Shelly Beach
Shelly Beach
4.5
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The area
Neighbourhood: 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
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474 within 5 kms
Attractions
203 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 waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,505 reviews
Excellent
1,022
Very good
421
Average
56
Poor
4
Terrible
2
SuzcNewcastle
Newcastle, Australia504 contributions
Feb 2022
Scenery was beautiful however the park and picnic area looked a little unkept. It would be a great place to swim as it is in a protected bay. Unfortunately it was raining the day we visited but there was still people enjoying the water.
Written February 10, 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.
Hey SuzcNewcastle,
We're sorry about the park and picnic area - sometimes it's hard to be 100% on top of maintaining it in harsh weather conditions.
You're very right that Shelly Beach is a great swim because of the shelter from all the large waves.
We hope you come back soon when the rain clears up!
Manly Information Centre
Written February 18, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gregory R
Greater Sydney, Australia24 contributions
Jul 2020
If you aren't a fan of waves or have small children, this is the perfect beach. crystal clear waters and an aquatic reserve means some of the best nature has to offer. We went for walk to the top of the headland and were able to spot Whales in the distance in the ocean. I come here with my family quite often in Summer. The cafe is quite nice as well
Written July 12, 2020
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 gee d
Thank you for taking the time to write a review.
We love Shelly Beach too.
Next time you visit the area pop into our Hello Manly Visitor Information Centre at the wharf for some tips on other beautiful local walks.
See you soon,
Written July 19, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
roy v
Traralgon, Australia5,936 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
We walked to Shelly Beach many times while in Manly.
It is a lovely little Bay Area with lovely sand and calm waters.
It seems to be a favourite place for diving groups to enter the water as the always seemed to be there each time we were.
It is relaxing to sit on the beach or at the sitting areas on the grass and just enjoy the moment.
There is a nice cafe there and excellent new toilet and shower facilities.
Great spot for a picnic or eat at the cafe .
There are a lot of very friendly bush turkeys there, we were told by a local that’s what they are as we had no idea what they were .
A lovely little beach to visit just a few minutes walk from Manly beach on the South side.
It is a lovely little Bay Area with lovely sand and calm waters.
It seems to be a favourite place for diving groups to enter the water as the always seemed to be there each time we were.
It is relaxing to sit on the beach or at the sitting areas on the grass and just enjoy the moment.
There is a nice cafe there and excellent new toilet and shower facilities.
Great spot for a picnic or eat at the cafe .
There are a lot of very friendly bush turkeys there, we were told by a local that’s what they are as we had no idea what they were .
A lovely little beach to visit just a few minutes walk from Manly beach on the South side.
Written May 15, 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 royv647
Thanks for your review.
Shelly Beach is a beautiful little spot and a lovely walking destination from Manly.
You're right, it is a very popular spot for diving and snorkelling, being a marine reserve with more than 150 species of marine animals visible beneath the waves, including beautiful blue gropers and giant cuttlefish.
Kind regards
Manly Visitor Information Centre
Written May 16, 2024
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.
Eyekaytoo
Leverkusen, Germany3,143 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.
Stuweb
Sydney, Australia39 contributions
Jan 2022 • Family
Oh dear Shelley Beach where have you gone. My wife and I tried to enjoy a swim at Shelley when all the other beaches were closed. There was a mountain of sea weed on the sand and the amenities were terrible. At $10 an hour parking put some money towards cleaning the bathroom. It was disgusting and I won’t describe what was on the seat and it’s surrounds. Surely the council worker on his phone could have done his job and kept it clean
Written January 5, 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 stuwebster,
Sorry to hear you got Shelly Beach on a bad day. Northern Beaches Council works hard to keep everything clean, but may not have been aware of the mess in the bathroom. We hope your next visit is a pleasant one.
Cheers,
Manly Visitor Information Centre
Written January 13, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jennifer E
8 contributions
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.
EdiBa683
Switzerland1,231 contributions
Jan 2020
It is the perfect beach if you prefer a less crowded one on a weekend. Take your time and walk to this beach. I enjoyed swimming a bit and to sit down and enjoy the view to manly. It is worth to walk 15 minutes. It is a bit hidden and more calm than the main beach.
Written December 29, 2020
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 EdiBa683,
Thank you for leaving us a review.
We are glad you enjoyed your visit to Manly Beach.
Thanks,
Manly Visitor Information Centre
Written January 6, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
hannah
Gloucestershire, UK8 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Great beach, no waves so not good for body boarding/surf but great for snorkelling and sunbathing. Saw a lot of fish when snorkelling. Fairly small beach but not as busy as Manly so offers a quieter alternative.
Written January 24, 2020
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 hansmith63
Thanks for taking the time to write a review!
Our hidden gem 'Shelly Beach' is a short walk from Manly - it is a marine sanctuary which makes it a very special place to snorkel in its calm waters. By foot it takes approx 20-30 mins along the coastline of Manly Beach.
If you want to enjoy the waves, Manly Beach extending to Queenscliff is the place to revel in the ocean!
Shelly is the perfect place to have a picnic, enjoy a BBQ + relaxing with friends. Typically Shelly is sheltered from the winds, this little cove catches the last of the sun’s rays and the refreshing water is typically calm and clear.
We love Manly - Come back soon!!
Thanks
Manly Visitors Information Centre
Written January 31, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Breadleg
Foster City, CA62 contributions
Mar 2020
A nice walk through the bush and along the cliffs from Manly Bay to Shelly Beach with lots of great outlooks along the way. Some areas require stabile footing due to rocks. Glad we wore trail running shoes. And we did this all in torrential rains. Still loved it.
Written March 7, 2020
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 There Breadleg,
So glad you enjoyed the walk - even in the rain!
Be sure to come back again when the sun is shining and grab your snorkel for a day out exploring Shelly Beach.
Kind Regards,
The Hello Manly Team
Written March 10, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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.
Written December 10, 2019
No stinger suits required in Sydney!
Written December 16, 2019
Is the boat house still a restaurant there?
Written September 10, 2018
The food is overrated and expensive
Written September 16, 2018
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?
Written November 7, 2016
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.
Written April 25, 2017
Is it suitable for a church group of up to 150, can we drive there and is there parking.
Written January 12, 2015
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!
Written October 24, 2015
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