Shelly Beach - Port Macquarie
Overview
With a natural tidal lagoon, a long stretch of white sandy beach surrounded by spectacular rainforests, you are guaranteed to find yourself the perfect spot to relax at one with nature.
Ideal for families with small children, there are plenty of shady spots to set up for the day, picnic tables and barbecue facilities. You are likely to see resident bush turkeys and goannas as you enjoy the wonderful public art on display too.
Harry Thompson looked after the reserve at Shelly Beach creating a lookout, a bush track of 254 hand-carved steps and a unique style of bush furniture. He was both an unofficial caretaker and an artist. To recognise Harry’s contribution Stephen Killick and Stephen King were commissioned to create hand-carved sculptural timber furniture including King and Queen Chairs and an entrance archway at Harry’s Lookout. This is a very popular spot for weddings.
They also recreated Harry’s caravan as a picnic table and totem reflecting his unofficial title of mayor of Shelly Beach. In addition, local artist, Sue Bell, ran community workshops for people to create tiles of their memories of Harry. The subsequent Spiral Path tells a playful and narrative story of Harry Thompson
Accessibility
Actively welcomes people with access needs.
Caters for people who use a wheelchair.
Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people using walking frames and mobility aids)
