Shelley Cove is a sheltered sandy gem tucked at the northern edge of Cape Naturaliste, just around the corner from Bunker Bay in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. A short 600 m snorkel trail winds through crystal-clear shallows (1–5 m deep) around granite islands and seagrass beds, offering excellent visibility and calm conditions. The cove is framed by limestone cliffs, wind-pruned marri woodland, and coastal heath, with a viewing platform overlooking Geographe Bay. Its protected position makes it one of the most reliable shore-entry snorkeling spots in the Southwest Capes region.
Shelley Cove
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Wave Height 0.3 mSwell Period 11 sWind Speed 0.7 knPrecipitation 1.2 mmTidal Phase ebb
Last evaluated
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Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Low risk: Rocks and granite outcrops
Submerged granite boulders and rocky outcrops along the snorkel trail that require careful navigation, especially at low tide.
Low risk: Cold water temperatures
Southern Ocean currents keep water temperatures cool (14-18°C in summer), increasing risk of cold shock without a wetsuit.
Low risk: Steep access path
Access to the beach involves log steps down from the carpark, which can be slippery when wet.
Low risk: Swell wrap-around
During strong southwesterly swells, some wave energy can wrap around Cape Naturaliste into the bay, creating occasional surges near the granite outcrops.
Low risk: Rocks at low tide
Granite boulders and reef platforms are exposed at low tide, posing a scraping hazard for swimmers entering from the beach.
Low risk: Strong southerly winds
Summer sea breezes can cause choppy surface conditions, reducing visibility and making swimming more tiring.
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
From Dunsborough, follow Cape Naturaliste Road north to the turnoff for Bunker Bay Road. Drive to the end of Bunker Bay Road where there is a series of car parks (upper and lower levels). From the upper carpark, take the sandy path past the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and follow the log steps down to Shelley Cove.
Parking & facilities
Free parking available at the Shelley Cove carpark (end of Bunker Bay Road) and at the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse carpark. Medium-sized lot.
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Free entry. Part of Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park (no park entry fee at this location).
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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