Manly New South Wales Australia

A visit to Manly by ferry provides you with the quintessential Sydney experience. The thirty-minute cruise across Sydney Harbour to this iconic Northern Beaches destination puts you in a relaxed mood to enjoy this easy-going and cosmopolitan suburb.

Known For

• Iconic surf beach lined with cafes and restaurants
• Manly ferry – a great trip from Circular Quay

With the famous surf beach on the Pacific Ocean side and a serene inner harbour beach on the other, Manly has the best of both waterfront worlds and is a popular place to swim, windsurf, parasail, snorkel, kayak, surf and scuba dive.

The palm-tree lined Corso leads you onto the promenade, where you can take a bike ride or roller-blade along the front or relax and enjoy the sea breeze in one of the many cafes and restaurants.

Manly’s Sydney Harbour National Park, whose North Head overlooks the harbour’s entrance, makes for ideal bushwalking with numerous routes linking the beaches with the national park. As well as inviting you to enjoy its natural wonders Manly also offers a tempting year-round calendar of diverse and appealing events.

Manly’s culinary scene is as diverse as its visitors. Start your day with a coffee at Girdlers Café or indulge in fresh pastries from Rollers Bakehouse. For lunch or dinner, savor seafood at The Boathouse Shelly Beach or enjoy modern Australian cuisine at Garfish.

As the sun sets, Manly comes alive with a dynamic nightlife. Local favorites include the 4 Pines BrewPub for craft beer lovers and Manly Wine for a chic seaside experience. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed evening or a lively night out, there’s no shortage of options.

Where To Stay

Manly boasts a range of accommodations to suit every traveler. Luxury seekers can enjoy waterfront elegance at Peppers Manly Beach or the boutique charm of Hotel Steyne. Families often opt for serviced apartments like Quest Manly, offering the comforts of home with stunning harbor views.

Backpackers and budget travelers are also well-catered to, with options such as Manly Bunkhouse and Boardrider Backpacker Hostel, both offering affordable stays in the heart of the action.

Things To Do

Key Experiences

• Getting there really is half the fun – the ferry or JetCat journey from Circular Quay across Sydney Harbour is a must do.
• Get energised by taking part in activities like bike riding, roller blading, tennis, bush walking, sailing, golf and parasailing. Or head to the beach for a surf or SCUBA lesson.
• Taste the different cuisines from the range of restaurants in Manly, or people watch over a leisurely coffee.
• Enjoy picturesque views of native bushland in a coastal setting on the Manly to Spit Bridge scenic walkway.
• Visit the unique Manly Art Gallery & Museum – one of New South Wales’ major regional galleries, to view the permanent historical exhibitions and regularly-changing displays of Australian art and pottery.
• Go on the daily tour of the historical Quarantine Station or awaken your sixth sense with the evening ghost tour, both conducted by National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Popular Manly

Catching the ferry from Circular Quay to the seaside suburb of Manly is a quintessential Sydney experience providing you with some stunning views of the Harbour, its islands and waterfront mansions.

Manly boasts both harbour and surf beaches and was once touted as being “seven miles from Sydney and a thousand miles from care”. You’ll find it still holds true today.

From Manly Wharf, spend the morning floating above the harbour. Sydney Harbour Parasailing takes those who are game out onto the water for an exhilarating ride that shows off the harbour from a completely different perspective.

Alternatively, experience a true adrenalin rush with Ocean Extreme. Gear up for a racy ride in an inflatable speed boat, dodging and weaving around larger vessels and riding through the wake.

For spectacular views of Sydney’s necklace of golden beaches, the entrance to Sydney Harbour and a distant city vista, head up to North Head, just a short bus ride from Manly Wharf.

Complete your visit to Manly with a stroll along the surf beach esplanade. If learning to surf has been a dream, surfing lessons are available and with experienced guidance you will soon be able to tackle the waves.

Explore The Northern Beaches

While Manly is a standout destination, its neighboring towns on the Northern Beaches offer equally enticing experiences, each with its own distinct charm. Exploring these nearby areas allows visitors to uncover hidden gems, scenic spots, and diverse activities, all while staying close to the natural beauty of Sydney’s coastline.

By venturing beyond Manly and exploring the nearby towns on the Northern Beaches, visitors can experience a diverse array of activities, landscapes, and atmospheres. From the vibrant surf culture of Freshwater and Dee Why to the luxury and natural splendor of Palm Beach, the Northern Beaches offer something for every traveler, ensuring a memorable coastal adventure.

Getting to Manly

Manly’s accessibility is part of its charm. The iconic Manly Ferry departs regularly from Circular Quay, offering a scenic 18-minute ride across Sydney Harbour.

For those driving, there’s ample parking near the beaches, though spots fill quickly during peak times. Bus services also connect Manly to surrounding suburbs and Sydney’s CBD, making it easy to explore.

Nearest Airport: Mascot