right between town & the beach
Your hub to explore the amazing Shoalhaven and Jervis Bay areas.
Photo Gallery • Arches Culburra
Arches • Culburra, pet-friendly, family-friendly, self-catering accommodation in walking distance to CBD & beach.
Veranda at Arches • Culburra -- bit of bubbles & local oysters, watching the world go by.
Sundowners and nibbles on the veranda at Arches.
Late check-in? Just let us know and we'll leave the lights on for you.
Bespoke touches, local art, thoughtful curation
Lounge big enough to fit a crowd.
Air conditioning, TV, comfortable surrounds.
Queen bed, bespoke touches, built-in robe
Double bedroom
Main bathroom with shower
Table for six. Bring in deck chairs to seat eight.
Fully stocked kitchen. Plenty of room for cook’s helpers.
Flowers from the back garden
Second bath with shower
Covered deck dining.
Outdoor shower - delicious cool water to rinse off the sand.
Patio between main house and annex -- perfect place to monitor the crew and relax at the same time.
Barbecue and fresh herbs.
Sofa Bed for small sleepers, queen bed, games table, ensuite bathroom in the Annex at Arches.
Lake Woolumboola at Sunset
Becca and Amy, two rescue greyhounds, welcome you to their yard at Arches • Culburra.
Agapanthus just blooming at Arches. Remnants of owners past.
Grevillea, iconic Australian plant at Arches.
Your Hub for Exploring the Shoalhaven
Welcome
Culburra Beach
Amenities
Welcome to Arches Culburra in stunning Culburra Beach, just north of Jervis Bay on the South Coast of NSW, Australia. A pleasant 2 ¼ hour drive south from Sydney and a bit longer from Canberra, Culburra Beach has an lovely low-key but emerging vibe, and has escaped the overdevelopment of many little coastal communities.
At Arches Culburra
Welcome to Arches Culburra in stunning Culburra Beach, just north of Jervis Bay on the South Coast of NSW, Australia. A pleasant 2 ¼ hour drive south from Sydney and a bit longer from Canberra, Culburra Beach has an lovely low-key but emerging vibe, and has escaped the overdevelopment of many little coastal communities.
At Arches Culburra, you'll find a newly refurbished, the self-catering, pet-friendly holiday accommodation that sleeps four comfortably in the main house. Add in three more guests in the slightly more rustic Annex at Arches with a single/double bunk in the studio flat. Could a wee sleeper use the sofa-bed in the Annex? Of course. Just ask and we'll make it up with a sleep sack into a comfy nest.
Arches Culburra is fully fenced with easy parking for a trailered boat. Plenty of elbow room and run-around yard for kids and woofs, and spaces to escape the din with a glass of bubbles as well.
The perfect hub for a weekend getaway, an exploration of the Shoalhaven and Jervis Bay areas or a quiet retreat, Arches Culburra ticks so many boxes.
Arches is centrally located -- an 8- minute stroll to town or to the beach. Turn right to town for an exceptional coffee or left to stunning Culburra Beach itself. A walk to the multi-faceted Bowling Club will add 5 minutes and Lake Wollumboola, another 5.
Smart but unpretentious, Arches is the perfect hub for your exploration of the incredible Shoalhaven and Jervis Bay region. Just a 20 minute drive into the regional hub of Nowra, 15 minutes to serene Callala Bay, 15 minutes to Greenwell Point -- each with its delights. Just 20 minutes to the Myola ferry to Huskisson too!
Whether you are here for a wedding, a weekend getaway, or a month to finish your novel, come home to settle in this comfortable beach cottage with its Annex studio flat -- plenty of room to stretch out.
Listen to the soft beat of the surf at night, walk the sands at low tide, or linger on the gated, covered veranda as evening descends and the setting sun paints the skies crimson.
Set out a feast on the back deck or have a quiet read on the patio. BBQ or take-out, Sunday roast or sweet treats -- all so easy at Arches.
Sunbake in the back yard or hunt shells at the beach. Float in the ponds at the lake or walk the beach at sunrise. Let the woofs and kids spread their wings. Arches Culburra accommodates so many delightful options.
Small enough for a couple to feel comfortable and yet plenty of spaces to accommodate family and friends.
