About Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve
Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve is a protected no-take marine reserve at Manly in the Northern Beaches local government area of New South Wales. Established in 1982, it covers approximately 20 hectares between Shelly Beach Headland and the southern end of Manly Beach. It is notable for its rocky reefs, seagrass beds and diverse marine life, and is one of Sydney's most popular shore snorkelling and diving sites.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a small sheltered bay with clear water, rocky reefs, sandy patches and intertidal rock platforms. The reserve is accessed via Shelly Beach and the Manly beachfront promenade. Underwater visibility allows viewing of fish, wrasse, groper, cuttlefish, sea dragons and other marine species. On land, visitors find a beach, coastal walk, lookouts and interpretive signage. The area is for non-extractive recreation such as snorkelling, diving, swimming and photography.
Key highlights
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No-take aquatic reserve protecting diverse temperate marine life
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One of Sydney's best shore snorkelling and scuba diving sites with easy beach entry
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Rocky reefs, kelp and seagrass habitats with resident fish including blue groper
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Sheltered waters of Cabbage Tree Bay and Shelly Beach ideal for swimming and underwater photography