Headed to Sydney, Australia and looking for the best things to do in Manly? Keep reading, my sunshine, surf-loving friends – I’m sharing exactly what to do in Manly Beach, even if you’ve just got a day!
Manly is a buzzy beach-side suburb that’s just so cool – it’s a great mix of coastal beauty and urban charm, and just a scenic ferry ride away from nearby Sydney. There’s golden sandy beaches to explore, beautifully preserved Victorian-era heritage buildings, colorful murals and street art to see, and SO many cafes to hit up. Get ready to soak up the sun, watch the surfers, and even catch some waves yourself – fun things to do in Manly Beach, coming right up!
I think if I were lucky enough to live in Sydney, I’d choose to live in Manly. With golden sandy beaches, an emphasis on an active lifestyle, and brunch spots galore, I have a feeling I’d thrive over here.
It’s full of laid-back beachside charm, and we just loved the relaxed and casual atmosphere (kinda like San Pancho and Bacalar in Mexico, Caye Caulker, Belize, and Gili Air, Indonesia). It didn’t feel stuffy or pretentious at all, perfect for unwinding and soaking up the sun. But there’s also tons to do here, like coastal walks and snorkeling to beach volleyball and kayaking.
It makes sense that Manly is a favorite amongst Sydney locals – it’s far less touristy than nearby Bondi Beach, and there’s lots of Aussie culture. We met a few locals and they much prefer Manly to Bondi (although don’t miss out on Bondi – it’s popular for a reason).
And get this – the world’s first surfing contest EVER was held at Manly Beach in 1964, making it one of Australia’s most famous beaches! Kinda wild, right?! A true surfers haven. But don’t worry if you don’t surf — we don’t and still found lots of fun things to do in Manly.
If you’re not sure what to do in Manly, keep on reading – I’m sharing the highlights of this picturesque coastal paradise! But first, some important logistics.
Day Trip to Manly Logistics
Where is Manly
Manly is a suburb located in the Northern Beaches area of Sydney, Australia, about 17km northeast of the Sydney Central Business District (CBD). It’s technically part of the city, but feel’s a world away from the hustle and bustle – a perfect area to include on any busy Sydney itinerary.
And since Manly is nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Sydney Harbour (it’s technically a peninsula actually), you bet there’s tons of beaches and water sports opportunities (or simply sunbathing if you’re like me, haha).
Not far from Manly you’ll find North Head, a prominent headland that marks the entrance to Sydney Harbour. North Head is part of Sydney Harbour National Park (!!!), and there’s of course more stunning views of the harbor and ocean here.
Note that the famous beaches of Bondi, Bronte, and Coogee are all located in eastern Sydney, while Manly is part of the Northern Beaches. Meaning you won’t be beach hopping between the two areas on the same day most likely (although definitely include some time in your trip to do the famed Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk – it’s epic)!
How to Get to Manly
Since most visitors hop over to Manly from Sydney, that’s what I’ll be focusing on! You’ve essentially got two options for getting to Manly – by ferry or bus (or driving of course). Psst – the ferry is way more scenic and fun!
Time to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and head on over to the beach!
Ferry: The way more scenic choice – and what we chose of course (I mean, there’s Sydney Opera House views)! All ferries leave from Circular Quay (right near the Opera House and Harbour Bridge) and head to Manly Wharf, taking between 20-30 minutes, depending on which ferry service you choose.
Ferries leave quite frequently (every 20-30 minutes – we only had to wait a few minutes or so), and you can just buy your ticket before boarding (or just tap on with your credit card or Opal Card like we did – so easy!).
Note that ferries don’t run in exceptionally bad weather or when there’s huge waves, but they’re only canceled once in a blue moon. And the Manly Ferry gates close two minutes before scheduled departure times (to ensure they stay on schedule), so don’t be late!
There’s two different ferry operators to choose from, both with nonstop service to Manly:
- Slow Ferry: We loved taking the regular ferry – the views are second to none, especially since you get to see the Opera House from the water. With stunning harbor views and the Sydney Opera House, why would you wanna rush it?! It’s kinda like a super-cheap harbor cruise, haha. And the whole ride only takes 30 minutes, so it’s not terribly slow, haha.
- Fast Ferry: Wanna get there ASAP? Take the Manly fast ferry which whips you there in 18-20 minutes. Just recently The Manly – Circular Quay fast ferry service has become an Opal network service, meaning it’s the same price as the slower ferry (and you can now use an Opal card to pay). Plus, there’s a bar on board meaning you can have a cheeky beer on your ride back to the city later on!
We didn’t have any problems regarding choppy waters or anything like that, but if you’re super prone to sea sickness, I’d take some meds before you depart.
All ferries arrive at the Manly Wharf, located right in the heart of Manly. From there, you can easily walk to Manly Beach, The Corso (the main shopping and dining street), and other beaches and attractions. It honestly couldn’t be easier.
