Shelly Beach

Shelly Beach featuring rocky coastline and general coastal views
Shelly Beach
Shelly Beach which includes general coastal views and a sunset as well as an individual male
Shelly Beach
Shelly Beach which includes general coastal views


Discover tidal pools amid the fascinating rock formations and crashing waves of this rugged beach, enclosed by Caloundra’s scenic pine-covered headland.

Facing directly east toward the Pacific Ocean, Shelly Beach is a beautiful place to catch the first rays of the sun while strolling along the soft sands. Framed by Norfolk pines on a rocky headland, this beach and suburb of the same name is a scenic spot for enjoying ocean views, exploring rock pools with the kids and splashing around in the shallows.

Wander down to the beach with your towel and sun umbrella, and settle in for a day of enjoying some of Caloundra’s best beach views. At the southern end of the beach, you’ll find fascinating rock formations brimming with marine life. Children will love exploring the rock pools and identifying the variety of marine species residing here. Read the information board nearby the rock pools and see if you can find the species listed, such as black sea cucumbers, rose barnacles, chiton and blue periwinkles.

Relax with a good book and listen to the sounds of the waves as the kids play on the beach’s swings and shaded play equipment. Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch out of the sun at the picnic facilities, which also include a barbecue.The surf at Shelly Beach can become dangerous. Although the beach is patrolled, be sure to take extra care when swimming. Kings Beach, located just around the southern headland, offers safe swimming and great surf. Here in Shelly Beach, however, you’ll find a charming serenity that can be hard to come by at some of Queensland’s beautiful beaches.

If you’d like to take a longer stroll along the beach, Shelly Beach marks the beginning of the Des Dwyer Walkway, which connects to Moffat Beach to the north. Here, you can link up with Caloundra’s beautiful Coastal Pathway, a stunning 9-kilometre (5.6-mile) stretch of bike and walking paths.Shelly Beach is located 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) to the northeast of Caloundra’s city centre.

Shelly Beach becomes an off-leash dog beach between May and October at certain times of the day. Watch the dogs bounding up and down the shoreline or visit outside of these times to enjoy the views in relative solitude.

Popular places to visit


Top Shelly Beach Hotel Deals

Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort

Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort

4.5 out of 5
2 Landsborough Parade, Golden Beach, QLD
Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort
Ocean Views Resort

Ocean Views Resort

4.5 out of 5
115 Bulcock Street, Caloundra, QLD
Ocean Views Resort
Rumba Beach Resort

Rumba Beach Resort

5 out of 5
Bulcock Beach Esplanade Reception, On Leeding Tce, Caloundra, QLD
Rumba Beach Resort
Moffat Beach Motel Caloundra

Moffat Beach Motel Caloundra

3.5 out of 5
56 Roderick Street, Moffat Beach, QLD
Moffat Beach Motel Caloundra
Raintrees Resort

Raintrees Resort

4 out of 5
1 Bryce Street, Moffat Beach, QLD
Raintrees Resort
ULTIQA Shearwater Resort

ULTIQA Shearwater Resort

4.5 out of 5
The Esplanade, Kings Beach, QLD
ULTIQA Shearwater Resort
Norfolks on Moffat Beach

Norfolks on Moffat Beach

4 out of 5
32 Queen of Colonies Parade, Moffat Beach, QLD
Norfolks on Moffat Beach
Currimundi Hotel Motel

Currimundi Hotel Motel

3 out of 5
32 Buderim Street, Battery Hill, QLD
Currimundi Hotel Motel
Rolling Surf Resort

Rolling Surf Resort

4 out of 5
10 Levuka Avenue, Kings Beach, QLD
Rolling Surf Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Shelly Beach

At Shelly Beach, Queensland, visitors can enjoy leisurely beach strolls along the pristine sands and explore stunning coastal walks that offer breathtaking views. The area also boasts excellent shopping destinations for souvenirs and local crafts. Additionally, there are numerous sightseeing opportunities, including vibrant marine life, making it a fantastic spot for diving enthusiasts to explore the underwater wonders.

Shopping

For shopping in Shelly Beach, visit the Caloundra Street Fair, just 1.6km away, offering local crafts and fresh produce. If you're up for a drive, Sunshine Plaza, 16.1km away, features a variety of shops and entertainment options, while Sunshine Beach Village Shops, 43.5km away, has a charming selection of boutiques.

Recreation

At Chancellor Park Golf Driving Range, immerse yourself in the fresh air while perfecting your swing amidst a vibrant outdoor atmosphere. Enjoy a day at Sunshine Coast Stadium, where the energetic sports environment invigorates your spirit. For a touch of luxury, unwind at Sunshine Coast Turf Club, offering a serene retreat.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Caloundra Jet Ski, located 4.8km from Shelly Beach, where you can zip across the waves. For a family-friendly adventure, Aqua Park Bli Bli, 14.8km away, offers exciting water slides. Alternatively, soar through the skies with Sunshine Coast Skydivers, a mere 3.2km from Shelly Beach.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Shelly Beach offers unique experiences, with Wappa Falls Astronomical Observatory providing a cosmic adventure 32.2km away, perfect for stargazers. Alternatively, indulge in an exhilarating evening at Sunshine Coast Laser Tag, an arcade adventure zone located 30.6km away, ideal for thrill-seekers.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Shelly Beach

At Shelly Beach, Queensland, visitors can delight in the stunning coastal scenery and outdoor adventures. With attractions like Shelly Beach, the Shelly Beach Reserve, and other secluded spots, this destination offers a variety of friendly beaches perfect for relaxation and exploration. Whether you're seeking a tranquil day by the sea or an adventurous outing, Shelly Beach provides an ideal backdrop for a memorable holiday experience.

  • Bulcock Beach: Located 1.6km away from Shelly Beach, Bulcock Beach offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for soaking up the sun. With its golden sands and gentle waves, it's ideal for a leisurely day by the sea, enjoying beach vibes and picturesque views.
  • Mooloolaba Esplanade: Eight miles from Shelly Beach, this esplanade is a vibrant destination for romance and family outings. Stroll along the waterfront, indulge in exquisite dining, and relish outdoor activities in a stunning coastal setting.
  • Aussie World: Just seven miles from Shelly Beach, Aussie World is an exciting amusement park that promises family fun and adventure. With thrilling rides and engaging attractions, it's a perfect spot for both kids and adults to create lasting memories.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Shelly Beach

To save money on your trip to Shelly Beach, consider visiting during the cheaper months of May to June or August. Booking your accommodation about a month in advance can yield better rates, and Wednesdays are the most cost-effective days to stay. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals or to filter by budget and preferences, including eco-friendly options. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities in an Expedia package can provide further savings. Utilize public transport options for economical travel around the area and explore free local attractions to enhance your experience without extra costs.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Shelly Beach are May to June and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April and December to January, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Shelly Beach is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Shelly Beach is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Shelly Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to easily identify the most affordable accommodation options first. Furthermore, you can refine your choices by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy savings by combining your Shelly Beach hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.