
Shelly Headland Upper Lookout
A spectacular clifftop lookout on the Shelly headland at Manly in Sydney, rated 4.8 across more than 230 reviews.
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Why it's worth checking out
The Shelly Headland Upper Lookout sits on Bower Street at Manly, near beautiful Shelly Beach in one of Sydney's most iconic beachside suburbs. A much-loved clifftop lookout, it offers spectacular views — a stunning vantage point over the ocean, the coastline and Manly's beaches, the kind of breathtaking outlook that rewards the lovely walk out to the headland.
The appeal is that combination of a gorgeous clifftop setting and genuinely spectacular views: the sweeping ocean-and-coastline outlook, reached via the lovely walk around from Manly and Shelly Beach, makes it a wonderful spot for a stroll, a photo or simply soaking up the scenery. It's a beautiful highlight of the Manly coastline and a favourite for sunrise and ocean views.
With a 4.8 rating from more than 230 reviews, it's clearly a much-loved spot. The lookout is free and open, but conditions and the weather vary, and the walk involves some uneven, natural paths, so it's worth wearing suitable footwear, taking sun protection and being mindful near the clifftop edges — then enjoying the spectacular views at the Shelly Headland Upper Lookout at Manly.
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
- 89
- Popularity
- 72
- 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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Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk
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West Head Lookout
Dramatic coastal lookout in Ku-ring-gai Chase with walking paths and Aboriginal rock art.




