Sunrise at Shelly Beach.
Shelly Beach, situated in the picturesque coastal town of Port Macquarie, New South Wales, offers a serene escape where natural beauty and leisure converge. Here’s what you need to know:
- Beach Amenities:
- Picnic Spot: Shelly Beach is a peaceful and tranquil picnic spot, hidden away amidst spectacular rainforests. Families with small children will appreciate the shady areas, picnic tables, and barbecue facilities.
- Tidal Lagoon: At low tide, a natural tidal pool forms, providing a safe space for kids to play and swim.
- Public Art: As you relax, take in the wonderful public art on display. Resident bush turkeys and goannas often make appearances.
- Harry’s Lookout:
- The Legend of Harry: Harry Thompson, an artist and unofficial caretaker, looked after the reserve at Shelly Beach. He created a lookout and a bush track with 254 hand-carved steps. Harry’s unique style of bush furniture left an indelible mark on the area.
- Sculptural Timber Furniture: To honor Harry’s contribution, artists Stephen Killick and Stephen King crafted hand-carved sculptural timber furniture, including King and Queen Chairs and an entrance archway at Harry’s Lookout. This spot is popular for weddings.
- Memorialising Harry: Harry’s caravan has been recreated as a picnic table and totem, reflecting his unofficial title as the “Mayor of Shelly Beach.” Local artist Sue Bell facilitated community workshops where people created tiles with their memories of Harry. The resulting Spiral Path tells a playful and narrative story of Harry Thompson.
- Location:
- Where: Shelly Beach Road, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444