Shelly Beach

Naturist beach

📍 New South Wales, Australia

Shelly Beach is a sheltered Pacific Palms cove known for naturist use on its left side. Get details on rainforest access, sand, calm water and facilities.

≋Beach details

CountryAustralia

RegionNew South Wales

Naturism statusNaturist beach

WaterbodySea / ocean

Place typeBeach

SurfaceSoft white sand with some rocky areas at the water edge and ends of the cove

Best season11-03

01020304 05060708 09101112

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Location

Australia New South Wales

Naturism

Naturist beach

Beach characteristics

Sea / Ocean beach Rock Sand

Overview

Shelly Beach in Booti Booti National Park near Elizabeth Beach is listed for naturist use, with naturist activity centred on the left-hand side and ends of the sand. The sheltered north-facing cove pairs soft white sand with clear turquoise water backed by littoral rainforest and dunes. Access is on foot only along a marked 800m rainforest track from the Lakeside Crescent parking area, taking about 10-15 minutes. There are no shops or showers at the beach, with toilets at the car park and a pit toilet behind the dunes. Mornings are generally quieter, while midday brings a respectful mix of naturist and clothed visitors.

Visiting the beach

Shelly Beach sits inside Booti Booti National Park near Elizabeth Beach in the Pacific Palms area. The beach is reached from the designated parking area at Lakeside Crescent. From there a well-marked track leads through littoral rainforest and over a wooded hill for about 800m. Allow 10-15 minutes each way, wear sturdy shoes for uneven ground, and pack light because all water, food, sun protection and other supplies must be carried in and out. Parking is reported as free, with parking by the gate at the end of the track. Public transport is very limited. The closest services are at Forster and Tuncurry, about a 20-minute drive away, from where a taxi or rideshare is needed to reach the trailhead. The beach itself is a sheltered north-facing cove with soft white sand, dunes and rainforest behind. Water is generally described as calm, clear and turquoise, suited to swimming and snorkelling when conditions allow. Some areas are rocky and need care, especially for unsteady swimmers, and no lifeguard service is expected. Naturist use concentrates on the left-hand side and the ends of the beach, shared respectfully with clothed visitors. Mornings tend to be quieter, while midday can be more mixed. Facilities are minimal. Expect toilets at the car park and a pit toilet behind the dunes, with no showers and no food or drink outlets. Sun exposure is high on the open sand, with limited natural shade. Half-day visits are common to allow for the return walk. Dogs are generally not expected to be permitted in the national park setting.

Getting there

Access: Foot access only via marked 800m rainforest track over a wooded hill from the Lakeside Crescent parking area, taking about 10-15 minutes; carry in and out all supplies

Parking: Free parking at the designated Lakeside Crescent parking area and by the gate at the end of the track

Public transport: Very limited public transport; nearest services at Forster and Tuncurry with taxi or rideshare needed to the parking area

Accessibility: Uneven bush track with no step-free access reported; not suitable for wheelchairs or visitors with limited mobility

At the beach

Facilities

Toilets at the car park and pit toilet behind the dunes; no showers, shelters or food outlets reported

Naturist rules

Naturist use at Shelly Beach is reported on the left-hand side and toward the ends of the sand. Set up in those established areas rather than among family groups at the clothed section. Keep behaviour respectful and low-key, give other beach users space, and avoid staring or photography. Take all rubbish with you and use the pit toilet behind the dunes or toilets at the car park. Keep noise down, keep swimwear handy for the shared track, and remain on the marked rainforest path to protect dunes and vegetation. Visit quietly in the morning when it is generally calmer, and allow extra room at midday when a respectful mix of naturist and clothed visitors is more likely.

Visitor overview

Shelly Beach suits self-sufficient visitors seeking a quiet, sheltered cove with a respectful mix of naturist and clothed use. Expect soft sand, clear water for swimming and snorkelling when conditions allow, and a rainforest walk that keeps numbers lower than roadside beaches. Naturist use is reported on the left-hand side and ends of the sand, with mornings generally quieter and midday more mixed. Facilities are limited to basic toilets at the car park and behind the dunes, so bring water, food and sun cover and take rubbish out. The marked 800m track takes about 10-15 minutes, while rocky water areas and lack of lifeguards make it better suited to mobile adults than to young children or unsteady swimmers.

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Where is Shelly Beach in Pacific Palms?

Shelly Beach is in Booti Booti National Park near Elizabeth Beach in the Pacific Palms area of New South Wales. Access starts at the Lakeside Crescent parking area, followed by a marked 800m rainforest track to the sheltered cove.

Where do naturist visitors set up at Shelly Beach?

Naturist use is reported on the left-hand side and toward the ends of the beach. Nudity is optional and the sand is shared respectfully with clothed visitors. Mornings are generally quieter, while midday often brings a broader mix of beach users.

How difficult is the walk to Shelly Beach?

The walk is moderate, about 800m over a wooded hill through rainforest and takes 10-15 minutes each way. The trail can be uneven, so sturdy shoes help. Visitors must carry all water, food and beach gear in and out.

What facilities are available at Shelly Beach?

Facilities are very basic. Toilets are reported at the car park plus a pit toilet behind the dunes. There are no showers, shelters, shops or drink outlets on the beach, so bring water, food, sun protection and rubbish bags.

Is Shelly Beach good for swimming?

The north-facing cove is generally calm with clear turquoise water suited to swimming and snorkelling. Some areas are rocky and need care, and no lifeguard service is expected. Check conditions on arrival and allow extra caution with children.