Locally owned and owner managed, Arches Culburra has bespoke and thoughtful touches with your comfort in mind.
Slow down. Chill out. Breathe at lovely sea air. You're in Burradise.
Sounds great! Book Now.
Amenities
Culburra Beach
Amenities
Sleeps 4 (House) + 3 (Annex)
- queen bedroom
- double bedroom
- Annex with queen bed and fold out couch
Linens and bedding
- Bed linens & bath towels
- Pillows, doonas, blankets
3 bathrooms
- 2 in main house
- 1 in Annex
Pet-friendly
- Fully fenced yard
- Doggie bags & dog towels provided
Parking
- Ample on-site parking
- Room for trailered boat
Annex
- TV + board games
- S
Sleeps 4 (House) + 3 (Annex)
- queen bedroom
- double bedroom
- Annex with queen bed and fold out couch
Linens and bedding
- Bed linens & bath towels
- Pillows, doonas, blankets
3 bathrooms
- 2 in main house
- 1 in Annex
Pet-friendly
- Fully fenced yard
- Doggie bags & dog towels provided
Parking
- Ample on-site parking
- Room for trailered boat
Annex
- TV + board games
- Single/Double bunk
- Futon couch
- Sofa-bed for a wee sleeper
- Desk
- Breakfast/Games table
- Bathroom
TV & Internet
- Smart TV is in the main house and in the Annex
- Free-to-air and streaming
- Unlimited FTTP WiFi
Temperature
- Reverse cycle air con & ceiling fans in main house
- Fans and space heater in Annex
Fully stocked kitchen
- Toaster, microwave, kettle
- French Press coffee maker (bring your own ground coffee)
- stove, fridge dishwasher
- pots, pans, trays
- wraps & bags
- Salt, pepper, instant coffee, teas
Laundry
- Iron & ironing board
- Washer & dryer
- Hills Hoist in patio
Baths
- Two bathrooms in main house (showers)
- Gas-on-demand hot water in house
- One bathroom in Annex (shower)
- Eco-friendly soaps and supplies
- Make-up removal pads
- Hair dryer in each
- Toilet Paper
Dining
- Deck with picnic table
- Indoor dining area seats 7
- High chair
Outside
- BBQ
- Patio seating
- Fresh potted herbs
- Sunloungers in back yard
- Gated veranda in front
Ownership
- Locally owned
- Owner managed
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Please bring your own
- beach towels. Arches Culburra does not supply beach towels nor are the towels supplied at the holiday house suitable for the beach. If you've forgotten your own, local shops and Op Shops carry a nice supply.
- dog beds, so your woof can sleep on the floor comfortably (not on the furniture or on the beds)
- gear for babies. Let Hire for Baby Nowra rents baby equipment for your needs. 1 300 363 755
Culburra Beach
Culburra Beach
Culburra Beach
Made famous as the setting of Australian modernist photographer Max Dupain's iconic image "The Sunbaker", Culburra Beach is framed by water. Bordered by Wollumboola Lake to the South, by the Tasman Sea to the East, and by the Crookhaven River to the North, Culburra is home to champion surfers, writers and artists, musicians and builders,
Made famous as the setting of Australian modernist photographer Max Dupain's iconic image "The Sunbaker", Culburra Beach is framed by water. Bordered by Wollumboola Lake to the South, by the Tasman Sea to the East, and by the Crookhaven River to the North, Culburra is home to champion surfers, writers and artists, musicians and builders, movers and shakers and dreamers of all sorts.
Walk, swim, dive or surf either of two long beaches, join a yoga or stretch class, rent a SUP or fat-tired beach bike, or just enjoy an exceptional cuppa in the Community Garden with the locals -- you'll find that the pace is perfect, and the worries of the world drift away on the breath of the fresh sea air.
Culburra Beach was developed in the early part of the 20th century by Henry Halloran. His involvement in Tanilba Bay in the Port Stephens area and with the renown architect and landscape designer Walter Burley Griffin (think Canberra) may have influenced the layout of Culburra Beach, Orient Point, and other beachside townships in the Shoalhaven. Although Griffin signed off on the design of Tanilba Bay, no such record has been discovered regarding Culburra Beach, but his influence is plain to see.