Bus: The not-so-scenic choice, haha, but I understand not everyone’s a huge fan of ferries. Head to the Wynyard Station (located right in Sydney’s CBD and a transport hub of sorts), and you’ll find plenty of buses heading to the Northern Beaches, Manly included. Using Transport NSW’s Trip Planner is a huge help!
Depending where exactly you start in the CBD (and of course if there’s traffic), it can take 45 minutes to 1.5 hours on the bus. Just something to keep in mind.
Driving: It’s not recommended to drive to Manly (honestly, the public transit options are just so easy). But if there’s a reason it works out better for you (hey, maybe you have a whole slew of beach stuff to lug around!), there’s plenty of public and private car parks (plus separate beach parking and on-street parking).
When to Visit Manly
Luckily, Sydney is pretty mild year-round, so there’s no horrible time to visit Manly. Just know it’ll be hot and sticky (and possibly disgustingly humid) in the summer months (December through February), but ocean temps are warm and there’s plenty of sunshine. For reference, we visited Manly in mid-February and were definitely a bit sweaty, haha. Stay hydrated and cool off in the water and you’ll be fine!
I mean, you’re here for the beach, so it’s the perfect time for some swimming, surfing, and sunbathing! If you wanna check out the Manly Markets, make sure you visit on the weekend.
Temps are milder in Fall and Spring, while winter is the best time for humpback whale watching (May to August).
Annual Events in Manly:
- Australian Open of Surfing: Held annually in February, the Australian Open of Surfing brings together top surfers from around the world to compete in various disciplines, including surfing, skateboarding, and BMX. There’s also live music, art displays, and food stalls – perfect for you surfing fanatics out there!
- Taste of Manly and Manly Food and Wine Festival: Held in May and June respectively, they both showcase the best of local cuisine and beverage. Expect live music, tons of entertainment along The Corso, and lots of wine!
- Manly Jazz Festival: Every October there’s the Manly Jazz Festival (typically taking place over a long weekend), with live jazz performances, free outdoor concerts at Manly Beach, plus events at local bars, restaurants, and clubs.
Other FAQs about Manly
How to get around Manly: Once you’re off the ferry, you can easily walk from place to place. Manly isn’t huge by any means, especially if you’re staying near the beach or wharf. Or you can rent a bike – Manly is very bike-friendly as there’s lots of designated bike paths and lanes.
If you wanna explore other parts of the Northern Beaches (like Dee Why, Collaroy, and/or Narrabeen), you’ll need to either drive or take the bus.
How long to spend in Manly: Most people visit Manly as a day trip from Sydney, and that’s exactly what we did! You can even spend just the afternoon there if you’ve only got one day in Sydney.
It’s easy to see a lot in 3-4 hours (the wharf, Manly Beach, the markets, a quick lunch, etc), but if you really wanna soak up the atmosphere and partake in a few activities (or just lounge on the beach for a while), plan to spend the whole day! I so wish we were there for sunset – I can only imagine how gorgeous it must be!
Should I spend the night in Manly? That’s entirely up to you! If you’ve got 5 days in Sydney or so, I recommend splitting up your accommodation with a few nights in the buzzy city center (CBD) and the remaining nights at the beach (either Bondi or Manly).
We chose to spend 2 nights in Bondi, and while we loved it, I think I may have preferred to stay in Manly instead. If direct ocean views are your thing, definitely check out The Sebel Manly Beach and Manly Pacific Sydney MGallery Collection (there’s a pool overlooking the beach!!!) – two properties I’ll be looking into on my next visit to Australia!
Bondi vs. Manly: They’re both beautiful beaches and both worthy of a visit — you really can’t go wrong with either. We felt Manly was more chill (with plenty of locals and a relaxed/casual vibe) while Bondi seemed a tad more lively and tourist-focused (with trendy cafes and bars – perfect for surfers, sunbathers, and fitness enthusiasts).
This may be because plenty of tourists don’t know much (if anything) about Manly and don’t include a visit on their Sydney itinerary. If you’ve got time, I say visit both!
What to bring to Manly: If you’re just visiting for the day, you honestly don’t really need all that much! I say wear your bathing suit (this is a beach destination afterall!), and bring along sunscreen (make sure to reapply it often!), a beach hat, a fast drying towel, and a reusable water bottle. All the essentials for that perfect beach day!
Slather on that SPF: Not everyone realizes this, but there’s a legit hole in the ozone layer in Australia. Meaning that UV indexes get crazy high, and sunburns happen all too easily. Protect yourself by reapplying SPF 50+ sunscreen multiple times per day. Yes, even on overcast, cloudy days.
Unfortunately, Australia’s the skin cancer capital of the world… don’t be a statistic.
