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Shelly Beach – Manly’s Jewel

Shelly Beach

Located in the Northern Beaches suburbs, the Shelly Beach is one of the West facing beaches of Sydney. It’s Coastline really feels like a private island in comparison to the big stretch of sand that is Manly Beach. Right here, the waves are calmer, the sunbathers are quieter and the state of mind is extra chilled. The beach is prominent for its shallow shores and photogenic scenery.

Shelly Beach at Sunrise. Spring Cove, Manly, Australia
Shelly Beach at Sunrise. Spring Cove, Manly, Australia

Transportation to Shelly Beach

There are multiple ways to get to this magnificent beach form Sydney CBD.

  1. A Sydney Ferry ride to Manly and then 30 minute leisure stroll.
  2. Getting to Shelly by car will take approx 45 min. However finding parking might be a challenge.
Surfing at Shelly Beach at Sunrise. Manly, NSW, Australia
Surfing at Shelly Beach at Sunrise. Manly, NSW, Australia

Surfing and other things to do

Shelly’s waters are not very deep, with its maximum depth being approx. 12 meters. Visibility of the sea is also good which makes it an excellent area for scuba diving and casual snorkelling. Because of the safe conditions that this beach offers a scuba diving learning centre is also installed on this beach. Shelly Beach is at the meeting point of rainforest and the seashore so expect to see a wide variety of wild animals such as bush turkeys. Iguanas and bandicoots have been spotted there as well. On the Western point of the beach, surfers would be greeted with the shallowest breaking waves Sydney has to offer.

Divers returning to Shelly Beach, Manly, NSW, Australia
Divers returning to Shelly Beach, Manly, NSW, Australia
Shelly Beach at Sunset, Manly, NSW, Australia
Shelly Beach at Sunset, Manly, NSW, Australia

A perfect spot

For the families coming to visit the beach, there are electric barbecues, food vendors, showers, restaurants, and long scenic walks on the shore. Northern Beaches Council also allows weddings at the beach throughout the summers so if beach weddings are your thing, get in on the opportunity. There is a bush track around the headland with views of the Northern Beaches as well as North Head.

Shelly Headland Upper Lookout at Sunrise
Shelly Headland Upper Lookout at Sunrise
Shelly Head Lookout at Sunrise
Shelly Head Lookout at Sunrise

Photography opportunities

Photographic scenery is the hallmark of Shelly with its rainforest, shallow green waters, occasional snorkelers, surfers and gliders, and photogenic rocks. The beach is full of iconic sculptures and photogenic beauties and anyone having any interest in photography would find himself at home here. Shallow waters of this beach mean clear photographic conditions undersea. One of the underwater sculptures it offers is the wrecked remains of the sunken motorbike. Take a dip and have a look out for the well-known Blue Gropers around.

Photographing Sunrises at Shelly Head Lookout
Photographing Sunrises at Shelly Head Lookout
Sun rising at Shelly Beach. Spring Cove, Manly, Australia
Sun rising at Shelly Beach. Spring Cove, Manly, Australia

At City Vista Photography, we have a huge array of images of Sydney’s most famous landmarks including Shelly Beach, so make sure you get in touch today.

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