New South Wales, East Coast of Australia, Australia

Shelly Beach

Shelly Beach is a picturesque beach located in New South Wales, Australia, approximately 25 minutes drive from Seal Rocks. The beach is known for its breathtaking white sand and turquoise water, which is often calm and ideal for swimming. The beach is also popular for snorkelling, particularly at the east end.

The beach is accessed via a well-maintained path, which is about a 600m walk from the nearest car park. The walk to the beach is approximately 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the starting point. The path is a dirt track, which adds to the beach's secluded feel.

One unique feature of Shelly Beach is that one half of it is clothing optional, making it one of the most popular nudist beaches on the east coast. However, this is indicated by unofficial signage, and visitors are advised to continue walking to the later beach entrances if they prefer a clothed beach.

Discover places to stay near Shelly Beach and enjoy its stunning white sand and turquoise waters, perfect for a serene getaway.

Despite its natural beauty, Shelly Beach may not be suitable for young children to swim due to its rocky nature and the fact that the water drops away not far from shore. There are also toilet facilities available at the end of the track for convenience.

What to do at Shelly Beach?

Amenities

Shelly Beach amenities include parking and toilet.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight the beauty and seclusion of the beach, with its white sand, turquoise water, and calm surf being particularly appreciated. Many visitors also enjoy the short walk to the beach and the option for snorkeling at the east end. However, some visitors complain about the beach being rocky and rough, making it unsuitable for young kids to swim, and the presence of an unofficial nudist section.

Where to Stay near Shelly Beach?

Visitors to Shelly Beach often choose to stay in nearby towns like Forster and Tuncurry, which offer a range of accommodations including hotels and holiday parks. These locations provide easy access to the beach and are known for their vibrant local dining and shopping scenes.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is Shelly Beach?

Latitude: -32.3293349 / Longitude: 152.5451871

Shelly Beach is located in New South Wales. The following map of Shelly Beach shows the exact location.

Shelly Beach: Weather Today

📅 Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Today is a poor choice for a beach trip to Shelly Beach, as conditions are quite unsettled and cool. With a maximum air temperature of 17.1 °C, the weather feels chilly, especially when combined with the frequent rain showers expected throughout the day. The sea temperature is sitting at 18.8 °C, which is far too cold for comfortable swimming. You will find the sky mostly filled with heavy clouds and the water conditions are quite choppy with significant wave height, making the ocean rough and uninviting. The wind is brisk, adding a biting feel to the air. Given the combination of rain, low temperatures, and restless water, it is best to skip the beach today and plan your visit for when the sun decides to return.
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Air

Low / High12.5°C/17.1°C
Feels Like (High)16.2°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature18.8 °C
Wave Height1.6 m
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Rain

Rain Chance94%
Rainfall5.8 mm
Rain Duration17 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:23/17:24
Sunshine Hours9.0 hrs
UV Index3.95
Cloud Cover90%
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Wind

Speed17 km/h
Gusts32.4 km/h
DirectionNE

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