Shelly Beach (NSW 51) is 800 m long, faces due east and is bordered by the 40 m high One Man Bluff in the north and 20 m high Shelly Head in the south. It is backed by a natural dune system, covered in dense coastal woodland, with two small creeks crossing the southern half of the beach. Access is by foot, with a walk-in camp located on Shelly Head. The central to northern section of the beach is exposed to waves from all directions, resulting in a double bar system with rips cutting the attached inner bar and a tough and rhythmic outer bar. Strong, permanent rips also run out against both headlands, though waves and rip intensity decrease against the southern head. Shelly Head beach (NSW 51S) is a steep 180 m long, sand, cobble and shell beach, running along the eastern side of the headland (Fig. 4.33). It is backed by 20 m high densely vegetated bluffs, with extensive rock platforms to either end leaving a 50 m water access in the centre. The rocks and reefs lower waves at the beach, however caution should be used if swimming here as a permanent rips runs out of the centre. Access is via a steep track toward the southern end. read more

Beach Length: 0.8km