Shelly Beach Tours and Activities

Shelly Beach showing general coastal views and rugged coastline
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.

Plan a trip to see Shelly Beach

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Airport Ascot Motel

Airport Ascot Motel

4 out of 5
Hamilton
Save 100% on your flight
per person
17 Oct - 24 Oct
found 1 day ago
Return flight included
Melbourne (MEL) to Brisbane (BNE)
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
Property is in need of an update.

Reviewed on 28 Jul. 2025

Circle On Cavill Surfers Paradise Apartments-Holiday Paradise

Circle On Cavill Surfers Paradise Apartments-Holiday Paradise

3.5 out of 5
Surfers Paradise
Save 100% on your flight
per person
17 Oct - 20 Oct
found 1 day ago
Return flight included
Melbourne (MEL) to Gold Coast (OOL)
7.8/10 Good! (30 reviews)
Nice clean and comfortable thanks

Reviewed on 27 Jul. 2025

Azzura Greens Resort

Azzura Greens Resort

4 out of 5
Hope Island
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per person
25 Sept - 2 Oct
found 20 hours ago
Return flight included
Melbourne (MEL) to Gold Coast (OOL)
8.4/10 Very Good! (571 reviews)
The apartment was fantastic. Clean, secure, in a nice area and much a much bigger space than I expected. Perfect for the family, especially the pool facilities. Won't hesitate to book again.

Reviewed on 28 Jul. 2025

Popular places to visit

Moffat Beach

Moffat Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Moffat Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Moffat Beach. Stroll along the area's seaside or simply enjoy its cafes.

Moffat Beach
Dickey Beach

Dickey Beach

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Dickey Beach during your travels in Sunshine Coast? Make time for the spas and surfing spots in this romantic area.

Dickey Beach
Bulcock Beach

Bulcock Beach

Clear ocean waters, a dazzling stretch of sandy shore, warm paddling pools and a beachside boardwalk combine to make this a classic seaside getaway.

Bulcock Beach

Kings Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Kings Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Sunshine Coast. Make time for the spas and surfing spots in this family-friendly area.

Kings Beach

Caloundra Street Fair

During your trip to Sunshine Coast, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Caloundra Street Fair. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches or seek out the surfing spots.

Caloundra Street Fair

Caloundra Events Center

After visiting Caloundra Events Center, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Sunshine Coast. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Caloundra Events Center

Top Shelly Beach Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Spacious 4-Bed House Metres from Beach

Spacious 4-Bed House Metres from Beach

Shelly Beach
Spacious 4-Bed House Metres from Beach
Norfolks on Moffat Beach

Norfolks on Moffat Beach

4 out of 5
32 Queen of Colonies Parade, Moffat Beach, QLD
Norfolks on Moffat Beach
ULTIQA Shearwater Resort

ULTIQA Shearwater Resort

4.5 out of 5
The Esplanade, Kings Beach, QLD
ULTIQA Shearwater Resort
Moffat Beach Motel Caloundra

Moffat Beach Motel Caloundra

3.5 out of 5
56 Roderick Street, Moffat Beach, QLD
Moffat Beach Motel Caloundra
15 Seaview Terrace Moffat Beach QLD

15 Seaview Terrace Moffat Beach QLD

Moffat Beach
15 Seaview Terrace Moffat Beach QLD
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
Beach House @ Moffat ~ pet & family friendly ~ 100m walk to beach ~

Beach House @ Moffat ~ pet & family friendly ~ 100m walk to beach ~

Moffat Beach, QLD
Beach House @ Moffat ~ pet & family friendly ~ 100m walk to beach ~
Raintrees Resort

Raintrees Resort

4 out of 5
1 Bryce Street, Moffat Beach, QLD
Raintrees Resort
Rolling Surf Resort

Rolling Surf Resort

4 out of 5
10 Levuka Avenue, Kings Beach, QLD
Rolling Surf Resort
See all 1,621 properties in Shelly Beach
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, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the stunning coastline, soaking up the beautiful scenery. Explore the local wildlife retreat, where you can observe native animals in their natural habitat. For golf enthusiasts, the Shelly Beach Golf Club offers a perfect way to unwind while enjoying picturesque views. Don't forget to relax on the pristine beaches, making the most of your time in this charming coastal destination.

Shopping

For a unique shopping experience in Shelly Beach, visit the Caloundra Street Fair, just 1.6km away, offering vibrant local crafts and produce. If you're up for a drive, check out Sunshine Plaza, 16.1km away, where you can enjoy a mix of shopping and entertainment.

Recreation

At Sunshine Coast Stadium, immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere while enjoying fitness classes and sports events. Caloundra Golf Club offers a relaxing day on the greens, surrounded by beautiful scenery. For a touch of luxury, visit Sunshine Coast Turf Club for fine dining and premium racing experiences.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of freefall with Sunshine Coast Skydivers, only 3.2km from Shelly Beach, offering breathtaking views. For a splash of excitement, hop on a Caloundra Jet Ski located 4.8km away, where adventure meets the open water. Enjoy tenpin bowling at Suncity Tenpin, 14.5km away, for a fun indoor challenge.

Nightlife

For a unique night out, visit Wappa Falls Astronomical Observatory, 32.2km from Shelly Beach, for family-friendly stargazing. Alternatively, enjoy some fun at Sunshine Coast Laser Tag, located 30.6km away, where you can unleash your adventurous side in an arcade atmosphere.

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

Find the best attractions near Shelly Beach

When visiting Shelly Beach in Queensland, be sure to explore its beautiful beach, the nearby reserves, and the scenic esplanade. Adventure seekers can enjoy outdoor activities at the stunning Shelly Beach Holiday Park and the renowned Shelly Beach Hervey Bay. Don't miss the chance to experience the spectacular views that this coastal gem has to offer, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and adventure alike.

  • Bulcock Beach: Located a mere mile from Shelly Beach, Bulcock Beach offers a relaxed atmosphere where you can soak up the sun and enjoy the gentle surf. Its golden sands and calm waters make it perfect for swimming and sunbathing, providing the quintessential beach vibes.
  • Mooloolaba Esplanade: About 12.9km away, Mooloolaba Esplanade is a vibrant hub filled with cafes, restaurants, and shops. Ideal for families and couples, this scenic walkway offers stunning ocean views, perfect for a romantic stroll or a delightful family outing.
  • Caloundra Events Center: just 1.6km from Shelly Beach, this cultural hotspot hosts a variety of performances and exhibitions. Immerse yourself in the local arts scene and enjoy a diverse range of events that showcase the region's creativity and talent.

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, and book your accommodation about a month in advance for the best rates. Look for last-minute deals on Expedia, particularly on Wednesdays, which tend to be the least expensive days to stay. Utilise filters to find eco-friendly options and combine your hotel, flights, and activities for potential savings. Exploring free local attractions and using public transport can also help stretch your budget further while enjoying your vacation.

  • 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: Booking a hotel around Shelly Beach about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • 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: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, chosen location, and desired hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodation options that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Shelly Beach hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.