Ocean Shores, New South Wales


Ocean Shores is a coastal town in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Australia. Established in 1969, Ocean Shores was originally a land holding owned by Wendell West of Washington with backing from American singer Pat Boone, and was named after Boone's residence in Ocean Shores, Washington. It is located in the Brunswick Valley – a valley including the towns of Mullumbimby and Brunswick Heads. The town has a local shopping complex and a large golf course. At the 2016 census, Ocean Shores had a population of 5,137 people.

Climate

Ocean Shores has a subtropical climate. Summer is generally warm to hot with a few days reaching above 30 degrees. Winter is cool to mild with around two days under 14 degrees. Normal day maximums are around 20 degrees. Spring and autumn are mild to warm, with maximums around 25 and higher with few days below it. Winds come from all directions which means there are warm northerly days or mild southerly days. Spring is dry and windy. Thunderstorms are also common in summer.

Geography

Southern Ocean Shores is located on the edge of the Brunswick River catchment, which means most of the terrain is elevated and has terrific sea views. Northern Ocean Shores is located on mostly flat land on the beach. The north arm of the Brunswick River weaves through the north of the town.
Ocean Shores Public School and Ocean Shores Pre-School are located in Ocean Shores North. A canal called 'Capriconia Canal' runs through Ocean Shores North and connects to Yelgun Creek. Most of Ocean Shores North lies next to the Billinudgel Nature Reserve.
Ocean Shores is located on the New South Wales side of the New South Wales/Queensland border. Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, is closer than Sydney, the capital of New South Wales. The closest urban areas are Lismore and Tweed Heads.

Transportation

Ocean Shores has a local bus service five times per day, linking the greater Ocean Shores community, Brunswick Heads, Mullumbimby, Byron Bay and Ballina. Ocean Shores is located between two airports, Ballina to the south, which has daily flights to Sydney and Melbourne and Gold Coast to the north, which has daily services to most major Australian cities and a few international destinations. The closest closed railway station is at Mullumbimby, a 10-minute drive south. The train service travelled down the south east coast to Sydney but closed on 19 May 2004 and instead departs from Casino instead of the QLD Border.

Community and history

The people of Ocean Shores live in a coastal and estuarine environment. They experience one of the most beautiful areas of the East Coast of Australia. The area has a mix of newcomers from all over the world, as well as old timers, who have lived in the district all of their lives. Members of the Midjimbul / Durumbil clans are the traditional custodians of the area. There are Aboriginal sites in the area, including Middens along Marshalls Creek. The area is rich in indigenous heritage. The Brunswick, which included the Ocean Shores area, was the first place of European settlement in what is now called the Byron Shire, dating back to 1846.
The Ocean Shores Community Association and its predecessors, have worked for community issues in the Ocean Shores district, since the town was founded in 1969.

Local farmers' market

The Local New Brighton Farmers’ Market opens every Tuesday morning from 8 am to 11 am. The whole idea is to bring farm fresh produce to local residents, not the other way around. The market is run by a not-for-profit organisation, and supported by local producers and local people. It's relaxed, fun, and all about quality of life and the environment. The produce is mainly organically farmed and needs only to be transported a short distance, reducing transport costs and the carbon footprint.

Arts and culture

The Ocean Shores Arts Expo began in 2004 when a group of residents who had come together during the Pacific Highway planning controversy decided to create something uplifting, creative and positive for the community. Lions of Brunswick/Mullumbimby straight away supported the project as a worthy cultural event to bring community together, and provided funding and many willing hands to help. Local history has been an important corner stone of the Expo every year with our local historian Frank Mills. The Art Expo has taken place over a weekend in August every year. The next Art Expo will be in 2012. The venue is the Ocean Shores Public School, Shara Blvd, North Ocean Shores. Patrons can view art and sculpture, listen to local musicians and enjoy drinks and nibbles. Then over the weekend there are local musicians performing, art demonstrations, the Youth art show, a community artwork, and the Artists’ café.

Retail shopping

The Ocean Village Shopping Centre is a central meeting place for Ocean Shores residents. It has a variety of stores including a Coles supermarket, chemist, cafes, FDBs, butcher and Country Target next door. New Brighton shops include Real estate agent and holistic health centre, General store, liquor, post office and café. South Golden Beach has a general store and take away café.
The entrance to the rural hinterland of The Pocket and Main Arm is Billinudgel. Billinudgel village has a variety of retail shops including general store, the historic Billinudgel Hotel, hot pie garden restaurant, post office, hair dresser and many others. Billinudgel also has a large industrial estate including auto repairs, storage units, Brunswick Valley bus depot, cosmetic manufacturer, gymnasium, curtain blinds factory and many others.

Business and local economy

The Ocean Shores and surrounding area established a business networking group in 2012, called Business Ashored, to promote and support trade and the local economy.

Sports and outdoor

The Ocean Shores Golf Course is popular. Locals and visitors enjoy the challenge of this first class 18 hole course. Golf, lawn bowls, a swimming pool and excellent dining make the Ocean Shores Country Club a popular holiday venue. Golf and accommodation packages are also available.
There are seven km of ocean surf beach, from the North Head of the Brunswick River to Wooyun creek. New Brighton Sports Oval and the new Ocean Shores Sportsfield, provides regular soccer practice, the home of Shores United Soccer Club, involving junior and men's teams. There are two tennis courts, outdoor gym equipment and play equipment at Waterlily Park.