Although settlement had already commenced on the shores of the nearby Moruya River, it was not easily navigable due to a sandbar at its mouth.

The Broulee area was surveyed and gazetted in 1837, a town plan made by James Larmer in 1839,[5] and land sales commenced in 1840.

At that time a post office was opened with mail being delivered each week over the mountains from Braidwood.

The building of the Erin-go-Bragh Hotel was also shifted from Broulee Island to Campbell St, Moruya.

The southern beach has a Surf Lifesaving Club with facilities including toilets, accessed from a road below the headland.

There are other accommodation options including a motel, bed and breakfast establishments, and holiday cottages for rent.

Broulee is a popular weekend destination for residents of Canberra and the Australian Capital Territory.