Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve

Located at the southern end of Manly Beach in Australia, Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves marine life and nature.

Spread over 20 hectares, this reserve aims to protect marine life and offers recreational activities such as swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, and underwater photography.

Cabbage Tree Bay is known for its crystal-clear waters and abundance of sea life, making it a popular spot for snorkelling and diving. The reserve is home to over 150 species of fish, including iconic species such as blue groper, cuttlefish, and wobbegong sharks. Visitors can also spot protected species like seadragons, elegant wrasse, and black rockcod. The rocky shore provides diverse habitats and marine life, with approximately 50 species of marine invertebrates recorded in the reserve.

Visitors can access the waters of Cabbage Tree Bay from Half Way beach or Shelly Beach. Shelly Beach is also a great spot to watch the sunset and offers amenities such as a restaurant and small gift shop. Both locations have toilets, change facilities, gas barbeques, and picnic tables.

The best time to visit Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve is during the early morning on a weekday to avoid crowds. To get there, you can follow the scenic walkway from the southern end of Manly Beach or take a ferry ride from Circular Quay to Manly Beach.

Nearby attractions include Fairy Bower Sea Pool, which is great for swimming and enjoying sea views, and the Manly Scenic Walkway, offering stunning coastal views. Shelly Beach is another nearby attraction with beautiful scenery and recreational activities.

It's important to note that fishing or collecting marine life is