Shelly Beach is a small cove in Manly, Sydney, reached by a coastal path from Manly Beach. Its sheltered water is a good place to swim, snorkel or try scuba diving, with fish and other marine life visible in the shallows. The beach is part of Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, and the walk also passes Fairy Bower Pool and small marine-life sculptures. Toilets, change rooms and rinse-off showers are available. Bring snorkeling gear, and keep bags closed around the bush turkeys.
Swimming and snorkeling in Cabbage Tree Bay
Shelly Beach sits within Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, a protected marine area that includes the bay and its shoreline. Fishing is prohibited in the reserve, helping preserve a habitat where a range of marine life can be seen. Fish, rays and other sea creatures are found in the area, and some can be spotted in shallow water close to shore.
The sheltered cove draws swimmers, snorkelers and divers. Its calmer conditions make it a useful alternative when the surf at Manly Beach feels too strong, though conditions can change. Bring your own snorkeling mask and snorkel if you have them. Scuba diving lessons also take place at the beach, and the bay has sites on both sides, including Fairy Bower.
The water is relatively shallow for a dive area, with a maximum depth of about 12 metres cited for the bay. That makes the underwater setting accessible to snorkelers as well as divers. The coast is rocky in places, so take care around the shore and enter the water where conditions suit your ability.
The coastal path from Manly
A seaside path links Manly Beach with Shelly Beach. The walk passes Cabbage Tree Bay and Fairy Bower Pool, with small sculptures along the route that refer to local marine life. It is a pleasant way to arrive on foot and gives you the option of stopping for a swim along the way.
Shelly Beach is also a starting point for longer walks towards North Head. Routes in the area pass coastal bushland and clifftop scenery, with stairs on the climb away from the beach. If you are planning to continue walking, allow for the uphill section rather than treating the route as flat.
Facilities and a comfortable visit
The beach has toilets, change rooms and outdoor rinse-off showers. Shaded spots are limited on the sand; gazebos and shade are more often found towards the back of the beach. Nearby food and coffee are available, including a cafe by the water, so you can make a longer stop without bringing every meal with you.
Bush turkeys also visit the beach and may go after unattended bags or food. Keep your belongings close and do not feed them. Sunny days can bring plenty of people to this small cove, so an early start or a weekday visit can give you more room to settle in.
FAQ
How do you get to Shelly Beach from Manly?
Follow the coastal path from Manly Beach around Cabbage Tree Bay. The walk passes Fairy Bower Pool and takes you to the cove.
Can you snorkel at Shelly Beach?
Yes. Shelly Beach is in Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, where marine life can be seen in shallow water. Bring your own snorkeling gear.
What facilities are at Shelly Beach?
There are toilets, change rooms and outdoor rinse-off showers. Shade is limited on the sand, with gazebos and shaded areas mostly towards the back.
How long should you spend at Shelly Beach?
The supplied information does not give a typical visit length. Allow extra time if you plan to swim or snorkel, or continue walking beyond the beach.
