Shelly Beach / Cabbage Tree Bay
Accessible, biodiverse shore dive suitable for all levels.
Shore Access
8m Avg Depth
14m Max Depth
About this dive site
This dive site is located within the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, a protected area renowned for its incredible biodiversity. Shelly Beach, the only west-facing beach in New South Wales, offers a remarkably sheltered diving environment, making it suitable for divers of all experience levels. The reserve boasts over 160 recorded fish species, promising abundant marine life sightings during every dive. It's consistently considered one of Sydney’s premier shore dives due to its accessibility and the ease with which divers can explore fascinating underwater landscapes. You might encounter various rays, wobbegongs, flatheads, octopus, a diverse array of leatherjackets, old wives, dusky whalers (primarily during April and June), giant cuttlefish (August and September), and even Port Jackson sharks. A memorable diving experience awaits at Shelly Beach, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned diver.
DivingFreedivingSnorkelingNight Diving
Plan Your Visit
shore divesharkturtlebeginner friendlymacro photographywide anglekelp forestprotected area
Marine Life
Weedy sea dragonRaysTurtleGiant cuttlefishCommon octopusPort Jackson SharksWobbegong SharksOld WivesDusky whalersFlatheadsLeatherjacketsKelp
Things to Note
Difficulty:
All levels
Sheltered conditions and easy shore access make it ideal for beginners, with abundant life for experienced divers.
Hazards:
boat trafficsurge
Getting In & Out
Entry Point
You can just walk down from Shelly Beach, or you can go down from the rocks near the swimming pool, which is on the left side of shelly beach
Exit Point
Same as entry point
Facilities
ParkingRestroomsChanging RoomsShowersRestaurant
Parking Directions
Paid parking at the end of Bower Street. Try to find a street parking along Bower Street to avoid parking fees.
Nearby Dive Sites
Explore other dive sites in the area
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Australia, Sydney Botany Bay (La Perouse) Aquatic Reserve
Iconic Sydney shore dive with incredible macro life.
Australia, Sydney Not in marine park
Spectacular wall dive famous for Weedy Seadragons and overhangs.
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