Meet the site
Shelly Beach is a small beach just inside the mouth of the Moruya River at Moruya Heads, and it is the most practical shore snorkelling and dive spot at the heads. The Nature Coast Marine Group lists it with shallow reefs east and west of the beach and warns of possible river current in deeper water. It has toilets, a shower and a picnic area with barbecues.
The reefs are shallow rock with kelp and weed, sponges and sea squirts, surrounded by sand. As an estuary-mouth site it gets a mix of ocean and estuary fish: bream, luderick, blackfish, leatherjackets, whiting and mullet, with blue groper and wrasse on the rocks and stingrays on the sand. Octopus, sea hares and nudibranchs are found in the rocks, and seahorses can sometimes be found in weedy areas of NSW estuary entrances. On an incoming tide, schools of baitfish and occasional larger predators such as tailor and salmon come in with the clearer ocean water.
The site suits snorkellers, families and new divers. The key to a good visit is timing: go around high tide on the flood after dry weather, and stay away from the channel where the current runs. It is not a site for deep diving. Because the only source is a snorkelling guide, the depth range here is indicative. It pairs well with a morning boat dive when the ocean is too rough for shore diving elsewhere.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Shelly Beach (Moruya Heads) is recorded as Shore/Rock Platform in Batemans Bay. The listed access is shore. Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Shelly Beach (Moruya Heads) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Snorkel/Any. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Shelly Beach (Moruya Heads) through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Bream, luderick, leatherjackets, whiting, mullet, blue groper, wrasse, stingrays, octopus, sea hares, nudibranchs, baitfish, tailor
Location
Small beach just inside the Moruya River mouth at Moruya Heads with shallow reefs either side; a sheltered snorkel and easy shore dive, with river current in deeper water.
Facilities nearby
Parking, toilets, shower, picnic area and barbecues; shops at Moruya.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
ncmg.org.audpird.nsw.gov.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.