Nestled on the sheltered shores of Port Stephens, Little Beach is a calm, family-friendly cove within the Port Stephens Marine Reserve. Its gentle, lapping waters, sandy expanse, and clear shallows make it an ideal confidence-builder for beginner snorkelers. The southern end near the jetty and rocky headland of Fly Point offers excellent shore-entry snorkeling over sponge gardens and soft corals, where lucky explorers may spot seahorses, wobbegong sharks, and colourful reef fish. With a grassy reserve, picnic tables, BBQs, and a waterfront restaurant, it's a perfect day-out destination.
Little Beach (Nelson Bay)
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.1 mSwell Period 11 sWind Speed 5.7 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase slack
Last evaluated
© Jeremy from Sydney, AustraliaThe spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: No lifeguard patrol
Little Beach is an unpatrolled beach. Swimmers must exercise normal water safety precautions at all times.
Low risk: Boat traffic near jetty
Little Beach has a public jetty and boat ramp. Boats and watercraft operate near the swimming area, though buoy markers help separate swimmers.
Low risk: Rocky areas at southern end
The snorkeling entry near the southern rocks and Fly Point headland has uneven, rocky terrain underfoot. Slippery when wet.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
3 photos from the community
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Drive through Nelson Bay along Victoria Road, which narrows at the point and bends right towards Shoal Bay. The road hugs the water's edge past Fly Point and joins Dixon Road, leading directly to Little Beach Reserve. Alternatively, walk or cycle from Nelson Bay along the combined walk/cycle track around Fly Point, or from the Shoal Bay end via the beachfront path.
Parking & facilities
Free all-day parking is available near Little Beach (not metered) and is generally easy to find except during peak holiday periods. There is also limited gravel parking at the northern end. Accessible parking spaces are provided near the park.
toiletsparkingdrinking_watershowerspicnic_tables
No entry fee. Parking is free (note: Nelson Bay CBD has paid Smart Parking but Little Beach is not included).
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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