Shelley Beach, tucked into the eastern curve of Bunker Bay on the Cape Naturaliste Peninsula, is a pristine snorkeling haven protected from the prevailing southwesterly swells. The sheltered cove features pure white sand leading into clear, calm turquoise waters dotted with granite outcrops and seagrass beds. Snorkelers can weave around the rocky islets close to shore, spotting baitfish clusters and the occasional wobbegong sheltering beneath ledges. The bay's gentle gradient and easy shore entry make it a favourite for families and novice snorkelers, while the striking limestone cliffs and coastal heath add to the wild beauty of Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.
Bunker Bay / Shelley Beach
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.3 mSwell Period 11 sWind Speed 0.7 knPrecipitation 1.2 mmTidal Phase ebb
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Low risk: Shark sightings
Sharks have been spotted in the area; check local warnings before entering the water.
Low risk: Wind chop
Afternoon sea breezes can whip up surface chop, reducing visibility in the shallows.
Low risk: Stinger season
Marine stingers (box jellyfish and bluebottles) may be present during warmer months.
Low risk: Rocky granite outcrops
Submerged granite boulders and islets near shore require careful navigation, especially at low tide.
Low risk: Southwest swell wrap
During strong southwesterly swells, surge can wrap around the point and create unexpected currents inside the bay.
Low risk: Marine stingers
Bluebottles and occasional box jellyfish may be present in warmer months.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
3 photos from the community
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
From Dunsborough, take Caves Road west toward Cape Naturaliste. Turn onto Bunker Bay Road and follow it to the beach car park at the end. Shelley Beach is accessed via a short walk from the eastern end of the main Bunker Bay carpark or via the Shelley Cove walking trail.
Parking & facilities
Large unsealed carpark at the end of Bunker Bay Road. Overflow parking available in peak season.
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Free entry. Located within Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, no park fees for beach access.
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Gallery ┬╖ 3 photos
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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