Shelly Beach is the sparkling bay you can reach from Manly by walking south along Marine Parade. It’s much more low-key than its renowned neighbour, which is probably why so much marine-life congregates in the shallows.

Further out in the bay, Shelly Beach connects with the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve – a popular place for snorkelling and scuba-diving among backpackers and locals both. A track around the headland scrub is also worth exploring if you’ve come for the day (there’s a couple public barbeques if that’s the case).