Nestled within Bass Point Reserve on the NSW South Coast, Beaky Bay is a sheltered rocky cove known for its calm, clear waters and excellent shore-entry snorkeling. The bay sits inside a marine protected area, offering snorkelers a peaceful underwater environment with seagrass beds, rocky reef formations, and the remains of historic shipwrecks nearby. Its protected aspect means conditions are often calm, making it a favorite local spot for exploring the temperate reef life of the Illawarra region.
Beaky Bay
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Wave Height 0.3 mSwell Period 6.5 sWind Speed 1.6 knPrecipitation 16 mmTidal Phase slack
Last evaluated
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Low risk: Rocky entry points
The shoreline is rocky in places; sturdy footwear or dive boots are recommended when entering and exiting the water.
Low risk: Boat traffic
The bay is near boat ramps and dive charter routes at Bass Point; keep an eye out for vessels, especially on weekends.
Low risk: Swell on exposed edges
While the bay itself is sheltered, the outer edges of Bass Point can pick up southerly swells. Stay inside the bay in rougher conditions.
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Located within Bass Point Reserve, south of Shellharbour. From Wollongong, take the Princes Highway south, turn onto Addison Street at Shellharbour, and follow signs to Bass Point Reserve. The bay is accessible via a short walk from the car park.
Parking & facilities
Car park available at Bass Point Reserve, including the Gravel Loader Dive Site car park near Shell Cove. A short coastal walk leads to Beaky Bay Picnic Area and the bay itself.
parkingpicnic_tablestoilets
Free entry. Bass Point Reserve has no admission fee.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports