On the southern side of Nobby Head is Shelly Beach (NSW 166), which trends south for 700 m to a sandy foreland in lee of a small reef. The high tide beach consists of a mixture of sand and pebble, with up to four rips dominating the more sandy surf zone, particularly adjacent to rocks and reefs (Fig. 4.91). It is accessible from the southern end where there is a car park and picnic area. On the southern side of the foreland Shelly Beach south (NSW 166S) curves 300 m to southeast to the lee of a 10 m high headland. It is moderately sheltered with a steep pebbly (shelly) high tide beach fronted by intertidal sand, rocks and reef. It is backed by the car park and picnic area with a boat ramp across the beach. This is the more popular of the three beaches owing to lower waves and sheltering from southerly winds. A walking track links the car park and Miners Head.
Beach Length: 0.75km
General Hazard Rating:
6/10
Patrols
There are currently no services provided by Surf Life Saving Australia for this beach. Please take the time to browse the Surf Safety section of this website to learn more about staying safe when swimming at Australian beaches.
Click here to visit general surf education information.
SLSA provides this information as a guide only. Surf conditions are variable and therefore this information should not be relied upon as a substitute for observation of local conditions and an understanding of your abilities in the surf. SLSA reminds you to always swim between the red and yellow flags and never swim at unpatrolled beaches. SLSA takes all care and responsibility for any translation but it cannot guarantee that all translations will be accurate.