Nestled south of Crescent Head, Delicate Nobby (also known as Big Hill) is a striking headland beach where a large rock formation splits the shoreline into two distinct sections. On calm, flat days the sheltered waters off the reef offer excellent snorkelling conditions, with the rocky outcrops providing structure for marine life. The adjacent Goolawah Camping Reserve and Big Hill Rainforest Track add to the wild, unspoilt feel of this remote stretch of the Mid North Coast — it's a tranquil escape far from the crowds, with clear water and a dramatic coastal backdrop.
Big Hill / Delicate Nobby (Crescent Head area)
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.6 mSwell Period 7.4 sWind Speed 6.1 knPrecipitation 0.2 mmTidal Phase slack
Last evaluated
DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Big Hill / Delicate Nobby (Crescent Head area) has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- No lifeguard patrol danger
Delicate Nobby is an unpatrolled beach with no surf lifesaving services. Snorkellers must exercise personal responsibility and assess conditions carefully.
The spot
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
High risk: No lifeguard patrol
Delicate Nobby is an unpatrolled beach with no surf lifesaving services. Snorkellers must exercise personal responsibility and assess conditions carefully.
Moderate risk: Permanent rip currents against rock formations
Permanent rips develop against both Delicate Nobby and Big Hill, especially on larger swell days. Strong currents can sweep swimmers out from the rocky headlands.
Moderate risk: Exposed double-bar surf system
The beach has a well-developed double bar system that creates unpredictable breaks and dumpers, particularly on incoming tides. Only snorkel on flat, calm days.
Low risk: Swell-dependent conditions
Snorkelling quality and safety are highly dependent on calm, flat conditions. When the swell is up, the reef becomes hazardous with dumping waves and strong surge.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Located roughly 15–20 minutes south of Crescent Head. Take Point Plomer Rd south from Crescent Head township past the golf course, then follow the signs to Goolawah Camping Reserve / Delicate Beach. The beach and Nobby are accessible via a short walk from the campground or roadside parking areas.
Parking & facilities
Limited roadside parking along Point Plomer Rd near the Delicate Beach access point. Additional parking available within the Goolawah Camping Reserve for campers. No dedicated sealed carpark at the beach itself.
toiletsparking
No day-use fee for beach access. The Goolawah Camping Reserve requires camping fees if staying overnight.
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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