Location
Australia
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
November to April
About Shelly Beach
Shelly Beach is a small beach in Booti Booti National Park on the NSW Mid North Coast, in the Pacific Palms area between Forster and Seal Rocks, right next to the village of Elizabeth Beach. Elizabeth Beach itself is a calm, north-facing family beach and the only patrolled beach in Pacific Palms in summer; Shelly Beach sits next door and is reached only on foot. Destination NSW describes Shelly as a lovely swimming spot and an unofficial clothing-optional beach, and that is how it is used: nudists and clothed visitors share the sand and generally get on well. The beach is fringed by bush, with sand and rocky sections; some rocky parts are not suitable for young children or unsteady swimmers. There are no services on the beach apart from a pit toilet behind the dunes, so bring water and shade. It is not one of the beaches legally designated for nude bathing in NSW, so nudity relies on custom and tolerance.
Getting there
Drive to Elizabeth Beach in Pacific Palms, off The Lakes Way. From the Elizabeth Beach area, a bush track of about 800 m leads to Shelly Beach; it is uneven in places and not suitable for wheelchairs or prams. Parking is at the Elizabeth Beach end. There is no public transport to the beach itself.
What visitors say
Visitors describe a pretty, sheltered bush beach with a friendly mix of nudists and textiles who coexist respectfully. The 800 m walk keeps numbers down. Common tips are to bring water and shade, as the only facility is a pit toilet, and to take care on the rocky sections. Some note that the arrangement is informal and that clothed families also use the beach.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Destination NSW (Visit NSW, 2026) calls Shelly Beach an unofficial clothing-optional beach; it is not a legally designated nude bathing beach under NSW law, so nudity is tolerated rather than permitted. The beach lies in Booti Booti National Park, managed by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Naturism at Shelly Beach sits under Australia's rules for de facto tolerance — usually left alone if you keep it non-sexual and low-drama.
Full country law: Australia public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. -32.3290, 152.5450
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Australia
Frequently asked questions
Is Shelly Beach a legal nude beach?
No. It is an unofficial clothing-optional beach recognised by Destination NSW, but not a legally designated nude bathing area.
How do I get there?
Walk the roughly 800 m bush track from the Elizabeth Beach area in Pacific Palms.
Are there toilets?
Only a pit toilet behind the dunes; Elizabeth Beach has more facilities.
Is it patrolled?
No. Elizabeth Beach next door is the only patrolled beach in Pacific Palms in summer.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
Members’ reviews
Write a review →Loading member reviews…