams come true on Montague Island, a tiny island off Narooma on the South Coast. The lighthouse keeper’s cottage is the one and only place to stay on the island, and is a popular spot for groups, and romantics, given its size and location. The five-bedroom cottage, sitting pretty alongside the lighthouse is equipped with a kitchen, bathroom and expansive verandahs, perfect for whale watching if you visit in season, or spotting the island’s local colony of playful fur seals. 

Sleeps: 10 

Distance to beach: swimming off Montague Island is not permitted, though chartered snorkelling and diving is.  

Montague Island Head Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage, Montague Island

NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort, South Durras 

Also on the South Coast, in the sleepy town of South Durras, near Batemans Bay, is waterfront stay NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort. This spot, ideal for families or friend groups with a penchant for activities, is packed to the brim with facilities for any interest, and sleep options for any comfort level. Book into a cabin, villa, campsite or glamping tent, then set your sights on the pedal karts, playground, beach activities, on-site restaurant or nearby Murramarang National Park.  

Sleeps: villas sleep up to eight 

Distance to beach: 100m 

NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort, Murramarang

Oyster Catcher Huskisson, Huskisson 

At just 300m from Moona Moona Beach in Huskisson, this light and airy three-bedroom holiday house is a perfect match for families, friends and groups in between. The thoughtfully designed house features Australian artwork on the walls, a curated welcome hamper, full function kitchen with Smeg appliances and a Nespresso machine, and ceiling fans in each of the bedrooms. There’s also a bathtub and port-a-cot, plus an outdoor shower for all those duck-into-the-water swims. While you’re there, and for laid-back beach days, explore the sights of Booderee National Park (the park is managed, hand-in-hand, by the Wreck Bay Aboriginal community and Parks Australia). 

Sleeps: up to eight 

Distance to beach: 300m 

Oyster Catcher, Huskisson - Credit: Experience Jervis Bay

Reflections Seal Rocks Holiday Park, Seal Rocks 

Tucked into an alcove of Seal Rocks’ Number One Beach, Reflections Seal Rocks is a charming beachside stay in a sleepy North Coast town, famous for its active lighthouse and beautiful beaches. Accommodation-wise, this park offers cabins of all varieties, villas, glamping tents, caravans with timber decks and powered campsites. Throughout your stay make use of the oodles of facilities including a communal firepit (during winter), playground, kiosk, kids’ activities, a native plants garden, camp kitchen and more.  

Sleeps: cabins sleep up to six 

Distance to beach: 200m 

Reflections Seal Rocks - Holiday Park, Seal Rocks

Shoal Bay Country Club Stays, Shoal Bay 

Shoal Bay Country Club (SBCC), is an iconic all-day diner in idyllic Shoal Bay, near Port Stephens, but it also runs several stunning accommodation properties around the area, some of which sleep up to 10 guests. The Penthouse is a four-bedroom apartment with outdoor decks and 180-degree views. Bay Breeze is just a short walk from SBCC and is a renovated two-storey holiday home built for families or groups. The Beach House is ideal for those who love the outdoors – it boasts a backyard, outdoor entertaining area and a full-sized pool. Then there are three smaller apartments, fit for one or two guests. 

Code: For a 5% discount on all properties, excluding The Penthouse, use the following code at checkout: DNSW_sbcc_5 

Sleeps: up to 10 

Distance to beach: 200m 

Accommodation at Shoal Bay Country Club, Shoal Bay - Credit: Shoal Bay Country Club