Shelly Beach & Cabbage Tree Bay

Snorkel reserve · Manly

A sheltered beach facing west at the end of the walkway from Manly, inside Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. Calm, clear water makes it one of Sydney's most popular spots for snorkelling and shore diving, with fish close to the sand.

It gets packed on sunny days, though there is still room for everyone in the water. There are showers and toilets right beside the beach, and outdoor showers for a quick rinse.

Shelly Beach, Manly NSW

Good to know

No-take reserve

Cabbage Tree Bay has been a no-take aquatic reserve since 2002. No fishing by any method.

No collecting

Nothing may be collected, dead or alive, including empty shells. Do not harm sea urchins or other animals to feed fish.

Reserve extent

The reserve covers about 20 ha, from the south end of Manly Beach to the north end of Shelly Beach Headland.

Snorkelling

Popular for snorkelling and diving; marine life can be seen in fairly shallow water, with a maximum depth of about 12 m.

Facilities

Toilets, beach showers and change rooms are next to the Boathouse, plus two free electric BBQs and a picnic area.

Cafe

The Boathouse is a beachside cafe on site.

Dogs

Dogs are prohibited from the aquatic reserve and beach area at all times.

Parking

A pay and display car park operates during daylight hours.

Accessibility

The NSW Government listing says it does not cater for people with access needs.

northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/recreation-area/shelly-beach