Shelly Beach at a glance
"Shelly Beach is a tranquil retreat that embodies the essence of a classic South African coastal town. Its picturesque landscape, rich history, and vibrant community make it an ideal destination for families, retirees, and those seeking a relaxing getaway or action-packed adventure.
Located on the scenic South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, in South Africa. Shelly Beach is strategically positioned for easy access to nearby towns, attractions, and amenities. Its proximity to Margate and Port Shepstone ensures a seamless blend of rural charm and urban convenience.
Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will revel in Shelly Beach's breathtaking natural beauty. The town's pristine beaches, rocky coves, and scenic coastal paths offer boundless opportunities for exploration, relaxation, and leisure. The nearby Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve and Lake Eland Game Reserve provide a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Shelly Beach's thriving community is characterized by a warm and welcoming spirit. The town hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating music, art, and local culture. Visitors can mingle with locals at bustling markets, enjoy a drink at one of the many pubs, or participate in water sports and activities.
As a sought-after destination for property investors and homeowners, Shelly Beach offers a unique blend of lifestyle and investment opportunities. From cozy bed-and-breakfasts to luxury self-catering apartments and holiday homes, the town's diverse property market caters to all budgets and preferences. Whether seeking a permanent residence, holiday home, or rental investment, Shelly Beach is an attractive choice for those seeking a coastal lifestyle."
Shelly Centre: A Shopper's Paradise
Located in the heart of Shelly Beach, Shelley Centre is a shopper's delight. This air-conditioned mall offers a diverse range of stores, from popular clothing brands to home goods stores, boutiques, and specialty stores.
As you explore the mall, you'll discover a treasure trove of shopping options. Browse the latest fashion trends at @Home, Woolworths, Truworths, Foschini, and Edgars. Find everything you need for your home at Mr Price Home, Pep, and other specialty stores.
When you need a break from shopping, indulge in a culinary journey at one of the many restaurants, cafes, or coffee shops. Savor fresh seafood at John Dory's, enjoy delicious pizzas at Panarotti's, or treat yourself to tasty burgers at Spur or Steers.
For entertainment, catch the latest movies at the Ster-Kinekor cinema complex, which features six screens. Shelley Centre also offers ample parking, including undercover parking, as well as a convenient drop-off and pick-up point for shoppers.
Pure Venom Reptile Park: A Unique Attraction
Located just inland from Shelly Beach, Pure Venom Reptile Park is a must-visit attraction for anyone fascinated by reptiles. As one of the largest reptile farms in Africa, the park offers a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with a wide range of indigenous and exotic reptiles.
At the park, you can take a guided tour and learn about the fascinating world of reptiles. Get a bird's eye view of the mating and courtship rituals of gaboon vipers, boomslang, and mambas. Watch in awe as the park's crocodiles and alligators are fed, and take part in daily snake demonstrations.
Aqua Planet Dive Centre: Your Gateway to the Underwater World
Aqua Planet Dive Centre is your premier destination for all your diving needs. Located in the heart of Shelly Beach, the centre offers a range of diving courses, equipment rentals, and guided tours to explore the incredible underwater world of Protea Banks. Protea Banks offers an exceptionally exciting specialty Shark dive for locals and international visitors alike. During the summer months, the Bull Shark (Zambezi) makes Protea Banks its home, while Hammerheads, Guitar Sharks, Coppers, and Blacktips frequent the reef. In the winter months, the Ragged-Tooth Sharks congregate on Protea Banks to mate.
Baited Shark dives are now done on Protea Banks, with great success. With its incredible marine life and unique diving experiences, Shelly Beach is a must-visit destination for any diving enthusiast.
Shelly Beach: A Perfect Holiday Destination
Shelly Beach is the ultimate holiday destination for anyone looking for a relaxing, yet exciting, getaway. With its stunning natural beauty, warm hospitality, and wide range of activities and attractions, Shelly Beach has something for everyone.
So why wait? Book your trip to Shelly Beach today and experience the magic of this tropical paradise for yourself.
History
The area now known as Shelly Beach was originally inhabited by the indigenous Zulu and Tembu tribes. In the early 19th century, European settlers arrived, and the area became a popular spot for fishing and trading. During the 1900s, Shelly Beach began to develop as a holiday resort town, with the construction of hotels, boarding houses, and residential homes. In the 1960s and 1970s, Shelly Beach experienced significant growth, driven by the expansion of the nearby Margate and Port Shepstone towns. The opening of Shelly Centre in 1985 marked a significant milestone in the town's development, establishing it as a prime shopping destination on the KZN South Coast. In 2005, Southcoast Mall was built, further enhancing the town's retail offerings. The Shelly Beach Business Park was established in 2007. The Shelly Beach Day Hospital opened in August 2010.
Demographics
The population of Shelly Beach is approximately 2,577 people. The age groups in Shelly Beach are:
- 0-18 years: 22%
- 19-49 years: 53%
- 50-64 years: 20%
- 65+ years: 5%
Climate
Shelly Beach enjoys a subtropical climate, with mild winters and warm summers.
- Summer (Dec-Feb): High of 33°C, low of 24°C
- Winter (Jun-Aug): High of 23°C, low of 16°C
Languages
The primary languages spoken in Shelly Beach are:
- English
- Afrikaans
- isiZulu
Economy
The local economy is driven by:
- Tourism, thanks to its breathtaking beaches and vibrant coral reefs.
- Fishing, with many residents engaged in rock and surf fishing.
