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.

From Batemans Bay drive south on George Bass Drive to Tomakin. Spirit Divers gave the entry near 1939 George Bass Drive, with a car park; the Nature Coast Marine Group describes access to Barlings Island via a dirt track off George Bass Drive near Guerilla Bay, with limited parking. Walk down to the beach and enter from the sand.

The nearest toilets are at the Tomakin boat ramp.

Spirit Divers rated it best in north-easterly winds, and the Nature Coast Marine Group notes the island is sheltered from north-east winds; the Marine Life Network describes the headlands as sheltered except in southerlies. Southerly swell makes it rough and murky. The Tomakin side is novice-friendly, the Burri Point side intermediate.

Visibility drops after rain when the Tomaga River runs.

Enter from the beach and follow the rocky gutters out towards the island at 5–11 m, checking the small caves for wobbegongs. Cross the underwater spit if conditions are calm, and return along the gutters to the beach.

Spirit Divers listed Barlings Beach as an Easy shore dive and training site; the Marine Life Network lists 'Broulee Bay' rocky headlands near Barlings Beach at 10–25 m; the Nature Coast Marine Group lists Barlings Island as a snorkel site.