There is now even more reason to visit and enjoy Shellharbour's coastline, with the 2026 State of the Beaches report ranking Shellharbour Beach among eight coastal beaches with the highest water quality ratings in New South Wales.
Caption: Shellharbour Beach, Image courtesy of Shellharbour City Council
Shellharbour Beach and Warilla Beach were amongst the beaches awarded a Very Good rating. Across NSW, 97 per cent of monitored ocean beaches were graded Good or Very Good, meaning they are suitable for swimming most or all of the time.
The result further strengthens Shellharbour's reputation as a premier coastal destination, giving residents and visitors even more confidence to enjoy the region's beaches, waterways and outdoor lifestyle.
The rankings are determined through regular water quality monitoring, combining long-term microbial water sampling with physical pollution risk assessments in line with national health standards.
A Very Good rating means water quality is pristine, with microbial data meeting optimal thresholds and negligible sanitary pollution risks.
Shellharbour City Council Mayor Chris Homer said it was fantastic to see Shellharbour Beach recognised among the state's best for water quality.
"Shellharbour is fortunate to be home to some of the most beautiful beaches in NSW, and this ranking reinforces what our community already knows, that our coastline is something truly special," Mayor Homer said.
"This recognition reflects the pride our community takes in protecting and caring for our natural environment. It also strengthens Shellharbour's reputation as a destination of choice for beachgoers and visitors who come to enjoy our beautiful beaches."
"Clean water means more opportunities for people to safely enjoy swimming, surfing and spending time at the beach, which is such an important part of life in Shellharbour."
Shellharbour North Beach and Warilla Beach are also helping ensure more people can enjoy the coastline, with beach access mats and beach wheelchairs available free of charge through Council's Beach Access Program.
As the swimming season approaches, now is the perfect time to enjoy everything Shellharbour's stunning coastline has to offer. Warilla Beach and Shellharbour North Beach are patrolled from 10am to 5pm throughout the swim season, while Shellharbour North Beach also benefits from Surf Life Saving drone patrols that assist lifeguards by monitoring marine wildlife activity near the shoreline. Whether you're swimming, surfing or simply relaxing by the water, remember to swim between the flags, check conditions and stay safe.
KEY MESSAGES:
- Shellharbour Beach has been ranked among the eight coastal beaches with the highest water quality ratings in New South Wales, earning a Very Good rating in the 2026 State of the Beaches report.
- High water quality means residents and visitors can confidently enjoy swimming, surfing and other beach activities, further enhancing Shellharbour's reputation as a premier coastal destination.
- The result reflects the community's commitment to protecting the environment while supporting a vibrant, accessible coastline that attracts visitors and contributes to local quality of life.
