Port Kembla was initially chosen as a harbour owing to the protection afforded by Red Point, Big Island and Martin Islet, which extend 2 km seaward. Today the southern harbour breakwater attaches to the rocky shore 2.5 km north of Red Point and in between is a rock-dominated shoreline contains three moderately sheltered beaches (NSW 376-378). North beach (NSW 376) commences at a rocky point 350 m south of the breakwater and curves to the south for 600 m to the next set of low rocks. A road runs right behind the beach with parking on the street and the low bluffs at each end. A fence and the steel works extend west of the road. Waves refract around the point and islands average less than 1 m resulting in a reflective to low tide terrace beach usually free of rips. MM beach (NSW 377) continues immediately to the south for 300 m as a narrow strip of high tide sand fronted by 50 m wide rock flats. It is unsuitable for swimming, apart from a small natural tidal pool toward the northern end. It is bordered by a small 20 m high headland, on the southern side of which is Fishermans Beach (NSW 378). This beach like all beaches of the same name is a sheltered low wave beach. It lies at the base of 70 m high Illowra Hill where a lookout gives an excellent 360º view of the beach and Port Kembla. The beach is 500 m long, faces the northeast with low headlands at each end. The southern Red Point consists of the weathered 250 million-year-old volcanic rocks. The beach is accessible from a northern track with parking limited to the backing streets, while at the southern end a steep access track leads to a boat ramp across the beach. Waves average 0.5 m and the beach is usually steep and reflective with rock occurring in the water toward the southern end. While waves are usually low there is a sewer treatment works on the tip of Red Point, which discharges treated sewerage off the point. read more

Beach Length: 0.8km