NameSurfing DescriptionShellharbour has a popular beach culture. We love the sand and surf, and exploring our natural environment.
This beach culture was also enjoyed (pioneered) by the local Aboriginal community who would come together with family and swim, surf, fish and gather shell fish. Evidence of this is displayed in the many shell middens lining our beaches and waterways across the City.
Shellharbour is home to several popular surfing beaches and breaks that locals have ridden for generations.
The Killalea National Surfing Reserve is dedicated to two surfing breaks, The Farm and Mystics; two iconic contrasting breaks which provide for surfers of all experience. The National Surfing Reserve was dedicated 6 June 2009.
There are other excellent beaches along the Shellharbour coastline where you can go for a body surf, a leisurely swim, bodyboarding, or surfing. Warilla Beach curves 2km from Windang Island, near Lake Illawarra’s mouth, to Barrack Point. You’ll find a quality left-hand break on the south side of Windang Island.
On either side of the harbour at Shellharbour Village are Shellharbour North Beach and Shellharbour South Beach. There are beach breaks along both stretches of sand and a right-hander off the southern rocks at Shellharbour South.
Other surfing spots include The Shallows, near Bass Point, and Cowries at Shellharbour Village.
Photo with thanks to Rick McClelland 2022.