TOP10 Items you can’t forget!🏕️
Heading to Shelly Beach? Before you pack the car full to the brim, make sure you’ve checked our list of TOP10 items to bring along. From exploring the bay at low tide to cooling off in the pool, here’s what we’d recommend bringing along for your stay.
1. Paddleboard/Kayak
Bring the paddleboards and kayaks!🏄
Shelly Beach is a fantastic spot to get out on the water, especially when the bay is calm. With the water reaching just over a meter deep all the way to the far point at high tide, it’s one of the safest spots in the country to go for a paddle. Because it stays so shallow, you can see straight through the crystal-clear water to the marine life below.
You’ll often spot eagle rays, small fish, and flounder—and we’ve even had dolphins and orcas swim right up into the shallows. It’s an awesome experience you can enjoy right off our beach!
2. Togs
Pack your togs. Actually, pack them twice.
With the camp situated beachfront to a protected shallow bay, enjoy safe bathing at high tide. When the water retreats don’t fret, we have a heated pool that ranges between 26-27 C perfect for a splash even during the colder months.
The pools splash area is a favorite with the little ones, with a big water dump bucket and water cannons
Always remember where you packed the kids togs!🩱You know they’ll want them five minutes after you’ve unpacked the car.
3. Tent Pegs⛺
Don’t be that camper. Bring the tent pegs.
It sounds obvious, but somehow tent pegs have a habit of being the first thing left sitting in the garage.
If you’re camping, double-check you’ve got your pegs, mallet and everything else you need to get your home away from home securely set up.
Because “we’ll just use rocks” sounds like a great plan… until it isn’t.
4. A Bucket
Bring a bucket and make the most of low tide. When the tide heads out, the bay reveals a whole new world to explore. Grab a bucket, head down to the beach and see what you can discover.
If you’re collecting cockles, remember to follow the current local fishing rules and only take what you’re allowed to. It’s also a great opportunity for the kids to have a proper look at the little creatures and shells hiding around the shoreline.
Pro tip: Don’t forget a second bucket if you’re bringing the kids. Sharing is apparently much harder when there’s a particularly exciting shell involved.
5. Fishing Gear
If you like fishing, bring your gear!🎣
With the water right here, there’s no need to go far to cast a line. Coromandel is one of the best destinations for both land based and boat fishing. Our staff can point you in the right direction for some secret rock fishing spots or recommend fishing charters.
Whether you’re an experienced fisherman or the kids are just keen to have a go, there’s something pretty satisfying about catching your own dinner.
Within the park we sell bait & burley as well having a filleting bench, smoker and new weigh station.
6. Rock Shoes
Rock shoes = happy feet👟
Low tide is the perfect time to explore more of the bay, and a decent pair of rock shoes can make clambering over rocks and exploring the shoreline much more comfortable.
They’re especially handy for kids who want to investigate every rock pool, shell and tiny creature they can find
Just remember: look, don’t disturb, and leave the beach as you found it.
7. RCD Camping Cord
The boring one that you’ll be very happy you packed.
If you’re staying on a powered site, make sure your camping power lead is up to the job and has the appropriate RCD protection. A standard household plug won’t cut it!
It’s not the most exciting thing on the packing list, but future you will be grateful you did!
8. 🧴 Sunscreen
The Coromandel sun is beautiful… and sneaky
You might arrive thinking, “We’ll just sit outside for a minute.”
Next thing you know, you’ve got a very obvious t-shirt-shaped sunburn.
Pack the sunscreen🧴
9. A Torch🔦
A torch or headlamp is one of those things you don’t think you need until the sun goes down. While our facilities are lit at night, we try to keep minimal light throughout the camp. This means a dark tent and much less light pollution – perfect for star gazing!!
10. A good book or a pack of cards
Nothing makes a holiday better than a good book or staying up late playing one of those “friendly” family camping card games!
And one thing you can’t pack…
A little bit of time!🌅
The best thing you can bring to Shelly Beach isn’t something that fits in the car boot.
Leave a little room in your plans to do absolutely nothing. Have a slow morning, wander down to the beach, watch the kids play, grab a coffee, explore the bay at low tide and stay outside until the sun goes down.
Because sometimes the best part of a camping trip is having nowhere you need to be.