Things To Do in Manly

You can board a ferry at Circular Quay, close to the Sydney Opera House, and arrive at Manly Beach in thirty minutes. Situated in the Northern Beaches area of New South Wales, Manly Beach provides an excellent getaway from urban life with its stunning golden shores and array of outdoor pursuits.
The emblematic pine trees lining the promenade are a recognised characteristic of Manly Beach. A concealed passage to the north links it with Freshwater via the craggy cliffs of Queenscliff. Legend has it that in 1914, Duke Kahanamoku brought surfing to Australia at Freshwater. Manly Beach gained popularity and was the venue for the inaugural world surfing championships in the 1960s. Presently, it continues to be a renowned surfing location where one can hire surfboards or enrol in lessons from Manly Surf School.

One can learn to surf at Manly Beach

Manly Beach is recognised as one of the most renowned surfing locations worldwide. This was the site where the sport of surfing debuted in Australia, and it additionally served as the venue for the first-ever surfing world championships during the 1960s.
Both seasoned surfers and novices frequently visit Manly Beach. The Manly Surf School, in operation for three decades, provides surfing instruction and is the most prominent surf school in Sydney.
Classes are offered every day all year round, utilising Manly Beach and the entire stretch of the Northern Beaches area to ensure ideal learning environments. There’s no need for prior experience, and group and individual lesson options are accessible.
Manly Surf School delivers instructional programs catering to all proficiency levels, encompassing beginners and those aspiring to progress to intermediate or expert standings. At Manly Beach, you have the opportunity to refine your existing abilities.

Snorkel or dive at Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve

Participating in snorkelling or diving at the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve is a favoured activity at Manly Beach. Situated between Manly Beach and Shelly Beach, this marine sanctuary is celebrated for its abundant marine life, which includes more than 160 species and various landscapes that encompass rock pools and sandy ocean beds.
The reserve reaches depths of around 12 meters (39 feet) in some spots. It can be conveniently accessed from either Shelly Beach or the southern tip of Manly Beach, drawing numerous divers from across Sydney. Venturing through the rocky reefs close to the coastline might lead to sightings of cuttlefish and crustaceans, while sandy regions blanketed in seagrass frequently hide elusive nurse sharks.
Visitors can enrol in diving excursions or hire gear from several diving stores in Manly, such as Dive Centre Manly, provided they hold the essential open water credentials. If they lack the necessary qualifications, they can join a diving course or hire a mask, snorkel, and flippers to discover the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve at their own pace.

Enjoy water activities at Manly Beach

The suburb of Sydney, Manly, is renowned for its beach, Manly Beach, acknowledged as one of the premier sandy expanses in New South Wales. You can access it by taking a ferry journey under 30 minutes from Circular Quay, in the heart of Sydney.
Upon alighting at the Manly Wharf from the ferry, a short five-minute stroll through the township leads you to the esplanade. This esplanade is an extended walkway that runs beside Manly Beach, and it’s adorned with eateries, taverns, bars, and surfing outlets, all offering picturesque beach vistas.
The sandy stretch is about 3 kilometres (2 miles), spanning from the cliffy elevations of North Head to the Manly Lagoon. The Manly Life Saving Club oversees this beach, providing optimal conditions for surfers. However, swimmers might find it occasionally demanding due to the sporadic turbulent waters.
It’s believed that Manly Beach is where Aussie surfing found its roots. The inaugural surfing world championships were hosted here in 1964. Predating that, the Hawaiian surfer Duke Kahanamoku showcased the sport on Manly Beach and the adjacent Freshwater Beach in 1914. If riding the waves isn’t to your liking, there’s always the option to bask on the shoreline or indulge in some snorkelling.

Experience the thrill of a Q Station Ghost Tour

Q Station, alternatively referred to as the Quarantine Station, stands as an important historical landmark at Manly Beach. It spanned a considerable portion of North Head and was initially established in 1828 to serve as a quarantine station at the entry point to Sydney Harbour.
The quarantine facility remained operational until 1984, after which it was closed. Nonetheless, the historical structures have been meticulously maintained as a component of “Q Station,” a creative initiative that includes a hotel, dining establishment, and bar within Sydney Harbour National Park.
Guests can spend the night in the historical cottages and isolation chambers at Q Station, once inhabited by quarantine arrivals aspiring to embark on a fresh existence in Australia. Furthermore, visitors can engage in an evening ghost tour, regarded as one of the premier attractions at Manly Beach.
A ghost tour entails being led through the dimly lit quarantine station and the spooky graveyard after sunset, where tombstones narrate tales of mishaps and supernatural occurrences. The guide will elaborate on accounts of spectres and inexplicable phantom sightings, crafting a perfect adventure for fans of the paranormal.

