Shelly Beach

Much smaller than nearby Manly Beach, but tucked away in a small bay, which makes the water much calmer. Besides regular swimming, some people also snorkel here. A downside is the presence of many Australian brushturkeys, which will definitely get interested in your stuff if you leave it unattended.

Great beach with some nice shade under the trees but the authorities need to do something about the bush turkeys. They are out of control, attacking bags, stollers, blankets, etc. if you look away for 15 seconds. Also, beach goers: stop playing boom boxes, no one wants to hear your music.

Great spot to swim. Some surf and each not too long. Manly beach can be seen from the waters edge, and swimmers can be sighted testing themselves with a swim from Manly Beach to Shelly Beach and vice versa. Scuba diving lessons seem to occur at this beach. But not intrusive in general. Can even see fish in the water near the waters edge. Toilets and change rooms available. External quick rinse off showers for use just after exiting the surf. Not a lot of shaded areas. Lots if gazebo type structures for shading put up by beach goers. Shaded areas found mostly at the back area away from sand etc. Food outlets nearby.

My absolute and all-time favourite beach in Sydney and the world! It's sheltererd, the water is very calm (for it open to the ocean), it's clean, it's full of marine life, it's just marvelous and perfect! It gets pretty busy and packed on sunny days but still there's space for everyone to enjoy swimming and snorkeling. Definitely my go-to beach whenever it's sunny out in Sydney!

Shelly Beach feels like a little lagoon at the edge of the city. The walk from Manly builds the anticipation, then the headland opens and you see a neat curve of sand, rock shelves on both sides and water that often looks as clear as glass. Mornings are lovely here. Locals filter in with masks and fins, kids do the sand shuffle at the shoreline, and you can hear the low boom of swell on the outer reef while the bay itself stays calm. It is one of those places where you drop your towel, take a breath and feel the pace of the day soften. Bring a snorkel if you can. This is part of a marine reserve, and it shows. Float over ribbons of kelp and scattered boulders and you will usually spot schools of sweep and mado, the odd ray sliding across the sand and, if you are lucky, a blue groper cruising like it owns the place. Entry from the sand is simple and friendly for beginners. On days with a little surge, fins help and it pays to stay closer to the centre of the bay. The water clarity can be excellent after a run of light winds, so early starts often reward you with the best visibility and fewer people. Everything you need sits close by. There are toilets, showers and taps behind the beach, barbecues and picnic tables tucked under the trees, and a café at the back for coffee or something cold between swims. Shade on the sand is limited, so a hat, water and sunscreen make life easier. Parking on nearby streets fills quickly on sunny weekends; the ferry to Manly and a short stroll along the path is the stress free option. Leave nothing but footprints, give the wildlife space and linger a little after your swim. Watching the colour of the bay shift while you warm up on the rocks is half the joy of Shelly.