Shelley Caves

On the south side of Shelley Headland, northern NSW, where the next stretch of beach begins is a special little zone called Shelley Caves or more simply, “Caves”.

This back beach is where campers at Shelley Head might come to get a break from an oppressive northerly wind in springtime.

As the name suggests, there is a series of sea caves that are fun to poke around in at low tide, but at high tide, it can get dangerous. The caves have been created by waves eating into the ‘soft’ 180 million-year-old shale rock.

A note of caution. The rocks can be treacherously slippery, and exposed to rogue waves, potentially washing the unwary off. Exercise extreme caution. By far the safest bet around these headlands is to find your way up to the walking track.

Unpatrolled waters can be unpredictable. Choose patrolled beaches for a safer experience and swim only between the flags. Avoid jumping into unknown water depths or areas with unseen hazards. Be aware of currents, rocks, and sudden drops, and always make sure you’re swimming in safe areas to protect yourself and your loved ones!