SHELLHARBOUR NORTH BEACH
One of the most popular beaches in Shellharbour City is Shellharbour North Beach. This clean sandy beach is patrolled during the summer months on the northern and southern ends. Facilities include showers, public amenities, barbecue, beach wheelchair and parking. Shellharbour North Beach is an east facing one kilometre long beach, lying between Barrack Point and the rocks at the base of the ridge on which is known as Shellharbour Village. The Shellharbour Surf Club is located on the southern end of the beach and offers surf club facilities.
Shellharbour North beach is a 1 km long, slightly curving east-facing beach, extending south from the rocks of Barrack Point to a small rocky protrusion. The beach is backed by a low vegetated foredune, then a road and bike path with a caravan park straddling the northern end of the road, a sewer farm sits in the backing Barrack Swamp, with the Shellharbour SLSC (formed in 1936) is located at the southern end, with houses spreading up the backing slopes to Shellharbour township. The beach receives waves averaging 1.4 m reduced slightly by the presence of seaward protruding Bass Point, 4 km to the south. The waves produce 6-8 rips across the usually attached bar, while permanent rips flow out against the rocks at either end.
Swimming
The southern end of the north beach is patrolled and provides the best location for swimming. Avoid the rips particularly if swimming up the beach. The harbour beach is unsuitable owing to boat traffic, however the rock pool is not only safe but also patrolled by a lifeguard from Christmas to Easter, as is the southern beach.
Surfing
There are beach breaks along main beach, while off the southern rocks is a hollow right-hander called Cowries, which works best in moderate east to southeast swell. There is no surf in the harbour but there is a right off the pool called The Pool and a left called Shatters.
Fishing
Good rock platforms at the ends of each beach, plus beach gutters following high seas, while the harbour has a boat ramp.
COVID-19 Safety Conditions
Please adhere to the following conditions to help keep everyone safe this swim season:
– Swim & go
– Keep towel length apart (1.5m)
– Maintain 1 person per 4 square metres
– Stay home if you feel unwell
– Avoid unnecessary mingling
– Maintain good hygiene
– Minimise use of communal facilities
Facilities:
BBQ
Exercise equipment
Outdoor shower
Patrolled beach (seasonal)
Public toilet
