Diamond Beach: Beach Views, Dolphins and the Walk to Shelley Beach

Diamond Beach stretches for six kilometres and combines beach views, wildlife watching and routes on foot or horseback. Accessible viewing platforms, different opportunities to watch dolphins and humpback whales, and a walking track to Shelley Beach give the area several distinct highlights. When planning your trip, you can choose whether views, wildlife watching or an activity along the way matters most to you. The different highlights can be matched to what you want to experience during your stay.

Beach Views and Wildlife Watching

Accessible viewing platforms overlooking the beach are located at the southern end of Diamond Beach and at the main access point in town. From there, you can watch resident dolphin pods throughout the year; between May and November, you may also see migrating humpback whales. This creates a clear distinction when choosing when to travel: dolphin watching is possible year-round, while humpback whale watching is limited to May through November. When planning, you can weigh up whether year-round dolphin watching or the seasonal opportunity to see humpback whales matters more to you.

During the 2023–2024 breeding season, six loggerhead turtle hatchlings emerged at Diamond Beach from a nest laid late in the season; they were released during the same breeding season. This event is tied to a specific breeding season and adds a distinct moment from the past to the wildlife-watching experience.

Getting Around on Foot

The northern end of Diamond Beach can be reached on foot from Saltwater National Park. At the southern end, a walking track leads to the small, pretty Shelley Beach near Red Head. The destinations differ: in the north, you reach the end of the beach; in the south, the track leads to another beach. If you are choosing between the two, consider whether you want to reach the northern end or walk to Shelley Beach.

Cultural Significance in the Area

Nearby Saltwater National Park is of great cultural significance to the Biripi. This cultural connection adds another perspective on the area to its beaches and nature. So, alongside views and wildlife watching, your trip planning can also take account of the park’s cultural significance to the Biripi.

Visiting Diamond Beach with a Dog

Dogs are allowed off leash at Diamond Beach year-round, around the clock. As local rules may change, check them before your trip. That way, you can take the rules in effect for your visit into account rather than relying solely on information from an earlier plan.

Horse Riding in Diamond Beach

Hallidays Point Equestrian offers horse riding in Diamond Beach. This adds another activity to the walking routes. If you would like to include it in your plans, check the latest booking and operating details in advance, as these may change.

Choose Hotels to Suit Your Plans

Whale watching is limited to certain months, while the walk to Shelley Beach offers a specific destination for planning a trip on foot. Then check the details of the relevant offer.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Mogo, Wee Waa, Kyogle, Rawdon Vale, Kootingal, Varroville, East Lynne, Springrange.

Go to the main travel overview: New South Wales.