The peninsula that is Culburra Beach has been a recreation area since its first plotting. Halloran built Culburra House in 1928 with its still-visible rock arch Moongate near Tilbury Park. now on private property. Guests strolled down to Wollumboola Lake, rode swan boats, and enjoyed music and theatrical productions.
Although Culburra House was dismantled in the 1940's, leaving the Moon Gate behind, Culburra Beach has remained one of the most delightful small beach communities on the NSW East coast.
Somehow, this little jewel has escaped the overdevelopment and over-love of many coastal villages. Generations of families have come to Culburra Beach for holidays, with some now settling here permanently. The demographic is changing with work-at-home professionals and web entrepreneurs able to take advantage of the connectivity, proximity to Sydney and Canberra, good schools for their families --and a surf or a fish after work.
Young dads stop work at 3.15 to pick up their daughters, do their hair, assist in a change of gear and drop them off at dance lessons. Young mums meet at the coffee van of a morning for support. One of the seniors gym groups follows to the picnic table after a workout, and yoga meets at Surf Lifesaving. Ukulele aficionados from Callala, Currarong and Culburra meet to practice and rehearse, and bands discuss rehearsal schedules. Tennis groups, book clubs, mountain biking, hiking -- it's all happening.
That easy-natured vibe that once defined Culburra Beach is still on offer. Listen to sweet drift of music on a summer night's air -- is it a band in the Community Garden, a jam session at Surf Lifesaving on Warrain Beach, a guitarist at Loco Lane, at The Common or a band at the Club?
Take a nice deep breath of fresh air and embrace the wide open sky at the water's edge. Let the cares of the world drift away. Yep, that's Burra, mate.
About Us
Culburra Beach
Culburra Beach
An artist and an architect, ex-pats and childhood sweethearts + their two rescue greyhounds discovered Culburra after heading south from Byron Bay.
One heart-stopping view and we were sold on this genuinely friendly unspoiled little beach town with not only river-frontage, but a bay, a lake and wild beaches all within blocks. Easy access
An artist and an architect, ex-pats and childhood sweethearts + their two rescue greyhounds discovered Culburra after heading south from Byron Bay.
One heart-stopping view and we were sold on this genuinely friendly unspoiled little beach town with not only river-frontage, but a bay, a lake and wild beaches all within blocks. Easy access to regional hubs, charming vineyards, bistros, friendly locals and coastal walks sealed the deal.
Once here, we haven't left. You'll know what we mean when you experience Culburra Beach. At first, you wonder why there isn't more to it, and then you're very very glad it is just as it is. You won't want to leave, either!
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Arches • Culburra is an inclusive accommodation. Families and friends of all stripes and polkadots are welcome.
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Safety
The back patio and back yard both have motion-sensor lights, as does the front path.
Smoke alarms are installed in both buildings, along with a heat detector in the garage.
Fire safety equipment, evacuation plans are clearly evident.
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Sister Holiday Rental in Eden on the Far South Coast
Keen on the South Coast and want to explore further on down the road? Visit Hamlet House, our sister BnB in Eden on the Far South NSW coast, traditional home of the Yuin Guyangal people. Crystal clear blue skies meet gem faceted sea on the far south coast, earning the name "The Sapphire Coast".
Pet-friendly with fenced yard, easy walk to town, beach and pool, stunning view of Twofold Bay, sleeps seven in 3 bedrooms. Same smart but unpretentious vibe as Arches Culburra with our signature bespoke touches.
Hamlet House is expertly managed by Eden Holiday Rentals, staffed by experienced locals with a deep knowledge of the area. As always, if you are thinking about booking during school holidays, book early!
Hamlet House • Eden, Book via www.edenhamlethouse.com or call 0421 027 867.
Thank You
Woofs & the Beach
Woofs & the Beach
Thank you for ...
~ Respecting our
neighbours, many of whom work from home. Please take your conversations inside at 10 PM (midnight on the weekends) so the neighbours can sleep -- even on warm summer evenings. Shoalhaven council quiet hours are midnight - 8 AM Friday, Saturday, and public holidays, and 10 PM - 8 AM all other days.
~ Pi
Thank you for ...
