Most beachgoers will access Secret Harbour beach via Palermo Cove, where the clubhouse and ample carpark facilities exist. Weekends during summer, a swimming area is marked by flags. Surf schools often setup on the beach providing valuable board skills to customers.

Further north of the clubhouse is the off-lead dog exercise area. Beyond that there are no access roads within the Port Kennedy Scientific Park.

The southern section of the beach has the highest energy with waves averaging up to 1.5m and providing an 80m wide surf zone. Rips are regularly spaced along the beach. The rips are often unpredictable and care should be taken when swimming on this beach.