Parsley Bay

Beach

Parsley Bay is a steep-sided funnel-shaped bay bordered by Point Seymour and Village Point. It is 200 m at the entrance, narrowing to 100 m at its wharf and shark net, to 40 m at the beach (SH 46), located 200 m deep inside the bay (Fig. 4.235). The sheltered... Read more

Parsley Bay is a steep-sided funnel-shaped bay bordered by Point Seymour and Village Point. It is 200 m at the entrance, narrowing to 100 m at its wharf and shark net, to 40 m at the beach (SH 46), located 200 m deep inside the bay (Fig. 4.235). The sheltered low energy beach has been largely filled for a grassy park, with a low curving seawall built on the intertidal sand flats. Sand has been dumped in front of the seawall to provide a 10 m wide beach which is fronted by a further 50 m of sand flats. This is followed by the calm waters of the bay which extends a further 200 m out to the shark net, making the bay a popular spot for swimming and snorkelling. The bay is surrounded by steep slopes, largely occupied by private homes. The park was developed early last century to cater for ferry visitors, with a walkway from the ferry wharf to the park, as well as a pedestrian suspension bridge across the valley, which is part of a coastal walk around the bay. There is a kiosk in the park and limited parking off Horler Avenue.

Swimming

The southern harbour beaches, while at times difficult to find and access, do offer a wide range of beach environments ranging from the netted beaches at Parsley Bay and Shark Bay.

Surfing

Usually none

Fishing

The many beaches, rocky shore and jetties attract a wide range of fishers to the southern harbour foreshore.