Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve
A protected marine sanctuary offering incredible snorkeling and diving with abundant wildlife, easily accessible from Manly.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best visibility for snorkeling
Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve
Best Time
Best visibility for snorkeling
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A protected marine sanctuary offering incredible snorkeling and diving with abundant wildlife, easily accessible from Manly.
"An easy slice of underwater adventure tucked beside Manly, where you can float over ribbons of kelp and spot marine life."
🤿 Snorkel Smart
Float, don't kick hard, to avoid stirring up the seabed. Use fins for easier movement and rock shoes for comfort on ledges.
🚫 No Fishing Zone
Remember, this is a protected aquatic reserve. Fishing is strictly prohibited to preserve marine life.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Underwater Nature Trail
Shelly Beach
Follow seabed markers past kelp and boulders to discover diverse marine life. A guided tour beneath the waves!
Giant Cuttlefish Encounters
Throughout the reserve
Witness the incredible color-changing abilities of these intelligent invertebrates. A truly mesmerizing sight!
Coastal Walkway Views
Manly Beach to Shelly Beach
Enjoy picturesque ocean vistas and discover unique sculptures along this scenic path.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the 'No Take' Rule
Timing is Key for Visibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤿 Snorkel Smart
Float, don't kick hard, to avoid stirring up the seabed. Use fins for easier movement and rock shoes for comfort on ledges.
🚫 No Fishing Zone
Remember, this is a protected aquatic reserve. Fishing is strictly prohibited to preserve marine life.
🚗 Parking Patience
Street parking near Shelly and Manly beaches fills up quickly on sunny days. Arrive early or consider public transport.
💧 Pack It In, Pack It Out
Help keep this beautiful reserve pristine by taking all your rubbish with you.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤿 Snorkel Smart
Float, don't kick hard, to avoid stirring up the seabed. Use fins for easier movement and rock shoes for comfort on ledges.
🚫 No Fishing Zone
Remember, this is a protected aquatic reserve. Fishing is strictly prohibited to preserve marine life.
🚗 Parking Patience
Street parking near Shelly and Manly beaches fills up quickly on sunny days. Arrive early or consider public transport.
💧 Pack It In, Pack It Out
Help keep this beautiful reserve pristine by taking all your rubbish with you.
🤿 Wetsuit for Comfort
A light wetsuit makes snorkeling comfortable even in cooler months, extending your time in the water.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve is praised as an accessible and beautiful underwater paradise, perfect for snorkeling and observing marine life. Visitors love the vibrant ecosystem and the scenic coastal walk, though parking can be a challenge on busy days.
"Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve feels like an easy slice of underwater adventure tucked beside Manly. Follow the coastal path toward Shelly and the water turns that clear, glassy blue that makes you want to grab a mask straight away. It is a sheltered pocket most days, so beginners and kids can float over ribbons of kelp while more confident swimmers venture closer to the mouth for deeper reef. Even from the rocks you can spot flashes of silver and the occasional blue groper drifting through like a local on patrol. On calm mornings the visibility is excellent and the whole bay hums quietly with life.
Snorkelling is the headline act. Pick up the underwater nature trail from the beach and follow the seabed markers past boulders and weed beds where sweep, mado and old wives school in the current. Rays sometimes ghost across the sand and tiny cuttlefish hang like punctuation between the kelp fronds. The reserve is strictly look but do not touch, which keeps things thriving, and it pays to float rather than kick hard so you do not stir the bottom. Easiest entries are from the sand at Shelly or the pebbly corner near the boats, and fins help if there is a bit of surge at the entrance. Early is best for calm water and fewer people, and a light wetsuit stretches the season comfortably into the cooler months.
Good to know before you go. There are no lifeguards stationed in the middle of the bay, so stick to your limits and keep an eye on wind and swell. Facilities sit back at Shelly and Manly for bathrooms and coffee, and street parking fills quickly on sunny days. Rock shoes save tender feet on the ledges, a dry layer helps when the breeze kicks up, and packing out everything you bring keeps this spot as pristine as it looks. Bring a mask, slow your breathing, and let the reserve do the rest."
Le Hoang Giap
"Really enjoyed this spot. The girls were out paddle boarding while mum and I enjoyed the cafe right in front. Service and food was lovely and bay is really lovely."
Andrew Atic
"Very beautiful. Great cafes nearby to enjoy the beach and the view of the sea is amazing."
Uglyboyryan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is to take a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Wharf, then enjoy a scenic walk or a short bus ride to Shelly Beach, which is adjacent to the reserve.
Yes, there is street parking available near Shelly Beach and Manly Beach, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and sunny days. Arriving early is recommended.
