Manly Beach to Shelly Beach walk is a top thing to do when visiting Manly, and Sydney. The short 30-minute walk is approximately 1.5-kilometer that runs along the stunning rocky coastline. Starting at the famous surf location Manly Beach to the more tranquil and secluded snorkel paradise of Shelly Beach, a small cove nestled between rocky outcrops and home to a great snorkel spot.
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Walk Snaps
Where is Manly?
Manly is a vibrant coastal suburb in Sydney, Australia, known for its stunning beach, laid-back vibe, and lively promenade filled with cafes, shops, and restaurants. Just a short ferry ride from the city, it’s a hub for surfers, swimmers, and outdoor enthusiasts, with hiking trails and water activities on offer.
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The walk from Manly Beach to Shelly Beach is one of Sydney’s most picturesque coastal strolls, and when visiting Manly a fantastic activity to add to your itinerary. This short 1.5-kilometer walk takes you along the Manly Scenic Walkway, which winds its way along the coastline with yellow wooden fence. A short 5 minute walk from the Corso, the starting point is at Manly Lifesaving Club located below:
Starting Point
Shelly Beach is a small cove surrounded by natural bushland and protected marine waters, making it a peaceful spot for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing. The walk is relatively flat and is wide with a left hand lane for walking. There are a number of benches along the way to sit for a pit stop and to take in the sea breeze and views. The walk is very easy to navigate and there are a few cafes on route to stop off for a coffee or even a bite to eat.
Manly Beach Starting Point
Shelly Beach Finish Point
Starting Point
You start the walk at the Manly Life Saving Club, on the Southern side of Manly Beach, opposite Little Pearl Restaurant. As you reach the end of the Corso at Manly Beach, turn right and you’ll see it at the end. This is the starting point for the walk.
The walk follows a path with a yellow wooden fence running along, with people walking on the left-hand side. The walk has many benches along the way and a few sculptures to view. You can also see the protected Water Dragons with a good eye basking in the sun on the rocks and off the path. Brushturkey’s also patrol the walk and can be seen on route, usually further on the walk. There are two main cafe’s on the walk, Bower Manly half-way (10-minutes in), and the Boat House at the end of the walk (20-30 -minutes).
As you pass the first corner of the walk you will see the sight of Manly Beach, the rstunning olling waves, many surfers, and kayakers. You also have a view of Cabbage Tree Bay, and Shelly Beach in the distance. You can also see the walk all the way around to the beach, tucked away, sheltered from the Pacific Ocean. There are usually swimmers in the morning swimming from beach to beach, such as the Bold and Beautiful group.
Safety Tip:
The UV can be very strong, hats and sun lotion are required to ensure you’re protected and don’t get sun burn and sun stroke. A water bottle is recommended to stay hydrated and there are water fountains on route.
You will walk past the Bower Cafe and round to the Oceanides, or locally known Sea Nymphs at Bower Rockpool. This is a nice spot to take a dip or sunbath, can be busy on a summers day. There are also public toilets, showers, and water bottle refill at this spot. If you then continue you’ll come across the beach.
Shelly Beach
Top Tip:
Bring your snorkel equipment and enjoy the walk from Manly Beach Surf Club round to Shelly Beach. In suitable conditions, Shelly Beach is a fantastic entrance to start snorkeling Cabbage Tree Bay. Also a cool look out at Shelly Beach Viewpoint, and if you want to make a day of it, you can start the walk to North head for a view of Sydney’s skyline.
Sculptures on the walk
Wildlife on the walk
It took another 15-20 minutes to get to the second viewpoint, which involved more of an open trail with more of an opening in the trees. The second viewpoint was worth the hike and notably better than the first. During the hike, we only saw another 5-6 people, so it wasn’t the most popular.
Snorkel Spot
Snorkeling at Cabbage Tree Bay is one of Sydney’s best snorkel spots, the aquatic nature reserve stretches for most of the walk. The protected bay is home to several specieis suchas the Blue Groper, Wobbegong Shark, Stingrays, Giant Cuttlefish, turtles, much more!
Shelly Beach is the main entry point, where you can start from the shallows to explore the marine life. The bay’s rocky coastline, sandy seabed, seagrass beds, and kelp forests create a rich habitat for diverse species, making every snorkel different. Check out our snorkel review below if you’re interested in seeing our experience!
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Frequently Asked Questions
The easiest way to get to Manly from Sydney’s city centre is by taking the regular ferry service from Circular Quay to Manly. The 20-30minute ferry journey starts at Circular Quay and passes he Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and the scenic coastline to Manly.
There isn’t a cost to walk Manly to Shelly Beach.
The best time to go to walk Manly to Shelly is in summer which runs from November to March.
Luke
FOUNDER
Luke is a passionate snorkeler who started Snorkelverse to live his dream of combining his passions for snorkeling, marine life, protecting marine ecosystems, and helping others.
New South Wales Snorkel Reviews
