Shelly Beach Tours
1 Review

If you’re visiting Sydney and watching the sunset while standing out on the sand, then you must be standing on Shelly Beach—the only westward facing beach on Australia’s eastern coast.
Located south of popular Manly, Shelly Beach is a smaller and quieter place to soak up some sun. The waters here in Cabbage Tree Bay are part of a protected reserve, where a small reef creates calm conditions for snorkeling, swimming, and diving. Over 150 species of marine life inhabit Cabbage Tree Bay—and the shallow waters of 30 feet or less means there’s actually a good chance of finding them.
On Shelley’s western end, out towards the reef, watch as surfers rip apart waves at the surf spot known as “Bower’s,” and even when the waves are overhead, Shelley Beach is still protected when compared to east-facing Manly. On the short stroll from Manly to Shelly, stop to admire the Fairy Bower pool that juts out into the sea, or grab a bite at Le Kiosk restaurant across the street from the sand. Above the beach, on the rocky headland, a small bush trail leads to a viewpoint gazing back towards Manly, where the pine-lined shore and golden sands combine to form one of Sydney’s most classic coastal scenes.
Located south of popular Manly, Shelly Beach is a smaller and quieter place to soak up some sun. The waters here in Cabbage Tree Bay are part of a protected reserve, where a small reef creates calm conditions for snorkeling, swimming, and diving. Over 150 species of marine life inhabit Cabbage Tree Bay—and the shallow waters of 30 feet or less means there’s actually a good chance of finding them.
On Shelley’s western end, out towards the reef, watch as surfers rip apart waves at the surf spot known as “Bower’s,” and even when the waves are overhead, Shelley Beach is still protected when compared to east-facing Manly. On the short stroll from Manly to Shelly, stop to admire the Fairy Bower pool that juts out into the sea, or grab a bite at Le Kiosk restaurant across the street from the sand. Above the beach, on the rocky headland, a small bush trail leads to a viewpoint gazing back towards Manly, where the pine-lined shore and golden sands combine to form one of Sydney’s most classic coastal scenes.
Practical Info
From Manly Beach, a coastal walking path leads 15-minutes south to Shelly Beach. There are showers, restrooms, electric grills, and parking, and the beach can often be popular on weekends with throngs of local families.
Address: Sydney, Australia
4 Tours and Activities to Experience Shelly Beach
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Manly Snorkel Trip and Nature Walk with Local Guide
Join your choice of a morning or afternoon excursion to Manly to snorkel in the clear calm waters of Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. Just a short hop from Sydney, see some of Australia's diverse marine life on this guided snorkeling tour. Your expert guide leads your small group of beginning and experienced snorkelers into the water from the beach. With group numbers limited to 10 participants, enjoy customized attention from your guide. Also, take a short guided walk on the headlands for fantastic views of the Northern Beaches.
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From
$62.06
From
$62.06
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas

Manly and Shelly Beach Snorkeling Tour
Snorkel in the protected Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve
Try to identify more than 200 fish species, invertebrates and algae
Learn about the coastal culture of Manly from your local guide
Search for endangered species, such as Blue Groper in their natural habitat
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From
$175.00
From
$175.00

Manly & Sydney's Northern Beaches with 'Personalised Sydney Tours'
Discover natural wonders near Sydney on a private full-day tour to Manly and the Northern Beaches. Your guide customizes the itinerary to your interests, with options available like the Lower North Shore, Kirribilli, Milsons Point, Luna Park, Georges Head, Balmoral, Freshwater, Curl Curl, Whale Beach, Pittwater, Palm Beach, or Ku-ring-gai National Park. You'll find sandy beaches, coastal lakes, Pacific Ocean views, and local culture as you explore.
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From
$248.25
$42.42 savings
Price varies by group size
From
$248.25
$42.42 savings
Price varies by group size
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas

Manly Self-Guided Bike Tour
Escape the city for a full-day cycling adventure and pedal your way along the soaring sea cliffs, golden beaches and tree-lined promenades of Manly. Hop on your rental bike and set out on a self-guided route, passing landmarks like Manly Corso, Manly Lagoon and Cabbage Tree Bay. Stop along the way to take a dip at Shelly Beach, see the Collins waterfall or admire the scenery of Sydney Harbour National Park.
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From
$32.98
From
$32.98
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