Shelly Beach
Shelly Beach
4.5
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Top ways to experience Shelly Beach and nearby attractions
The area
Neighborhood: Manly
A 40-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay will take you to the famous northern beach of Manly. The beaches here are perfect for learning to surf or spending the day sun-tanning. The walk from Spit Bridge to Manly is a great way to experience Sydney Harbour Bay and the Australian bush land. Along the foreshore, there are plenty of watering holes and wine bars with excellent cuisine. There are plenty of kid-friendly restaurants as well, especially along the family-oriented areas like Shelly Beach. An excellent way to experience Manly is to rent a bike and explore the dedicated bike paths and off road trails. The North Head National Park is another must-see. Located on the southern tip of Manly, North Head National Park offers great bushwalks and panoramic views of the city.
Best nearby
Restaurants
345 within 5 kms
Attractions
193 within 10 kms
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,504 reviews
Excellent
1,022
Very good
420
Average
56
Poor
4
Terrible
2
Sarah C
Ashtead, UK1,290 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Lovely little cove (usually quite busy) tucked away from the main Manly areas and accessible easily by the coastal walk. We stopped here for several minutes before continuing along the coast
Written February 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi 938sarahc
Thanks for your review.
Shelly Beach is nicely tucked away not only from the main Manly area but also from the surf, protected as it is by a nice little headland.
This makes it a calm sanctuary for safe and scenic swimming.
Look below the water and you'll discover a treasure trove of marine life within this beautiful marine park known as Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve.
Kindest regards
Manly Visitor Information Centre
Written February 28, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Une_Bella
Sydney, Australia328 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
Pretty beach with benches, bbq options and a cafe.. it’s also home to an aquatic reserve. Lovely cafe for drinks/snacks. Really beautiful!
Written July 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Une_Bella,
Thank you for taking the time to write this lovely review. We are very lucky to have such a pretty beach with the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve that you mentioned right on our doorstep. We are so happy you enjoyed your visit.
Thank you again for your review
Manly Visitors Information Centre
Written July 10, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tommo
Melbourne, Australia50,433 contributions
May 2023
We were staying at Sebel Manly which we do once a year and enjoy the walk from there to Shelly Beach.
Its a lovely small beach popular with divers and for snorkeling.
At this beach we try to visit The Boathouse during their daily happy hour from 2-4pm.
Its a great family beach.
Its a lovely small beach popular with divers and for snorkeling.
At this beach we try to visit The Boathouse during their daily happy hour from 2-4pm.
Its a great family beach.
Written June 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi tommomelbourne,
Thank you for lovely review. We are so happy to hear that you enjoy your visits to Manly so much that you return each year. The Shelley Beach walk is absolutely beautiful and the area is full of marine life for divers and snorkelers to discover.
Thank you again
Manly Visitors Information Centre
Written July 10, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TrishG34
Geelong, Australia44 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
When in Sydney, take the time to walk the short distance from Manly to Shelly Beach. The scenery is a pleasure, no matter what time of year. Keep a watch for the collection of small sculptures on the rock wall as you near the beach. There is a lovely cafe at the end of the walk with good coffee and lots of snacks/meals to choose from.
Written April 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi TrishG34,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this lovely review. We are so glad you enjoyed this very special walk and spotted the collection of sculptures along the way.
Thank you again for your review
Manly Visitor Information Centre
Written April 17, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jennifer E
1 contribution
Feb 2023 • Family
What's not to love about Manly? Beautiful beaches, lots of restaurants and shops. We stayed in an Airbnb for a week and it was so nice to be able to go and walk the Corso, take the ferry to Sydney or just enjoy one of the many beaches. Would definitely stay in this area again. Felt safe the entire time and was easy to walk everywhere. No car needed.
Written March 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Jennifer E,
We are so happy you enjoyed your time in Manly, sounds like you had a fantastic week away from home. We are very lucky here in Manly to be so close to Sydney CBD but also be spoilt with lots of beautiful nature.
Thank you for sharing your experience
Manly Visitor Information Centre
Written March 19, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Eyekaytoo
Leverkusen, Germany3,045 contributions
Nov 2022
On a recent, warm & sunny Saturday afternoon I took a long leisurely stroll over to Shelly Beach. I was intrigued to see the number of beached human beings taking in the sun with a number of wild turkeys pecking to their hearts content in the sand. Quite a few people were also swimming in the relatively safe and quiet water here with more than a number snorkeling around the submerged rocks. I liked the fact that the walk was on good quality paths and there were more than enough places to sit on the numerous park benches to take in the sights and sounds. People watchers would find this a paradise.
For those who wanted shade there were plenty of trees to sit under both at the fringe of the beach and overhanging the path to get there from nearby Manly. And, of course, more than enough places to get a drink and/or a bite to eat. Lovely.
For those who wanted shade there were plenty of trees to sit under both at the fringe of the beach and overhanging the path to get there from nearby Manly. And, of course, more than enough places to get a drink and/or a bite to eat. Lovely.
Written November 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Eyekaytoo,
Thank you for sharing your Shelly Beach experience with us! Shelly is a highlight for those visiting Manly, we are glad you also enjoyed your time here.
