20 March 2024
12 mins Read
Manly’s golden sands, secret beaches and excellent surfing conditions make it irresistible to locals and international visitors alike. With a relaxed and laid-back lifestyle, this world-renowned destination has got something for everyone. Food enthusiasts are drawn to a culinary scene that’s as diverse and captivating as the coastal views. Prefer the outdoors? There’s a wealth of options for those who love coastal walks, water activities and people-watching by the water. It’s time to drift along with the sea breeze, escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and keep reading to discover what to see and do while soaking up this vibrant, lively place.
The best way to begin an adventure to Manly is to catch the iconic ferry from Circular Quay. On the journey, you’ll see stunning views of Sydney Harbour, an expansive panorama of the Sydney skyline, snippets of maritime history and secret hidden beaches. Catching the ferry is considered an iconic Sydney attraction.
Hop on the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly. (Image: Destination NSW)
The heritage-listed Q Station, formerly known as the Quarantine Station, is regularly considered one of the best things to do in Sydney. The unique site, originally picked for its isolation, first opened as a quarantine facility for incoming ships to prevent the spread of contagious diseases, particularly with the cholera pandemic in mid-1800s Europe.
Q Station offers luxe accommodation on the shores of Sydney Harbour in Manly. (Image: Destination NSW)
Now part of the Sydney Harbour National Park, Q Station offers a wealth of things for visitors to do. There is a range of tours to join: history tours, after-dark ghost tours, and wildlife tours. There are multiple dining options on-site, from casual snacks at the Wharf Cafe and Bar to fine dining at the Boilerhouse Kitchen and Bar.
Get spooked after dark on a Q Station ghost tour. (Image: Destination NSW)
Manly offers an extensive range of bike tracks and cycleways that will suit both beginners to more experienced cyclists, and these let you take in Manly’s beautiful coastal vistas and natural scenery.
Start your day right by cycling along Manly Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)
You can elect to take yourself on self-guided tours by hiring from Manly Bikes, or you might prefer to join a guided tour, like with Bonza Bike Tours.
Explore the Northern Beaches with Bonza Bike Tours. (Image: Destination NSW)
Popular places to cycle include North Head, and around Manly Dam, or another option is to begin at Manly and cycle along tracks that will take you further into the Northern Beaches.
Swap the beach for Manly Dam and explore more of the region by bike. (Image: Destination NSW)
Manly’s iconic beaches have earned themselves the reputation of being a surfing haven and the popular surfing culture means that out in the waves you’ll find a combination of confident surfers and those trying it out for the first time.
Hit the waves at Manly Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)
Manly Surf School offers adult and kids group lessons right on Manly’s main beach. Surfing conditions can change quickly, so check local surf reports and be aware of surf safety before heading out.
Learn to surf with Manly Surf School. (Image: Destination NSW)
Established in 1930, the Manly Art Gallery and Museum (MAG&M) is the oldest metropolitan-based regional gallery in NSW. The Design shop is worth popping into, and features the work of local Australian artists and designers.
Browse through diverse artworks at the Manly Art Gallery and Museum. (Image: Karen Watson)
Head here to see innovative exhibitions, Australian art and ceramics, and cultural programs. They also offer a range of workshops and drawing classes.
The gallery is a stone’s throw away from Manly Wharf. (Image: Leila Jeffreys)
MAG&M is within walking distance of Manly Wharf and, good news, general admission is free. Further along in Freshwater, you’ll find the Aboriginal Heritage Office, where you can visit the cultural and heritage displays at the museum and Keeping Place.
Manly’s stunning coastal scenery and accessible waterways make it an excellent destination for kayaking. Not only does it allow for fresh perspectives when looking up from the water at the cliffs and rocks on the shoreline, but there are plenty of opportunities for close encounters with marine wildlife.
