Dive site · access from Sydney
Shelly Beach
Shelly Beach: Sheltered shore entry.
- Depth
- 2–12m
- Current
- Mild
- Minimum level
- Open water
- Access
- Boat
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The case for it
Why dive here
- Sheltered shore entry
- Cabbage Tree Bay reserve
- Training profiles
Check before booking
What may rule it out
- Conditions can change. Confirm depth, current and access with a local operator.
Access and timing
Plan this through Sydney
Best overall months: Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov. Check the destination planner for operating season, wildlife and other matching sites.
Wildlife
Seen around Sydney
rareoccasionalcommonly seenpeak seasondestination closed
These are destination-level records, not confirmed sightings at Shelly Beach.
Southern right whale
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | rare |
| February | rare |
| March | rare |
| April | rare |
| May | rare |
| June | rare |
| July | rare |
| August | rare |
| September | rare |
| October | rare |
| November | rare |
| December | rare |
Blue-ringed octopus
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | rare |
| February | rare |
| March | rare |
| April | rare |
| May | rare |
| June | rare |
| July | rare |
| August | rare |
| September | rare |
| October | rare |
| November | rare |
| December | rare |
Common dolphin
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | rare |
| February | rare |
| March | rare |
| April | rare |
| May | rare |
| June | rare |
| July | rare |
| August | rare |
| September | rare |
| October | rare |
| November | rare |
| December | rare |
Giant Australian cuttlefish
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Grey nurse shark
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | rare |
| February | rare |
| March | rare |
| April | rare |
| May | rare |
| June | rare |
| July | rare |
| August | rare |
| September | rare |
| October | rare |
| November | rare |
| December | rare |
Nearby alternatives
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Sources & last checked
Checked September 2026
Research is source-backed, but conditions and fees should still be confirmed locally.
View 1 source and checking notes
- NSW marine estate, NSW Environment and Heritage
Note on the data: Coordinates are approximate; not surveyed dive-site GPS.