Shelly Beach

Shelly Beach is an exposed sand beach break that produces workable waves across all tide stages, with lefts and rights peeling in succession. The best conditions arrive with southeast swell paired with southwest winds, particularly during winter months when the beach delivers cleaner peaks roughly 60% of the time. The north end of the beach offers less interference from rocks and more direct swell exposure. The wave quality varies with seasonal swells, and the break can draw significant crowds when conditions align.

Port Macquarie's surfing heritage extends back to the 1960s when itinerant surfers discovered the break while traveling along Australia's southeastern coast, adding it to a region with roots reaching further back to the early 20th century. Shelly Beach became established as one of the primary local breaks within Port Macquarie's broader beach break network.

Access is straightforward from the parking area near the Kenny walk entrance, where picnic facilities and picnic tables are available nearby. The beach features a natural tidal lagoon backed by rainforest, with easy public beach access. The main hazard beyond typical beach break conditions is the presence of sharks, particularly when swell is substantial and water clarity is reduced.