Cabbage Tree Bay is an aquatic reserve that aims to protect marine life.
It covers an area of approximately 20 hectares, from the southern end of Manly Beach, including the rocky shores and beaches, to the northern of Shelly Beach. Recreational activities are allowed in Cabbage Tree Bay such as swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving and underwater photography.
More than 150 species of fish dwell in the reserve including iconic species such as blue groupers, giant cuttlefish, wobbygongs and a resident green turtle.
Protected and threatened species also include weedy seadragons, seagrasses, elegant wrasse and grey nurse sharks.
Fishing or collecting any marine life is not permitted.
You can enter the waters of Cabbage Tree Bay from Half Way beach where there are steps down onto the sand, or more safely, from Shelly Beach at the end of the walkway. There is also a beautiful rockpool at Half Way beach as well as a restaurant and small gift shop.
At Shelly Beach, there is a very popular restaurant where you can sit down for a delicious meal, or grab a takeaway to enjoy on the beach. At both locations, there are toilets and change facilities, and at Shelly Beach, there are gas barbeques as well as picnic tables. Park either in Manly or in the car park on the headland overlooking Shelly Beach.