~ Respecting our
neighbours, many of whom work from home. Please take your conversations inside at 10 PM (midnight on the weekends) so the neighbours can sleep -- even on warm summer evenings. Shoalhaven council quiet hours are midnight - 8 AM Friday, Saturday, and public holidays, and 10 PM - 8 AM all other days.
~ Picking up after your fur baby before the lawn is mowed (we will contact you before the gardener will arrive) and before you leave. Doggie bags provided - help yourself to a roll. Please place the remains in RED BIN.
~ Shaking the sand from the dog towels, your beach towels and bathers before you put them in the washer and dryer.
~ Bringing your own dog beds so your woofs are comfortable sleeping on the floor.
~ Bringing your own beach towels.
~ Hiring a pet-sitter if you are away during the day or visiting the National Park, so your terrified woofie won't be calling out in distress all day (or all night): Try madpaws.com.au. Pop in Culburra Beach as the location, and a host of options are revealed - pet-sitters and their prices. Of course, book early as you can.
~ Smoking outside only.
~ Hanging your wetsuit, bathers, and towels on the Hills Hoist in the back yard. (Please do not hang anything on the shower curtain rails. They are a bit fragile!)
~ Hosing off your woofie before coming inside. Dog towels provided.
~ Putting your rubbish in the proper bins as you leave.
~ Washing your dishes and returning them to the proper cupboard.
~ As glitter gets into our waterways and harms wildlife, our house is a glitter-free zone.
Many thanks! We appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Woofs & the Beach
Woofs & the Beach
Woofs & the Beach
Culburra's Beaches
There are two beaches: Culburra Beach (from Penguin Head north to Crookhaven Heads), and Warrain Beach, (from Penguin Head south to Currarong).
Culburra's beaches are off-leash dog-friendly at specific times of day, depending on the season.
The ranger lives locally and patrols randomly. The fines are eye-watering.
Of
Culburra's Beaches
There are two beaches: Culburra Beach (from Penguin Head north to Crookhaven Heads), and Warrain Beach, (from Penguin Head south to Currarong).
Culburra's beaches are off-leash dog-friendly at specific times of day, depending on the season.
The ranger lives locally and patrols randomly. The fines are eye-watering.
Off-lead
In the Winter: May - September, off-lead times are 3 PM-10 AM.
In the Summer, October - April, off-lead is 4 PM - 8 AM.
Note: Make sure your woofie is on-lead when you come off the beach.
This allows children to play safely on the beach during the day, and woofs to have their own room to zoom as well.
The rest of the time, dogs are allowed on the beach on-lead only.
Excellent maps of local dog-beaches can be found here and in our Welcome Book.
Lake Wollumboola
A recreational site from the turn of the 19th Century to the 20th and well into the 1980's, Lake Wollumboola is now part of Jervis Bay National Park.
As in all National Parks, dogs are not permitted because of on-going conservation programs of both flora and fauna. Additionally, a fox eradication baiting program is underway at Lake Wollumboola which makes it dangerous for dogs off-lead.
On a happier note, State Parks and local are usually dog-friendly on-lead.
Farther afield (See maps in our WelcomeBbook)
Callala Bay
Dogs can be off-lead from 4 PM to 8 AM at the north and south ends of the beach but not in the central location where your family would like to plop on the beach.
Callala Beach has much more wave-action and is a bit less busy. Same rules apply regarding dogs.
Been to the beach with your woofie (do mind the Bindies in the bush beach-side)? Thanks for hosing off your woof just as you do your feet, and drying off on the dog towels provided before you re-enter Arches • Culburra.
With Respect
Woofs & the Beach
With Respect
Welcome. Walawaani njindiwan means "welcome" in the local Dhurga language of the Wandi Wandian people, and slightly deeper, means "enjoy your journey through this land".
We pay our respects to the traditional custodians of this land, the Jerrinja Clan of the Wandi Wandian People, to their elders past and present and to those just emerging.
Welcome. Walawaani njindiwan means "welcome" in the local Dhurga language of the Wandi Wandian people, and slightly deeper, means "enjoy your journey through this land".
We pay our respects to the traditional custodians of this land, the Jerrinja Clan of the Wandi Wandian People, to their elders past and present and to those just emerging.
