Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve
A protected marine reserve between Manly and Shelly Beach — superb snorkelling and sea life, rated 4.7 by thousands.
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Why it's worth checking out
Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve protects the beautiful stretch of coast between Manly Beach and Shelly Beach on Sydney's northern beaches. As a no-take marine reserve, its waters teem with life, making it one of the best and most accessible spots in the city for snorkelling and diving — home to weedy seadragons, blue gropers, rays and abundant fish.
The appeal is that combination of an easy, sheltered swimming and snorkelling spot and a genuinely rich underwater world, all wrapped by a scenic foreshore walk linking Manly to Shelly Beach. Whether you're snorkelling the reserve, walking the path or relaxing at Shelly Beach, it's a standout natural highlight of the area.
With a 4.7 rating from more than 1,300 reviews, it's a much-loved spot. It's free and open, but water conditions, visibility and surf vary, so it's worth checking conditions before you go — and taking sun protection, swimming and snorkelling with care, and respecting the reserve's protected status and marine life, which are exactly what make it so special.
Reviewed by Iyan B.
Practical details
Opening hours
Closed- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Closed
- WednesdayToday
- Closed
- Thursday
- Closed
- Friday
- Closed
- Saturday
- Closed
- Sunday
- 00:00 – 23:59
Spot Score
- Reputation
- 87
- Popularity
- 94
- Information quality
- 30
- Category fit
- 70
- Freshness
- 30
Our independent editorial score — not a user rating.
Nearby venues
The Boathouse Shelly Beach
$$Cafes in Manly, Sydney.
Bluewater Cafe
$$Eclectic bistro food in a relaxed setting with surfboards & beach photos, plus streetside seats.
Manly Grill
$$Classic steak, fish and oysters in a busy, rustic-chic locale with outdoor tables and ocean views.
Bluebottle Espresso
Cafes in Manly, Sydney.
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