Thanks again,
Manly Visitor Information Centre
Written December 14, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
dave w
Nowra, Australia832 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Great place for swimming and snorkelling and relaxing on the sand. Great walk from manly beach. Places to eat. Paradise
Written October 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi dave w,
Paradise indeed! We are glad you love Shelly Beach as much as we do. Thank you for sharing your positive feedback with us.
Thanks again,
Hello Manly Team
Written December 14, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
185beachroad
Gordon's Bay, South Africa13 contributions
May 2022
Surrounded by indigenous bush and palm trees with stylish restaurants ready to serve, this is beautiful beach! The seawater laps in so dont expect large waves - although you can see surfers in the distance surfing in to Manly Beach. Apparently you can snorkel here and we saw several people wearing scuba gear - clearly the protected cove offers beautiful adventures. A wedding party was on the far side of the beach - a dream location and their celebration added to the pleasure of other visitors. Oh, you can drive (and park!) or take the beach walkway from Manly. there is a fabulous walk to the nature reserve at the top of the mountain (suitable for the fit and NOT the frail!) This is a LOVELY beach for romantics young and not so young!
Written May 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi 185beachroad
Thank you for leaving a wonderful review and we're glad you enjoyed your day exploring Manly Beach.
Yes you can snorkel in the Bay and you can see over 150 marine life.
Hope you visit again soon.
Thanks,
Manly Visitor Information Centre
Written June 12, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Claire N
Greater Sydney, Australia122 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
Great location. Water crystal clear, amazing fish. Beautiful. Cafe close by and lots of shelter and shade.
Written February 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Claire N,
Thank you for your review and so happy to hear you had an amazing experience at Shelly Beach. It really is a beautiful spot to snorkel, with so much marine life to see.
Next time try one of our other nearby secluded beaches like Reef or Forty Baskets Beach along the Manly - The Spit walk.
Hope to see you back again soon.
Cheers,
Northern Beaches Visitor Information Centre
Written February 20, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
gaurav s
Gurugram (Gurgaon), India188 contributions
Dec 2021
This is a little quiet beach tucked in adjacent to north head in manly. It is not just a fantastic site for swimming in quiet waters but also a site for scuba diving as there is a conserved reef and marine zone close to beach. On a sunny day it can be pretty crowded being very small in size.
Written February 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi gaurav s,
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review.
While Shelly can feel crowded at times, the amazing clear water makes up for it.
Thanks to the Friends of Cabbage Tree Bay, snorkelers and scuba divers know all about the water conditions and wild life they'll see that day.
See you soon!
Written February 18, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
how much does it cost per person (child and adult)
dave w
Nowra, Australia832 contributions
Beach is fres
Cafe there or take ypur own food and drinks
pleasemorevacation
Papillion, NE147 contributions
In January is a stinger suit appropriate for snorkeling or is it overkill and I would be the only one wearing one. I like to error on the side of caution as far as stingers go but also do not need to go overboard. Planning on snorkeling Shelly beach a couple of days.
642familyof5
Sydney, Australia347 contributions
No stinger suits required in Sydney!
HRMR
Eastbourne, New Zealand41 contributions
Is the boat house still a restaurant there?
bronnietrips
Manly, Australia145 contributions
The food is overrated and expensive
dreamsandfreefalls
Sydney, Australia4 contributions
Is it advisable for me to go snorkelling for the first time at Shelly Beach, without an experienced guide? There's a snorkel tour but it costs close to $70 for a couple of hours.
I was wondering if I could just get my own snorkel gear from Kmart, then walk down to the beach and try it out in shallow waters before moving into deeper water?
vivian q
29 contributions
Although the beach itself is calm, but if you wonder too far away, you will be in the open ocean where the current can be dangerous. There are venomous sea life as well to be cautious of, best go with a local experienced guide. Why take unnecessary chances.
Mary T
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Is it suitable for a church group of up to 150, can we drive there and is there parking.
Rochelle E
Sydney, Australia264 contributions
150 people in one group is a lot, I am presuming buses, the car park allows drop it ft but I don't think there is designated bus space. The grassed area would be nice for a large group and the small beach is suitable for children.
The Boathouse cafe is large but wouldn't be able to sit you all at once. I would definitely phone them at Moby Dicks at Whale Beach 02 99745440 and discuss the arrangements with the Boathouse Group management. They don't have phones at Shelley Beach!!!!
There is a kiosk for take away coffees etc but again for a group this big I think you would be best to phone and tell them of your visit so they can have sufficient staff,
Enjoy, it is a great spot!
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Claim your listingSHELLY BEACH: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Shelly Beach
- Restaurants near Shelly Beach:
- (0.06 km) The Boathouse Shelly Beach
- (0.37 km) The Bower Manly
- (1.22 km) Betty's Burgers
- (1.17 km) Maestro & Co
- (0.92 km) Manly Thai Gourmet
- Attractions near Shelly Beach:
- (0.14 km) Koji Bali Spa
- (0.29 km) Fairy Bower Sea Pool
- (0.35 km) Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve
- (1.10 km) Manly Ocean Adventures
- (1.10 km) Manly Kayak Centre