Tucked inside the calm estuary where the Clarence River meets the sea, Hickey Island Reserve and Whiting Beach offer some of the most protected swimming and snorkeling on the NSW North Coast. The beach is known for its near-flat, ankle-deep waters, making it an ideal spot for relaxed snorkeling and paddling. Hickey Island itself is a small grassy reserve connected by a short walking trail, with Whiting Beach stretching along the sheltered shoreline. The surrounding mangroves and seagrass beds support small fish and crustaceans in clear, shallow water — perfect for beginners and families looking for a gentle introduction to snorkeling without waves or strong currents.
Hickey Island / Whiting Beach area
BeginnerMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.9 mSwell Period 6.0 sWind Speed 13 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Unpatrolled beach
Whiting Beach is not patrolled by lifeguards. Swim with caution and supervise children at all times.
Low risk: Patrolled area boundaries
Swim only between the red-and-yellow flags during patrol season (October-April); unpatrolled sections have no lifeguard supervision.
Low risk: Boat traffic near boat ramp
The reserve has a boat ramp and launch area; boat traffic may occur near the swimming zone, especially on weekends and holidays.
Low risk: Stinger jellyfish
Bluebottle jellyfish may occasionally drift into the river mouth during warmer months (October-April).
Low risk: Boat traffic near channel
Whiting Beach sits near the break wall and Clarence River entrance, where boat traffic can occur, especially during launches from the nearby boat ramp.
Low risk: Occasional rip near break wall
During larger swell events, a localized rip can develop adjacent to the break wall. Swim in the demarcated area.
Low risk: Northerly wind chop
Whiting Beach is exposed to northerly winds which can stir up surface chop and reduce visibility in the shallow water.
Low risk: Boating traffic
The area borders the Clarence River channel and is used for boat launching, so keep an eye out for small watercraft near the beach entry point.
Low risk: Stingers / jellyfish
Warmer months can bring jellyfish into the Clarence River estuary, including occasional bluebottles.
Wildlife Guide
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
From Yamba town centre, head south on Harbour Street to the end where it meets the Clarence River. The Hickey Island Reserve parking area is at the end of Harbour Street. Whiting Beach is a short walk from the carpark across the grassy reserve.
Parking & facilities
Limited car parking available at the end of Harbour Street adjacent to Hickey Island Reserve. Space fills up quickly during peak holiday periods.
parkingtoiletsshowerspicnic_tables
Free entry. No fees required.
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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