Beaches
Nambucca Heads beaches
Scotts Head beach, looking north from the headland. Photo: Conquimbo, CC BY-SA 3.0
Four ocean beaches at Nambucca Heads, calm beaches along the river, and two more surf beaches at Valla and Scotts Head. Which one suits a swim, a surf or a family day.
The four ocean beaches
The NSW Government lists four ocean beaches at Nambucca Heads, and says they suit beginner surfers.
| Beach | Best for | Patrolled |
|---|---|---|
| Main Beach | Swimming and surfing | In summer: surf club on weekends, lifeguards in the Christmas holidays |
| Shelly Beach | Calm water; once named the best mainland beach in Australia (Visit NSW) | Check Beachsafe |
| Beilbys Beach | One of the four ocean beaches | Check Beachsafe |
| South Beach | Experienced surfers and beach fishers; in Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park | Unpatrolled |
Surf Life Saving's Beachsafe site has the current hazards and patrol times for each beach. Always swim between the red and yellow flags.
The river beaches
Along the Nambucca River, the estuary beaches are calm water for small children, fishing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. The river mouth itself has strong currents: keep swimming to the calm, sheltered water.
Further along the coast
Valla Beach, about 12 km north, and Scotts Head, south of the river mouth, both have surf beaches. The council's beach page says the surf clubs at Nambucca Heads and Scotts Head patrol on summer weekends, and lists Valla Beach, Nambucca and Scotts Head for paid lifeguards over the Christmas school holidays. See Valla Beach and Scotts Head.
Common questions
Which beach is patrolled at Nambucca Heads?
Main Beach, in summer: the surf club on weekends, and lifeguards over the Christmas school holidays.
Which Nambucca Heads beach is calmest?
Shelly Beach is the calm ocean beach, and the river's estuary beaches are calmer still.
Where is Beilbys Beach?
It is one of the four ocean beaches of Nambucca Heads. Check Beachsafe for conditions before swimming.