Go kayaking along the rocky shoreline of Manly. (Image: Destination NSW)
There are several places for kayak hire, including Manly Kayak Centre at Q station. From here, you have the flexibility to visit Store Beach – not only is Store Beach one of the best secret beaches to visit in Australia but it is only accessible by Kayak. As with all water sports, it’s important to check the weather and tidal conditions before setting out.
There are several spots by the water for kayak hire. (Image: Destination NSW)
Manly markets are open every Saturday and Sunday and can be found just off the main beach in the heart of Manly, along the Corso and Sydney Road.
Shop your way around the Manly markets.
Wander through the market stalls with a coffee in hand and you’ll find a range of artisanal products from emerging artists and designers, vintage clothing, delicious food stalls and live music.
Browse through the stalls that feature artisanal products.
On Sundays, Manly Fresh Produce Market showcases the best fresh produce directly from farmers and food providores across the state.
Experience Manly’s weekend market scene.
One of the best parts about Sydney life is cooling off in the ocean on a long, hot day. Manly boasts not only the iconic Manly Beach – made up of three sections: Queenscliff, North Steyne and South Steyne – but also neighbouring coves and smaller beaches, each possessing a distinctive charm, that makes it a dream destination for taking a refreshing plunge.
Prioritise a dip in Manly Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)
There’s quieter Little Manly Beach, family-friendly Manly Cove, picturesque Fairlight Beach, crystal-clear Quarantine Beach and hidden gem Store Beach. And don’t forget Collins Flat Beach. Splashed at all of Manly’s beaches? Check out our must-read guide to Sydney beaches to visit.
Bask in the sun at Quarantine Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)
Manly’s dynamic and bustling cafe culture means that visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to coffee here. Not only that, there’s a cacophony of hearty breakfasts, flaky pastries, cosy and inviting spaces and a passion for sustainability to guarantee a good time. There are so many cafes to start the day at, which can be found tucked away down Manly alleyways or right by the water with gorgeous water views.
Rollers Bakehouse is one of the many cafe spots in Manly.
The popularity of Indoor axe-throwing has been gaining momentum, so why not check out Kiss My Axe in Brookvale, just around the corner from Manly? With a licensed venue, expert staff on hand to help, and a high-energy vibe, the stars are aligned to have an axe-ceptional time. They have packages for large and small groups, a two for Tuesdays axe throwing special, and glow darts also on offer.
Try your luck at Kiss My Axe.
Touring the breweries in Manly and surrounds isn’t just a journey through hops and malt, it is a chance to celebrate the craftsmanship and art of brewing. Explore the breweries in the area and discover authenticity, innovation and excellence.
Start a brewery tour of Manly at 4 Pines BrewPub. (Image: Destination NSW)
Start off in Manly at the 4 Pines BrewPub, make your way up to Manly Vale and stop off at Quakers Hat Brewing. End your crawl in Brookvale and enjoy the tours, live music and great food at Bucketty’s Brewing Co., Dad & Dave’s Brewing, and 7th Day Brewery.
If you lean towards spirits over beer, head over to Manly Spirits Co. You’ll discover Australian premium spirits created using artisanal methods in their distillery, like award-winning artisan gin, as well as vodka and whisky. Want more than a tour? They also offer a cocktail masterclass.
Sample award-winning artisan gins at Manly Spirits Co. (Image: Destination NSW)
North Head, with its dramatic cliffs and network of walking tracks, is a must-visit destination in Manly. Located on the land of the Gayemagal people, you’ll find stunning natural beauty, sweeping panoramic views and snapshots of history with the remnants of the Second World War military fortifications.
There’s so much to do here – join one of the many Harbour Trust run tours to hear about the North Fort or the Third Quarantine Cemetery, learn more about the local flora and fauna by visiting the North Head Sanctuary Foundation’s visitor centre, and tie up your shoelaces as there’s over 10 kilometres of walking tracks to explore. To finish your visit, grab a bite at one of the two spots on site: Bella Vista Cafe or the Yorky Coffee Caravan.
