Tucked on the northern side of Bombo headland in Kiama Downs, The Boneyard is a sheltered pebbly beach that feels like a secret coastal hideaway. Framed by low cliffs and spotted gum trees, this calm pocket of turquoise water offers excellent snorkelling and stand-up paddleboarding in protected conditions. In calm weather the underwater visibility is superb, with schools of fish and rays gliding over the sandy-shingle bottom. Surfers work a right-hand reef break offshore, while the grassy lawn above provides a shady spot for picnics. Access is via a short path from the end of Cliff Drive — a true gem of the NSW South Coast.
The Boneyard
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.6 mSwell Period 6.5 sWind Speed 5.8 knPrecipitation 12 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
© Maurice van CreijThe spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Unguarded / remote location
The beach is secluded with no lifeguard patrol. There are no facilities on site, and the access path does not cater for people with accessibility needs.
Low risk: Reef break surf zone
Surfers work the right-hand reef break; swimmers and snorkellers should stay clear of the break zone when waves are running.
Low risk: Sharp pebbles and rocks
The beach is pebbly rather than sandy, and the entry can be uneven underfoot; water shoes are strongly recommended.
Low risk: Swell and choppy conditions
Snorkelling is best in calm conditions; when southerly swells pick up, the shallow reef entry becomes rough and visibility drops significantly.
Low risk: Pebbly/rocky shoreline
The beach is composed of loose pebbles and stones, which can be slippery underfoot when entering or exiting the water.
Low risk: Surf break / surfers
A right-hand reef break operates here; surfers and swimmers share the water, so be aware of surfboards and wave activity near the reef.
Low risk: Swell and surf conditions
The right-hand reef break can produce waves that affect the sheltered area, especially during southerly swells. Best visited on calm, low-swell days.
Low risk: Pebbly/sharp shoreline
The beach is composed of pebbles and stones rather than sand, which can be slippery and uncomfortable underfoot. Reef shoes are recommended.
Low risk: Pebbly/rocky shore entry
The beach is composed of pebbles and small stones rather than sand, requiring care when entering and exiting the water barefoot.
Low risk: Swell surge on headland
During southerly swells, wave energy can refract around the headland creating occasional surge conditions near the rocky edges.
Low risk: Rip currents
Occasional rip currents can develop near the reef break; swim with caution.
Low risk: Reef break surfers
Surfing activity on the right-hand reef break — snorkellers should stay clear of the surf zone.
Low risk: Slippery rocks
The pebbly beach and rocks at the waterline can be slippery underfoot.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
2 photos from the community
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Drive to the southern end of Cliff Drive, Kiama Downs (NSW South Coast). Park near the cul-de-sac and follow the short walking path down to the beach. Also accessible on foot from North Bombo headland.
Parking & facilities
Limited street parking at the southern end of Cliff Drive, Kiama Downs.
picnic_tables
None
Spot Map
Community
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