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

📅 Thursday, May 7, 2026
Today is a challenging day for a beach visit, and it is best to stay clear of the water. While the sky will remain mostly bright and clear throughout the day, the conditions at Shelly Beach are quite rough. Strong winds are whipping across the sand, creating hazardous conditions and making it very difficult to relax or set up a towel. The ocean is particularly unruly, with large, choppy waves making it unsafe for any swimming or water activities. With the maximum air temperature reaching 18.6 °C and the water sitting at 22.4 °C, it simply isn't a comfortable day to be near the shoreline. Please prioritize your safety and avoid the beach until the winds calm down and the surf settles.
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Air

Low / High12°C/18.6°C
Feels Like (High)17.6°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature22.4 °C
Wave Height2.1 m
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Rain

Rain Chance0%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:26/17:06
Sunshine Hours10.3 hrs
UV Index4.8
Cloud Cover12%
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Wind

Speed33.1 km/h
Gusts74.5 km/h
DirectionW

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