Catch sweeping ocean views as you explore North Head. (Image: John Spencer/DCCEEW)
Manly Dam, also known as Manly Warringah War Memorial Park, is a picturesque reservoir and popular recreational area, hemmed in by lush bushland. There is a network of walks and trails to choose from.
The Heritage-listed Manly Dam extends to a freshwater lake. (Image: Northern Beaches Council)
The most popular is the park circuit track, which is 7.3 kilometres long and takes around three hours to complete – along the way you’ll pass waterfalls, rockpools, and local wildlife. There are shorter walks available too, that vary in distance and difficulty. Gulgadya Muru Aboriginal Self-Guided Walk is a circuit track that educates about Aboriginal culture, and you can see rock engravings and sites with axe grinding grooves and other artefacts.
There’s a designated section in Manly Reservoir for kayaking and fishing. (Image: Northern Beaches Council)
Other activities include mountain biking, wild swimming in designated areas, fishing, wallaby spotting and waterskiing. While dogs are permitted on leash on the tracks in the bushland, they’re not allowed elsewhere in the bushland or at the picnic areas. Something that surprises people is that the outdoor picnic tables need to be booked and paid for in advance via the Northern Beaches Council website.
Coastal gem Shelly Beach is part of Cabbage Tree Bay, an aquatic reserve that protects marine wildlife.
Discover abundant marine life in Cabbage Bay Aquatic Reserve. (Image: Destination NSW)
While there is street parking within walking distance of the shore, to really appreciate how captivating the area is, the best way to visit Shelly Beach is by leisurely walking the 15 minutes or so along the coastal one-kilometre path from the main Manly drag.
Shelly Beach is renowned for its beautiful cove. (Image: Destination NSW)
Snorkelling here is thought to be one of the best snorkelling spots in Sydney.
Spot captivating creatures beneath the waters like this Eastern Blue Groper. (Image: Destination NSW)
Along the walk you will pass the charming Fairy Bower rock pool, considered one of the best Sydney pools in the city.
Cool off at Fairy Bower Ocean Pool on the short walk from Manly Wharf to Shelly Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)
The popular Spit to Manly Walk is a breathtaking 10-kilometre scenic track that winds from the Spit Bridge towards North Head, alongside Sydney’s stunning harbour beaches.
Journey the scenic coastal route from Spit Bridge to Manly. (Image: Destination NSW)
It forms part of the great Bondi to Manly walk, and it’s an opportunity to totally immerse yourself in nature, walking through bushland and by pristine waters. Pack your swimmers so you can jump into one of the many stunning beaches along the way, like Clontarf Reserve Beach, Castle Rock Beach, Reef Beach and Forty Baskets Beach.
Discover breathtaking views along this Manly walk. (Image: Destination NSW)
A track highlight is the Grotto Point Aboriginal engraving site at Dobroyd Head, where you’re able to see rock engravings of a giant kangaroo, several small fish, boomerangs, and a whale – just make sure you stay on the boardwalk to protect the site.
It is important to note that it is a moderate track and challenging at times, and you’ll also need to come prepared with enough water as water stations are limited.
Navigate Spit Bridge to Manly via Clontarf Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)
Manly has a lively drinking scene that perfectly complements its laid-back and beachy good-time vibes, with many venues offering outdoor seating options to soak in the sun and sound of crashing waves.
There’s a mix of classic pubs, trendy cocktail bars and industrial breweries, so you’ll always find a place for any occasion – to celebrate, catch up with friends, enjoy live music or simply relax and unwind.
Keep your eyes peeled not just for happy hour deals, but see if you can spot the hidden doorway to the underground speakeasy the Cumberland, one of 15 hidden bars in Sydney you need to discover. If drinking by the beach is something you love to do, consider checking out other fantastic beach bars around Australia.
Come by the Manly Wharf Hotel for a sundowner. (Image: Destination NSW)
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