Nestled in Korora Bay on the North Coast of NSW, Opal Cove Beach (also known as Hills Beach) is a 600-metre stretch of steep, reflective sand backed by native bushland and the Opal Cove Resort. The beach meets a rocky seabed with patches of sand and cobbles, creating interesting underwater terrain for snorkelers. A sandy tombolo connects it to adjoining Korora Beach at the southern end, while a small creek crosses the beach near the public access area. The calm, sheltered waters of the bay and easy shore entry make it an inviting spot to explore the nearshore rocky reef.
Opal Cove Beach (Korora)
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.7 mSwell Period 6.3 sWind Speed 6.2 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
© Anthony JormThe spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Low risk: Rocky seabed
The nearshore seabed is predominantly rocky with scattered cobbles — care needed when entering and exiting the water.
Low risk: Outgoing tide current
The small creek crossing the southern end of the beach can create a moderate current outflow on an outgoing tide.
Low risk: Swell surges
Despite the sheltered bay, occasional swell surges can push swimmers toward the steep reflective shore.
Low risk: Rocky seabed near shore
The beach is fronted by a rocky seabed mixed with sand and cobbles, which can be sharp underfoot when entering or exiting the water.
Low risk: Ocean swell and rip currents
As a steep reflective beach, larger swells can generate rip currents. Best snorkelled in calm, low-swell conditions.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
2 photos from the community
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Take the Pacific Highway to Korora, 5 minutes north of Coffs Harbour. Turn off at Opal Cove Resort signpost and follow the road to the public beach access at the southern end of the beach.
Parking & facilities
Public car park available at the southern end of the beach near the picnic area.
toiletsparkingpicnic_tables
No fees for beach access.
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Gallery ┬╖ 2 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