Shelly Beach in Central Coast NSW

Shelly Beach NSW is one of the locals’ favourite beaches.

No wonder… The beach has so many fabulous qualities that I can’t decide what’s the highlight:

• Great surf
• Safe swimming with lifeguard patrol
• Beautiful, untouched, sand dunes, spacious
• Fabulous dog exercise area
• Large parking space
• Restaurants at the Surf Life Saving Club
• Lively picnic area with elevated views
• Golf course with ocean views
• Caravan parks with beach access
• Water quality rated as Very Good

Shelly Beach is a lively, natural and clean beach near The Entrance on the NSW Central Coast.

It caters for absolutely everybody from surfers to children to dog lovers to swimmers…

About Shelly Beach

Shelly Beach counts among the most beautiful beaches on the Central Coast.

Tall humpy sand dunes back the beach and make it look completely natural...

The Surf Life Saving Club and Blue Lagoon Beach Resort are the only man-made facilities you can see from the sand.

The patrolled swimming area is conveniently located right down the pathway from the carpark, toilets and restaurants.

Swim safely between the flags – lifeguards patrol from the Sept / Oct school holidays to Anzac Day on April 25th.

Also, the water cleanliness, monitored under the NSW Government’s Beachwatch programs, is rated Very Good. 

Surfing is also very popular because there’s a consistent beach break and the conditions are great for learners.

If you like playing golf with multi-million dollar views, head to Shelly Beach Golf Club, an 18-hole course on top of the hill behind the dunes.

If you’d rather go for a long walk on the beach, walk south or north.

At the southern end is Blue Lagoon, a calm lagoon where you can get away from the crowd. It's backed by Blue Lagoon Beach Resort, which offers cabins and powered sites. 

Walk further around the headland to the next bay, Bateau Bay.

Bateau Bay is in Wyrrabalong National Park. Take The Coast walking track and follow the cliff for 2.8 km past Crackneck Lookout. It’s a nice walk in the bush with beautiful views of the ocean.

You can also walk north of Shelly Beach toward The Entrance.

The northern side of Shelly Beach is busier because it’s dog friendly – it’s packed with dogs exercising.

Shelly Beach must be one of the best dog beaches on the Central Coast... Dogs can run free for nearly 1.5 km from the beach access walkway to just before Toowoon Bay.

With no dog in tow, continue walking past Toowoon Bay and Blue Bay all the way to The Entrance, a lively coastal town with several cafes and restaurants, then along Tuggerah Lake to Long Jetty.

If you prefer relaxing at Shelly Beach, have a picnic or a meal at the forecourt, which has elevated views of the ocean.

There’s a grassy area with picnic tables and a paved ground where you can push the pram and kids can scooter.

There are two places at the beach where you can have a meal:

Have coffee, breakfast and lunch at Munchas Café on the terrace at the surf live Saving Club. Nothing is better than great food with a fabulous view.

Then have an afternoon drink at The Balcony Restaurant & Bar on the second floor of the Surf Life Saving Club and take in the view of the ocean.

There’s a real summer vibe at this beach.

Shelly Beach Accommodation

• Toowoon Bay Holiday Park has direct access to 2 great beaches: Shelly Beach and Toowoon Bay. The jumping pillow and pool are a big hit with the kids. Check photos and reviews. 

• Many holiday homes are available around The Entrance area which you can rent through a website such as Airbnb. 

Getting There

Shelly Beach is located 1 hr 30 min north of Sydney and 1 hr south of Newcastle. From Sydney, follow the M1 Sydney – Newcastle Motorway and exit toward Pacific Hwy / Ourimbah / Palmdale. From Newcastle, follow Pacific Highway. Follow the directions with the GPS.

There’s a large parking area beside the Surf Life Saving Club (can get full during holidays).