Shelly Beach Cronulla has a sweet little sandy beach plus a gorgeous ocean pool. It is much quieter and more intimate than its huge surf beach brother and this makes it one of the best beaches in Cronulla for families.
There’s a very beautiful art deco pavilion which has showers and toilets, including, on the top floor some toilets with the best ocean views in the city!
The Shelly Beach rock pool is very large and juts out from the beach. If you’re doing laps you’re best to stick far out in the pool as the beach area is often busy wth toddlers, buckets, spade, sandcastle etc Bring a mask and snorkel as the fish life can be excellent in the pool.
Shelly Beach has a large reserve behind it, a reserve being Sydney-talk for a large park. Towering palms provide plenty of shade, so BYO picnic blanket and hamper and spread out to enjoy a long, lazy day by the beach.
Shelly Beach Cronulla
Shelly Park, Ewos Parade Cronulla 2230
The best swimming spot on the ocean side of Cronulla for families is undoubtedly the lovely beach and ocean pool at the southern end of Shelly Beach.
A smooth path leads all the way down to the rock pool and there’s a wheelchair ramp into the water itself. The ocean pool has a beach entry and plenty of shallow water for splashing around. The pool is clean and large and in good repair.
The small patch of beach beside the pool is sheltered and usually packed with children playing with their sand toys.
Cafes: BYO or milk bar across road.
Toilets: Toilets, shower and change room in pavilion on seafront
Shade: Not on the beach or ocean pool but plenty in the park
Playground: Good, fenced playground in Shelly Park, click here for post about it.
Mum’s report: This is a mecca for Cronulla kids. The large park and great playground make this the first place to try out if you visit Cronulla with kids.
Parking: Street parking on Ewos Parade
Nearest station: Cronulla is 15–20 minute walk away
Nearest ferry: Cronulla Wharf is 15–20 minute walk away, ferries to Bundeena
Bus stop nearby: Yes
Is this the best place in the Shire for little kids?
Read our Top 10 Things To Do In Sutherland Shire With Kids here?
Find all of the best family friendly beaches in Sydney here.
The area around Shelly Beach look pleasant. I want to visit the place but my son is disabled and I don’t think so that we will find an accessible activates or some wheelchair buggies there.
Hello, I’m not sure but do you know the ‘Have Wheelchair Will Travel’ website. Julie who runs it will know if there are some there.