Fast facts
- Cosmopolitan suburb with a beach vibe
- Northern beaches
- 30-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay
Why go there
A visit to Manly by ferry is a quintessential Sydney experience. Nestled between a tranquil inner-harbour beach on one side and a popular Pacific Ocean surf beach on the other, Manly manages to combine a laid-back attitude with a sophisticated dining scene and stylish boutiques.
The palm-tree lined Corso leads you onto the Steyne promenade, where you can walk, roller-blade or cycle along the oceanfront. Back in 2004, it became the first local council in Sydney to declare its beaches non-smoking. There are a number of scenic walking routes that link the beaches with the national park.
Things to do
- Travel across Sydney Harbour from Circular Quay by ferry (30 minutes) or jetcat (15 minutes).
- Explore the Manly to Spit Bridge scenic walkway, which meanders through native bushland in a coastal setting.
- Sample the diverse restaurant and café cuisine with harbour or ocean views.
- Take a dip at the ocean surf beach or at one of the tranquil inner harbour beaches.
- Rent a bike and ride along the dedicated bike track to Fairy Bower or take a bike tour and you'll learn about Manly's history.
Don’t miss
- Scuba-diving lessons at Cabbage Tree Bay.
- Diving with sharks at Manly Oceanworld.
- Q-Station to catch a glimpse of Australia's early immigration history and enjoy spectacular harbour views.
- The coolest surf shops in Australia.
- Manly Food and Wine Festival on the first weekend in June.
- Manly International Jazz Festival on the long weekend in October.