The Wandi Wandian people are the salt-water people and coastal guardians in this land where the rivers meet the sea. We acknowledge their deep connection with the land, the rivers and the sea, and with all the creatures therein.
Culburra means "sand" in the local aboriginal language, appropriate for the play of the sea, the river and the lake that formed this peninsula.
You'll notice the rich connection between Lake Wollumboola, the birthing place, and Mt Coolangatta (Cullingutti), the final resting place, as well as the rich riverine landscape that sustained more than 60,000 years of traditional custodianship.
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Website updated 11 April 2023.
Our website is updated regularly. If we have overlooked something, or a link doesn't work, please let us know at archesculburra@gmail.com
so we can fix it up quick smart.
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Have an idea for us to make a stay at Arches more enjoyable? Feedback on something you appreciated or something we may have overlooked?
We are always happy to take on board your creative suggestions.
Getting Here
Woofs & the Beach
With Respect
Culburra Beach is a peninsula, just east of the regional hub of Nowra, between Lake Wollumboola at the top of Jervis Bay and the Crookhaven River.
Just a 2.25 hour drive south of Sydney and about the same from Canberra -- a perfect weekend away. Drive south on the M1 until you cross the Shoalhaven River. You have two choices to come ea
Culburra Beach is a peninsula, just east of the regional hub of Nowra, between Lake Wollumboola at the top of Jervis Bay and the Crookhaven River.
Just a 2.25 hour drive south of Sydney and about the same from Canberra -- a perfect weekend away. Drive south on the M1 until you cross the Shoalhaven River. You have two choices to come east to Culburra: north or south approaches.
From the north, turn East at Nowra Fresh, drive through historical Terarra, the site of historical Nowra before it was moved uphill. Follow the road through JindyAndy, turning right at Pyree Schoolhouse, and on to Culburra Road. This morphs into The Lake Circuit. You'll find us at 25 The Lake Circuit.
From the south, turn right on Kalander Road towards Culburra Beach, follow the road past JindyAndy, right at Pyree Schoolhouse on on to Culburra. From the south, you can also turn off the M1 at Forest Road, left on Coonemia Road, right at Culburra Road. This becomes The Lake Circuit. You'll find us at 25 The Lake Circuit.
Coming from the South, you can also bypass Forest Road, drive through South Nowra on the M1/A1/Princes Highway to Kalandar Road. Turn right and follow the road through Jindy Andy until Pyree Road. You'll see a barn-red school house at the corner. Turn right again and follow the road into Culburra. Culburra Road becomes The Lake Circuit. You'll find us at 25 The Lake Circuit.
Why not take the train? From Sydney, head to Kiama, change (from one side of the tracks to the other - no stairs!) for Bomaderry. Take the bus via Nowra to Culburra. The bus stop is just a 10 minute walk from Arches.
We highly recommend the following apps for road safety: Live Traffic for NSW roads and Roads VIC for traffic conditions in Victoria.
Photo Gallery • out & about
Greenwell Point pelicans wait for the boats to come in.
Culburra Beach, from Tilbury Cove to Crookhaven Heads
Beach fort, Summer 2021
Culburra Beach, and across the Crookhaven River, Mt. Coolangatta and the escarpment
Lake Wollumboola opens to the sea.
Warrain Beach and Lake Wollumboola open to the sea.
Frankie's Coffee Van, a local staple.
Swamp Lily, along Penguin Head Road
Moon Gate at what was once Culburra House and resort - near Tilbury Cove.
Crookhaven River, from the Orient Point boat launch.
Since 1822, the Shoalhaven River joins the Crookhaven to flow to the sea through Crookhaven Heads.
From the garden at Arches • Culburra.
Fascinating geography of Penguins Head looking toward Warrain Beach and Lake Wollumboola.
Lake Break, where the Lake occasionally opens to meet the Sea.
Magnolia along Penguins Head Road. Oh, the fragrance!
Tinnies waiting for action in Callala Bay.
On the Far South Coast, our sister BnB, Hamlet House, Eden
Hamlet House, Eden on the Sapphire Coast
Our sister B&B, Hamlet House in beautiful Eden NSW • www.edenhamleethouse.com • 0421 027 867