- Retail, with shopping centres like Shelly Centre and Southcoast Mall.
- Fruit farming and processing, with a focus on sugar cane, citrus fruits, subtropical fruits, and nurseries.
Shopping Centres
Shelly Beach has two shopping centres:
- Shelly Centre
- Southcoast Mall
Distance to Galleria
The Galleria Shopping Centre in Amanzimtoti is approximately: 104.3km (1 hour and 6 minutes) from Shelly Beach
Golf Courses
The South Coast is renowned for its exceptional golf courses, including:
- Port Shepstone Country Club: 18 holes, developed by Robert Grimsdell in 1912
- Southbroom Golf Club: 18 holes, developed by Fred Hawtree in 1983
- San Lameer Country Club: 18 holes, developed by Peter Matkovich in 2001 (located nearby)
- Margate Country Club: 18 holes, developed by Robert Grimsdell in 1928
- Port Edward Country Club: 9 holes, developed by Reg Taylor in 1967
- Umdoni Park Golf Club: 18 holes, developed by George Watermeyer in 1921
- Selborne Golf Estate and Hotel: 18 holes, developed by Dennis Barker in 1985
- Wild Coast Sun Country Club: 18 holes, developed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. in 1996
Distances
Here are the distances from Shelly Beach to key locations:
- Wild Coast Casino: 38.2km (30 minutes)
- Durban Harbour: 130.3 km (1 hour 36 minutes)
- Durban: 128.2km (1 hour 28 minutes)
- King Shaka International Airport: 161.2km (2 hours)
Beaches and Leisure Activities
The town is home to two beautiful beaches: Shelly Beach and Windsor on Sea Beach.
Real Estate and Property
Shelly Beach offers a variety of property options, including residential, commercial, and vacant land.
Investment Property
Shelly Beach presents attractive investment opportunities in:
- Holiday rentals: capitalize on tourism demand
- Residential rentals: stable long-term rentals
- Commercial properties: retail and office spaces
- Development land: residential, commercial, or mixed-use projects
- Retirement villages: catering to the growing senior market
Key investment benefits:
- Growing tourism industry - Increasing demand for coastal property
- Affordable prices compared to major cities
- Strong rental income potential
- Capital appreciation
Here are some types of investment properties in Shelly Beach:
Residential Properties
1. Holiday Homes: Luxury villas, apartments, or cottages for short-term rentals.
2. Family Homes: Spacious houses for long-term rentals or resale.
3. Apartments: Sea-facing or golf course-facing apartments for rental income.
4. Townhouses: Secure, low-maintenance units for families or retirees.
5. Duplexes: Attached homes for rental income or owner-occupation.
Commercial Properties
1. Retail Shops: Prime locations in Shelly Centre, Southcoast Mall, or San Lameer Shopping Centre.
2. Office Spaces: Rental opportunities for businesses, medical suites, or professionals.
3. Restaurants/Cafes: Waterfront or beachfront eateries catering to tourists.
4. Hotels/Guesthouses: Boutique hotels or B&Bs for tourist accommodation.
5. Industrial Properties: Warehouses, factories, or storage facilities.
Vacant Land
1. Residential Plots: For building dream homes or development projects.
2. Commercial Land: For retail, office, or industrial developments.
3. Agricultural Land: For farming, nurseries, or eco-tourism ventures.
Other Investment Opportunities
1. Retirement Villages: Catering to the growing senior market.
2. Student Accommodation: For nearby college students.
3. Airbnb/Short-Term Rentals: Convert existing homes or apartments for tourist rentals.
4. Fractional Ownership: Shared ownership of luxury properties.
5. Property Development: Subdivisions, townhouse complexes, or apartment blocks.
Emerging Trends
1. Eco-Friendly/ Sustainable Developments
2. Waterfront Developments
3. Golf Estate Living
4. Senior Living/Retirement Communities
5. Tourism-Driven Developments (e.g., boutique hotels, resorts)
Keep in mind that local market conditions, zoning regulations, and economic factors may influence investment opportunities. Consult with local real estate experts and conduct thorough research before making investment decisions.
Also visit these other towns near Shelly Beach
North of Shelly:
Oslo Beach – about 7 km north
Port Shepstone – about 9 km north
South of Shelly:
St Michaels-on-Sea – about 1.5 km south
Manaba Beach – about 8 km south
Margate – about 10 km south
San Lameer – about 21 km south
Southbroom – about 25 km south
Marina Beach – about 26 km south
Other worthwhile attractions:
Bushbuck Trail Southbroom (about 25 km south from Shelly)
Pure Venom Reptile Park Shelly Beach (about 5 km north from Shelly)
Riverbend Crocodile Farm Southbroom (about 25 km south)
Frederika Nature Reserve Southbroom (about 25 km south)
Port Shepstone Lighthouse (about 10 km north)
Mpenjati Nature Reserve (about 30 km south)
Natal Space Centre Port Edward (about 45 km south)
Umtamvuna Nature Reserve Port Edward (about 40 km south)
Butterfly Valley Farm Ramsgate (about 15 km south)
Beaver Creek Coffee Farm (about 40 km south)
References:
From R550,000 to R4,200,000
5 Bedroom Gated Estate For Sale in Shelly Beach
Freshly built house at the farm, that overlooks the pool and "park" area short walk to the dam and hopefully some...From R5,900,000 to R5,900,000
200m² Restaurant For Sale in Shelly Beach
A great opportunity to move to the south coast as continue to grow this resort and restaurant. Great location, great...From R700,000 to R700,000
