Shelving Beach
Shelving Beach
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
54 reviews
Excellent
35
Very good
13
Average
1
Poor
3
Terrible
2
AussieTraveller
115 contributions
Jan 2022
The preferred beach for snorkelling will depend on the wind direction. On our visit Shelving Beach was a good option - 35 mins (mildly tricky) walk, or 5 min boat drop off from the Hideaway resort. The coral reefs are about 30-50m from the beach, and we saw lots of sea life including sting rays, clown fish, clams, and turtles.
Written 17 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kaz W
Coffs Harbour, Australia37 contributions
Nov 2020 • Couples
We snorkeled at this beautiful little beach. Acres was by walking along a each track with a reasonable incline and then down the hillside to the beach. Not suitable for those physically impaired or with limitations, or young children. Some sections had some loose and slippery rock with little to hang onto.
It is worth the walk though, or boat ride. We saw some beautifully coloured fish and a turtle and the coral formations.
It is worth the walk though, or boat ride. We saw some beautifully coloured fish and a turtle and the coral formations.
Written 7 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janelle W
Brisbane, Australia20 contributions
Sept 2020 • Family
Easy walk to the beach. But getting from track to beach wasn't easy. All of us sat down to take slow rocky descent onto beach. Getting back was rock climbing to get back up. The beach was so beautiful snorkelling was loads of fun. Not a beach to be missed. I rate it as one of the most beautiful beaches in Queensland
Written 8 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ron d
Caloundra, Australia602 contributions
July 2021
I got a brochure on Great Keppel Island that states that it is 'the best island on the Great Barrier Reef for Bush Walking'. If that is true, then the other islands must be horrific.
I started to do the Monkey Point circuit, which is rated as 'Easy'. They have got to be kidding. After an easy walk parallel to the beach, the track enters the bush with a steep climb. I use the term 'track' loosely; it is more like a creek bed with plenty of opportunities to break an ankle.
When it was clear that this track was going to be too challenging, I decided to curtail the walk at Shelving Beach then return. The track down to Shelving Beach is another creek bed that ends at an extremely dangerous descent over rocks.
It is totally irresponsible to describe this walk as easy. I did survive but I would discourage everyone from attempting this walk unless they are prepared to tackle some very hazardous terrain.
I started to do the Monkey Point circuit, which is rated as 'Easy'. They have got to be kidding. After an easy walk parallel to the beach, the track enters the bush with a steep climb. I use the term 'track' loosely; it is more like a creek bed with plenty of opportunities to break an ankle.
When it was clear that this track was going to be too challenging, I decided to curtail the walk at Shelving Beach then return. The track down to Shelving Beach is another creek bed that ends at an extremely dangerous descent over rocks.
It is totally irresponsible to describe this walk as easy. I did survive but I would discourage everyone from attempting this walk unless they are prepared to tackle some very hazardous terrain.
Written 31 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
D C
Houston, TX472 contributions
June 2014 • Friends
Shelving Beach is a small beach in an inlet along the south west coast of Great Keppel Island between Fisherman's Beach, where the ferry lands, and Monkey Beach, which I didn't go to because the surge was too strong on that side of the island for snorkeling.
Great Keppel Island itself is a relatively undeveloped, unspoiled tropical island paradise with a minimal number of guest houses and shops. (There are large-scale development plans in the works for a hotel resort / marina / golf course, so go now before it's too late!) It's great for people who like going off the beaten path. The vast majority of the island is accessible only by hiking (i.e., virtually no roads for cars).
GETTING THERE:
The ferry from Yeppoon costs $55 for a single adult return. After you land on the beach (it's so unspoiled that there isn't even a pier, let alone a marina, for the ferry to dock at), head to your right to the very end of the beach, where you will see an overgrown path around some rocks. Take the path to the fork and keep right. (Going left up the incline will take you to Monkey Beach.) Along the way, there are a couple of clear spaces in the trees with good views of Fisherman's Beach.
SNORKELING:
Shelving Beach is a small crescent beach in an inlet with coral around each point of the crescent and a sandy bottom in the middle. Assuming good visibility, it's pretty good snorkeling; I saw a lot of fish, a sea turtle, and an eagle ray. The best part is that you're highly likely to have the beach to yourself most of the time.
Tips:
* Bring food, water, sunscreen, towels, your own snorkel gear, and good footwear for hiking.
Great Keppel Island itself is a relatively undeveloped, unspoiled tropical island paradise with a minimal number of guest houses and shops. (There are large-scale development plans in the works for a hotel resort / marina / golf course, so go now before it's too late!) It's great for people who like going off the beaten path. The vast majority of the island is accessible only by hiking (i.e., virtually no roads for cars).
GETTING THERE:
The ferry from Yeppoon costs $55 for a single adult return. After you land on the beach (it's so unspoiled that there isn't even a pier, let alone a marina, for the ferry to dock at), head to your right to the very end of the beach, where you will see an overgrown path around some rocks. Take the path to the fork and keep right. (Going left up the incline will take you to Monkey Beach.) Along the way, there are a couple of clear spaces in the trees with good views of Fisherman's Beach.
SNORKELING:
Shelving Beach is a small crescent beach in an inlet with coral around each point of the crescent and a sandy bottom in the middle. Assuming good visibility, it's pretty good snorkeling; I saw a lot of fish, a sea turtle, and an eagle ray. The best part is that you're highly likely to have the beach to yourself most of the time.
Tips:
* Bring food, water, sunscreen, towels, your own snorkel gear, and good footwear for hiking.
Written 5 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phelps M
New Paris, OH11 contributions
June 2022 • Solo
Access to this beach is hard day's walk. Difficult walk in the tropics. The fisheries and marine life is in decline.
Written 30 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vincentjoseph
Sydney, Australia374 contributions
Apr 2018 • Family
Bit of a hike over the hill from the main beach of Great Keppel. Took about 20 minutes with kids.
Fantastic variety of coral, fish and turtles.
Best snorkelling when tide is between mid tide and low tide. Can see great sea life around the edge of the reef on low tide.
At high tide it is hard to see much.
Often had the place to ourselves.
Highly recommended.
Fantastic variety of coral, fish and turtles.
Best snorkelling when tide is between mid tide and low tide. Can see great sea life around the edge of the reef on low tide.
At high tide it is hard to see much.
Often had the place to ourselves.
Highly recommended.
Written 30 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrea C
London, UK30 contributions
Jan 2019 • Couples
Beautiful, and a very affordable island to ferry to (often ferries are very expensive in Australia). A lesser traveled to island, which is a high part of it's beauty and charm.
Please respect nature on your trip.
Please respect nature on your trip.
Written 24 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heidi B
Condamine, Australia38 contributions
July 2017 • Family
We caught a ferry over to Great Keppel than walked over the hill to Shelving Beach. It is absolutely gorgeous & like a quiet paradise. We all went snorkelling & loved it. We then walked back to the Hideaway for a toilet break & a late lunch, before catching the ferry back at 3.30pm. Wonderful day & a must do if in the region.
Written 5 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rissa Ota
NZ6 contributions
Aug 2014 • Solo
Between Fisherman and Shelving Beaches is the best snorkeling spot I experienced in the island. Stunning number of fish, and if you are lucky you can also see green turtle, big rays and very big fish! Snorkel on the fringe of the corals & sea.
Written 11 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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