Brief History of Manly
Manly has a rich history dating back thousands of years, with its original inhabitants being the indigenous Guringai people. Europeans arrived in the late 18th century/early 19th century when Captain Arthur Phillip arrived in Port Jackson (now Sydney Harbour).
And get this – in the early 1800s, the area became known as Manly because Captain Arthur Phillip saw the local Aboriginal people as confident and manly! The name must’ve stuck, because land grants were made under this name! Yup – this is why the area’s known as Manly today, haha.
Manly started to develop as a resort town in the mid-19th century, with the opening of the Manly Hotel in 1858 and the introduction of regular ferry services from Sydney. It quickly became a popular destination for day-trippers and those looking for beach breaks – can you blame them?! And once the North Shore railway line extended to Manly in 1939, the suburb grew even more, especially after WWII.
Today, Manly is considered one of Australia’s most famous beaches. It even held the world’s first surfing contest (yes, ever!) back in 1964, and still hosts Australia’s biggest surfing event yearly, the Sydney Surf Pro.
Things to do in Manly Beach, Australia
Okay, so here’s the thing. There’s actually a lot of things to do in Manly and the Northern Beaches in general, BUT if you’re just visiting for a day (and taking public transit), you’ll wanna keep to the areas near the wharf. Plus, Manly is meant to be savored and fully enjoyed – if you’re hopping from place to place you’ll just get exhausted right away!
Stroll along The Corso
The Corso! By far one of the best things to do in Manly! And oh so pretty with lovely palm trees dotting the promenade.
What is it exactly though, haha? The Corso’s a bustling (pedestrian) promenade lined with boutiques, cafes, and plenty of surf shops (like Baku Swim, Tigerlily, Surf Dive n Ski Manly, etc). It’s the major thoroughfare in Manly, connecting the wharf (where the ferry arrives) and famous Manly Beach.
We strolled along the Corso plenty of times during our day trip to Manly – I mean, that’s where all the avocado toast and ice cream are! Definitely needed on a scorching hot day. There’s not much shade over here, so it does get brutally hot in summer unfortunately. Thankfully there’s a few water refill stations over here so def bring your reusable water bottle!
Manly Market Place
On the weekend there’s tons of arts and crafts stalls taking over Sydney Road just off The Corso. So unexpected yet so great!
We totally lucked out by visiting Manly on a Sunday – the markets were popping and there was so much good stuff (including tons of gorgeous handcrafted jewelry, vintage apparel, and even original art). I honestly had no clue about them beforehand, but LOVED browsing all the stalls full of goodies from local artisans and designers. There weren’t as many food stalls as the Rocks Market in the CBD, so I wouldn’t visit the market looking for treats.
The flower and produce market near the church was my favorite, especially the little succulents!
Check out the Boutique shops
There’s lots of shopping here in Manly, everything from high-end couture to funky boutiques, and of course lots of surf and street wear. You’ll find plenty of shops right on The Corso, but don’t forget to wander through the little hidden laneways (kinda like the ones we saw in Melbourne) – there’s more to find!
Don’t miss Coco & Lola, Desire Books and Records, Budgie Smuggler Manly, One Teaspoon Manly, Ghanda Clothing Manly, and This and That Boutique.
Hit up the beaches
One of the best things to do in Manly? Go to the beach (obviously!). And there’s not one, not two, but three main beaches in Manly (PLUS the wharf area). Lots to choose from!
Manly Beach: Manly is renowned as one of the best beaches in the world (the WORLD!), and I can totally see why. It’s got a super casual atmosphere, soft golden sand, and cool, clear water. With waves alright!
It’s also known as the Main Beach at almost 3km long (and is thankfully way less crowded than busy Bondi). It’s a popular place to learn how to surf, or, if you’re like me and way too nervous (hey, the waves are rough!), a great spot to watch the pros.
Sunbathe, join the locals at beach volleyball, or simply go for a stroll on the promenade parallel to the beach. And there’s tons of facilities here – showers, toilets, changing rooms, and even picnic areas with bbqs.
Note that just like other beaches in Sydney (Bronte Beach I’m looking at you…), Manly Beach has risky currents. Always swim between the flags and never turn your back on the water when you’re walking along the shore.
Shelly Beach: More enclosed and way calmer than Manly Beach, Shelly Beach is a sheltered cove and a great spot for swimming. It’s popular with families since there’s not surf waves like there are at Manly Beach. Don’t miss the Shelly Beach Walking Track if you’re looking for a scenic walk.
Also, you can go snorkeling over here! Since Shelly Beach is part of a marine nature reserve (The Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve), you can see tons of colorful fish and even sea turtles and octopi in the seagrass meadows and rocky reefs. Definitely bring your snorkel gear if you’ve got it, and if not, you can rent some in Manly or simply take a tour if you’re not familiar at all with the area.