Absolutely! The coastal walkway between Manly Beach and Shelly Beach offers stunning views and leads you directly to the reserve.
Yes, ferries to Manly Wharf are frequent, and local buses can take you closer to Shelly Beach. It's a great option to avoid parking hassles.
Walking the coastal path between Manly and Shelly Beach is highly recommended for beautiful scenery and access to the reserve.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve is completely free! It's a public space for everyone to enjoy.
As an open aquatic reserve, Cabbage Tree Bay is accessible at all times. However, visibility for snorkeling is best during daylight hours.
There is no admission fee for snorkeling or diving in Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. Enjoy the underwater world for free!
The main restriction is that it's a 'no take' zone, meaning you cannot remove any marine life or objects. Fishing is also prohibited. 
While the reserve is accessible, nighttime visits are not recommended for snorkeling or diving due to safety and visibility concerns.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
You can spot a variety of fish like blue groper, sweep, mado, and old wives, as well as rays, and the fascinating Australian Giant Cuttlefish.
Yes, the sheltered nature of the bay and the underwater nature trail make it excellent for beginners and families.
It's a series of markers on the seabed that guide you through different marine habitats, highlighting the diverse life within the reserve.
There are no lifeguards stationed directly in the middle of the bay. Visitors should be aware of their limits and monitor conditions.
A mask and snorkel are essential. A light wetsuit is recommended for comfort, especially in cooler months, and rock shoes can protect your feet.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are lovely cafes and restaurants located at Shelly Beach and along the Manly beachfront, offering great views and food.
While there are no dedicated picnic facilities within the reserve itself, you can enjoy a picnic on the nearby beaches like Shelly Beach. Remember to pack out all your waste.
You'll find a range of options from casual beachside cafes to more formal dining in Manly, offering everything from coffee and snacks to seafood.
You may find some beachwear shops in Manly that sell basic snorkeling equipment, but it's advisable to bring your own for the best fit and quality.
Yes, public restrooms and shower facilities are available at Shelly Beach and Manly Beach.
📸 📸 Photography
The areas around the underwater nature trail and rocky outcrops often provide the best opportunities to capture marine life.
The Australian Giant Cuttlefish, blue groper, eagle rays, and various schools of fish are popular subjects for underwater photographers.
Visibility can vary, but on calm days with good light, excellent underwater photos are achievable. Patience and a good eye are key.
Focus on capturing the vibrant colors and behaviors of the marine life. Respecting their space will lead to more natural and compelling shots.
A waterproof camera or a camera with a waterproof housing is essential for underwater shots. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the environment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The underwater nature trail provides an engaging way to teach kids about marine life, turning a simple swim into an educational outing. Remember to pack snacks and drinks, as facilities are back at Shelly and Manly beaches. The coastal walk between Manly and Shelly is also a pleasant, manageable stroll for families, offering beautiful views without being too strenuous. Ensure children stay within their comfort levels in the water and always supervise them closely.
🐠 Snorkelers & Divers
Look out for the Australian Giant Cuttlefish, blue groper, and various rays that frequent the bay. +1Utilize the underwater nature trail for a structured exploration, or simply drift along the reef systems. While visibility can vary, calm conditions, especially in the mornings or during winter, provide excellent opportunities for photography and wildlife observation. Remember to use fins for efficient movement and consider rock shoes for navigating the entry points.
🚶♀️ Coastal Walk Enthusiasts
Keep an eye out for the unique Sea Nymph Sculptures at Fairy Bower Pool, adding an artistic element to your stroll. The path provides easy access to Cabbage Tree Bay for those wanting to combine their walk with a snorkeling session.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Underwater World
+2Visibility can vary, but calm mornings and winter months often offer the clearest conditions. The 'no take' policy ensures that the ecosystem remains vibrant and healthy, providing a rich environment for both wildlife and visitors. Remember to float rather than kick hard to avoid disturbing the seabed and its inhabitants.
For those new to snorkeling, the sheltered nature of the bay makes it an ideal spot. Beginners can enjoy observing the marine life closer to shore, while more experienced swimmers can venture towards the bay's entrance for deeper exploration. The reserve is a testament to successful marine conservation, offering a glimpse into a thriving underwater ecosystem right on Sydney's doorstep.
+1The Coastal Walkway Experience
Along the walkway, you'll encounter unique points of interest, such as the Sea Nymph Sculptures at Fairy Bower Pool, adding an artistic touch to the natural beauty. The path is well-maintained and suitable for most fitness levels, making it an enjoyable activity for families and individuals alike.
This walk is an excellent way to appreciate the broader Manly peninsula and provides a gentle transition to the underwater adventures awaiting at Cabbage Tree Bay. It's also a great spot to simply relax, take in the sea air, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit