Manly is a stunning region situated on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, Australia. Known for its golden sandy beaches, active lifestyle, plethora of brunch spots, and scenic coastal walks, Manly epitomizes the Australian dream. This coastal town seamlessly blends a cosmopolitan buzz with a relaxed vibe, making it a favorite destination for both locals and tourists.

Manly was named by Capt. Arthur Phillip of the British Royal Navy. Impressed by the local Aboriginal people’s confident and robust demeanor, he wrote, “Their confidence and manly behavior made me give the name of Manly Cove to this place.” Since my first visit, I’ve found Manly to be one of the best beach destinations on Earth, offering eight beautiful beaches and a variety of shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars that make leaving this beach bubble a challenge.

Manly beach from Sydney

If you’re in the heart of Sydney, the easiest way to reach Manly is via the Circular Quay ferry. The fast ferry service operates multiple times daily, costing $10.20 AUD per adult and taking only 20 minutes per route. These ferries are easily distinguishable by their blue, yellow, and white colors with a modern design. Alternatively, the traditional ferry, with green and yellow coloring, takes between 22-30 minutes and also runs multiple trips per day.

Manly is a quick 20-minute ferry ride from Sydney’s CBD, providing the perfect escape from the city’s hustle. For those driving, it’s about a 30-minute drive from the CBD, or simply hop on the train from the airport to Circular Quay and then switch to the ferry.

Exploring Manly (What things to do)

The Corso

The Corso is a vibrant pedestrian mall that connects the harbourside wharf to the famous ocean beach. Dotted with surf shops, boutiques, and classic pubs, it’s a bustling hub of activity. On weekends, the Manly Markets take over Sydney Road, just off The Corso, offering a variety of arts and crafts stalls.

Coastal Walks and Bike Tours

Prefer exploring on land? Hire a bicycle from Manly Bike Tours and Hire to discover hidden harbour coves and beaches like Little Manly Cove and Collins Flat Beach. The 10km Spit Bridge to Manly Walk rewards you with breathtaking views across the harbour, a must-do for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.

Historical and Natural Attractions

For a dose of history, explore ancient Aboriginal rock engravings at Grotto Point. From May to November, embark on a whale-watching cruise with Manly Ocean Adventures or Manly Whale Watching to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Check out the vibrant events calendar for celebrations like the Manly Jazz Festival, which attracts thousands every September.

Beaches and Sunrises

Manly Beach is renowned for its expansive sandy shorelines and is perfect for a beach day. Don’t miss the stunning sunrises – rise early, grab a coffee, and enjoy the magical mornings as the town wakes up. Shelley Beach is another gem for snorkeling and relaxing.

Manly Beach Sunset

Watching the sunset at Manly Beach is a serene experience. The sky transforms into a palette of colors, making it a perfect way to end the day.

Restaurants Manly Beach Australia

Manly Beach is home to numerous restaurants offering a variety of cuisines. From beachfront dining to casual cafes, there’s something to satisfy every palate

• Bare Naked Bowls: Perfect for açaí lovers.
• Sunset Sabi: Japanese cuisine at its finest. Booking in advance is essential.
• Chica Bonita: For delicious Mexican fare.
• Fishbowl Manly: Home to the best poke bowl I’ve ever had.
• Rope & Anchor Cafe: Ideal for morning coffee on the beachfront.
• The Glasshouse Bar: Create your own gin and tonic concoctions.
• The Boathouse, Shelley Beach: Enjoy beachside cocktails with a view.

Budget-Friendly Activities

Manly offers plenty of free activities:

• Spit to Manly Walk: A scenic 10km walk with fantastic views.
• North Head: Walk up for an epic sunset overlooking the city.
• Manly Wharf: Watch the sunset and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
• Palm Beach: Take a bus up the coast and explore further north.
• Rollerblading/Biking: Hire equipment and cruise along the seafront.

• Beach Volleyball Manly: Join a game of beach volleyball at Manly Beach. The beach has designated volleyball courts, and it’s a great way to stay active and meet new people.

• Manly to Shelly Beach Walk: The walk from Manly to Shelly Beach is a scenic route that offers stunning views of the coastline. It’s a short and enjoyable walk, perfect for all fitness levels.

• Manly Beach Shark: While shark sightings are rare, Manly Beach has shark nets in place for safety. Always swim between the flags and follow the lifeguards’ instructions.

Nightlife and Workouts

For a vibrant nightlife, The Glasshouse rooftop is lively on weekends, and the Moonshine bar offers great live music. If you’re into fitness, Manly has a robust active lifestyle culture:

• Dynamic Pilates
• F45
• The Yoga and Meditation Centre
• Early Morning Swims and Volleyball Matches

Most of these fitness options offer cheap or free trial periods for short-term visitors.

One-Day Manly Itinerary

Morning:

• Spit to Manly Walk
• Breakfast at Bare Naked Bowls or Momo’s Poke

Afternoon:

• Relax on the main beach
• Walk over to Shelley Beach for snorkeling
• Have a cocktail at The Boathouse

Day Trips and Road Trips

Manly is an excellent base for exploring:

• Palm Beach: Home to the famous TV show “Home and Away.”
• Sydney City: Take the ferry back to explore the city.
• Blue Mountains: A must-visit for stunning natural beauty.
• Taronga Zoo: A short ferry ride to see over 4,000 animals.
• Hunter Valley: Known for vineyards, chocolate, breweries, and cheese.
• Road Trips: Visit Hyams Beach, Newcastle, or Morisset for more adventures.

Places to Stay in Manly Beach

Whether you’re looking for luxury hotels, boutique accommodations, or budget-friendly hostels, Manly Beach has a wide range of options to suit all preferences and budgets.

Conclusion

Whether you’re visiting for a day or planning a longer stay, Manly Beach offers a perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and vibrant coastal life. Don’t forget to visit Shelley Beach and Palm Beach for even more breathtaking experiences. Whether you’re visiting for a day or planning a longer stay, Manly Beach is a destination you won’t want to miss.