Sign up for an ecotourism certified snorkeling tour here so you know the best spots to go – snorkeling kinda sucks if you don’t see any fish, haha. Plus the tour also includes a nature walk to see the headlands and other stunning Northern Beaches. I’m so bummed I didn’t sign up in advance, as you know I’m semi-obsessed with snorkeling!
Fairy Bower Beach: This is a small and secluded “beach” popular with families located along the Manly Scenic Walkway, between Shelly Beach and Manly Beach.
There’s not tons of sand over here (Manly and Shelly are better for laying out), so the main highlight is the Fairy Bower Rock Pool. Just like in Bondi and Bronte, there’s an ocean-fed pool nestled among the rocks at the northern end of Fairy Bower. I’ll never get over these – wish we had them in California!
Note that Fairy Bower Beach doesn’t have the same facilities as the larger beaches like Manly and Shelly do, so be sure to bring whatever you need!
Go surfing at Manly Beach
Come catch some waves at one of Australia’s most iconic surf spots! Manly is a designated World Surfing reserve, so it just makes sense to surf (or learn to surf!) over here. With consistent waves and reliable breaks, Manly is a mecca for surfers of all skill levels.
Thankfully there’s surfboards for rent and even lessons available from local surf schools. Check out Manly Surf School for both group and private classes. We watched a few beginner groups get up for the first time (including some brave young kids) which was super inspiring to see.
Water Sports (SUP, Kayak, & Sailing)
Not a fan of surfing but still wanna get out onto the water? There’s really something for everyone over here – it’s a beach town afterall! You’ll find lots of SUP and kayak, and some sailing tours as well.
The best spots for paddle boarding are at Manly Cove (great for beginners since the water is so super clam) and at Shelly Beach (better for those with more experience). I would have loved to rent a paddle board and possibly even take a lesson (after my failed attempt in Kauai a few years back I’m ready to try again).
And of course there’s always kayaking! We saw tons of kayakers at the Manly Wharf when we were lounging around.
If you’re not an experienced kayaker (or just worried you may get lost…), consider joining a guided kayak tour around Manly Cove. You’ll see picturesque caves, mini-waterfalls, and rock formations around Manly, and even have time for a swim at a secluded beach before heading back. There’s also double kayaks if you prefer to paddle with a partner or friend instead.
Or, you can go sailing with Manly Sailing! Sailing is way more exhilarating than it looks (I found out the hard way in Bacalar, haha), and you can even assist the skipper if you wanna learn a bit. This tour is the perfect way to sail around the world-famous Sydney Harbor and of course get fantastic views of both the Opera House and Harbor Bridge.
Manly Art Gallery and Museum
An art museum right by the beach?! Yup! Told ya there’s tons of things to do in Manly! There’s no reason not to go – it’s within walking distance to the ferry, and it’s completely FREE. Still kicking myself we didn’t make it over here (it’s times like these that I wish I had guides like mine before my trip, haha).
It’s said to be a great cultural experience with rotating exhibitions – everything from contemporary and historical artworks (sculptures, paintings, ceramics, photographs, etc), plus special emphasis on the area’s indigenous and colonial history.
Manly Wharf
This is where the ferry drops you off, but don’t leave just yet (or hang here for a bit before taking the ferry back to Circular Quay later in the day).
It’s a great spot for paddleboarding and kayaking with some great restaurants right on the water. Hang at the Wharf Bar for drinks, and/or the Manly Pavilion for some spectacular views and high-end food. We were feeling lazy after a full morning of sun so found a shady spot and just hung here for a bit and people watched!
Acai bowls and cafe culture
You’re in Australia – opt for an acai bowl and avo toast! We loved our bowls from Palmó Artisan Açai, and heard great things about Rollers Bakehouse (the interior design is super chic), the cookies at Butterboy, Norma’s Deli (apparently the turkey sandos are legit) and waffles at Barefoot Coffee Traders.
There’s tons of cute coffee shops on every corner (my friend loved her espresso from OMA Coffee), and of course there’s an Anita Gelato too (which I can confirm is some of the best ice cream I had during my trip to Australia).
Spit to Manly Walk
A gorgeous coastal walk if you’re up for a long trek (10km one way) and have the time (3-4 hours or so). The entire walk hugs the coast, and it’s practically crowd-free (compared to other scenic walks in Sydney). Expect to see ancient Aboriginal rock carvings and of course jaw-dropping harbor views no matter which way you go.
We didn’t even entertain this as it was way too hot out and the beach was definitely calling our name. Next time for me!
BUT it’s a great alternative to the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk if you don’t have time to make it over there, or are looking for something less touristy.
So there ya have it — fun things to do in Manly, Australia! Are you planning a trip to Sydney soon?!
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