Shelly

Beach

Shelly Beach lies in the southern corner of Cat Bay. Ventnor Road runs along the top of the grassy bluffs that back the 750 m long beach, with three car parks located behind the beach. The beach faces north and is sheltered from direct westerly waves by Point... Read more

Shelly Beach lies in the southern corner of Cat Bay. Ventnor Road runs along the top of the grassy bluffs that back the 750 m long beach, with three car parks located behind the beach. The beach faces north and is sheltered from direct westerly waves by Point Sambell. Generally, low waves averaging 0.5 m arrive at the beach. The beach is narrow and steep at high tide, while at low tide it widens a little, but is fronted by near continuous, low tide rock flats.

Swimming

Relatively safe owing to the usually low waves. Best at high tide when the rocks are covered, however then the water is deep inshore.

Surfing

No surf at the beach, however the well-known Cat Bay has two point breaks. Left Point is a left hand break over the reefs off Point Sambell, while Right Point is a right hander that breaks off the northern or right point. In addition, spilling waves break over the rock flats when the waves are up and the tide is right.

Fishing

You can fish the reefs off the beach at high tide, or the rock gullies at low tide from the beach or platforms.

General

This beach is accessible and usually quiet; suitable for bathing at high tide. A popular surfing spot when the swell is up.