Explore the other beaches in Manly

Manly Beach is the most famous and frequented beach in the area, yet there are several more serene locations along the shoreline where one can escape the crowds. When exploring Manly, there are numerous beaches available for your selection.
A short walk along the coastal trail southward from Manly Beach brings you to Shelly Beach, a small expanse of sand offering views over Cabbage Tree Bay. Shelly Beach, providing more shelter than Manly Beach, has emerged as a favoured spot for activities such as snorkelling, diving, and swimming.
On the opposite side of the headland lies Little Manly Beach, which features sheltered saltwater baths suitable for swimming and splashing about. Collins Beach, Store Beach, and Quarantine Beach are conveniently located within the boundaries of Sydney Harbour National Park, presenting a more tranquil alternative to Manly Beach.
To the north, Freshwater Beach is a magnificent place to pass the time. It carries historical importance for Australian surf enthusiasts and is as celebrated as Manly Beach. Having been a preferred locale for Duke Kahanamoku, the Hawaiian surfing trailblazer who popularised the sport in Australia, it is deemed one of the prime attractions in the vicinity of Manly Beach.

Hike from Manly to North Head

The North Head Walk is a favoured activity at Manly Beach. This seaside path stretches over 8 kilometres and presents stunning vistas of Manly Beach and North Head, the gateway to Sydney Harbour.
The path affords a splendid chance to discover North Head, a conserved region within the Sydney Harbour National Park. The trail commences at the southern tip of Manly Beach and traces the coastline to Shelly Beach, delivering scenic views of Cabbage Tree Bay.
The Shelly Headland Lookouts afford superb coastline vistas before proceeding towards the Barracks Precinct. In this area, visitors can delve into historical gun placements and monuments, highlighting the tactical importance of North Head as the entrance to a deep natural harbour. Progressing further, the Fairfax Walk presents awe-inspiring viewpoints at Yiningma and Burragula, offering the best perspectives of Sydney Harbour.
Subsequently, the path circles back to Manly Beach via Collins Beach, allowing visitors to investigate the former Quarantine Station. This promontory functioned as an isolation area from 1828 to 1984, where people arriving via ship underwent processing or quarantine before being admitted into Sydney.

You can enjoy a drink at the 4 Pines Brew Pub

The Norfolk pine trees along the coastline are a favoured sightseeing spot at Manly Beach. These trees, having been a landscape component for several years, sparked the creation of the 4 Pines Brewing Company in Sydney.
The 4 Pines Brewing Company began in Manly in 2006, initiated by Steve and Jaron, a father-son pair, after a surfing session on the beach. They now manufacture an extensive selection of craft beers distributed all over Australia. Within the 4 Pines Brew Pub in Manly, guests can explore the original microbrewery where everything commenced and partake in freshly brewed beers.
The microbrewery introduces a selection of classic beers like the Pacific Ale, Hazy Pale Ale, Indian Summer Ale, and Pale Ale. Additionally, they craft specials, experimental series, and specialty beers, enabling patrons to sample the newest and finest brews at the Manly establishment.
Please examine the event timetable for an all-encompassing list of live music performances. Also, you are welcome to peruse the menu if you’d like to taste classic Australian pub fare such as Chicken Parmies and Fish and Chips.

Visit the Manly Art Gallery & Museum

At Manly Beach, there’s more to discover beyond just outdoor pursuits. Allocate some time to explore the Manly Art Gallery & Museum for a cultural encounter, particularly if you’re seeking respite from surf school.
The Manly Art Gallery & Museum, situated close to Manly Wharf, has been a hub for artistic and historical endeavours since 1930. It functions as the regional cultural nucleus for the Northern Beaches area, presenting top-notch art and exhibits.
The Manly Art Gallery & Museum features an array of galleries and artists, with exhibitions that continually rotate. To stay informed about upcoming events in Manly, consult the website. Previous showcases have delved into immigration and refugees, ecological art in the Northern Beaches, and sculptural storytelling. For those keen on artistic experiences in proximity to Manly Beach, this venue comes highly suggested.

Ferry to Manly Beach from Circular Quay

Manly Beach is located on the northern banks of Sydney Harbour, encompassing a breathtaking area that includes the north headland, marking the safeguarded entry to the harbour. Manly Wharf sees a constant stream of maritime activities as it is accessible by car, bus, or boat, with the last option being the most favoured method of arrival.
Embarking on the local ferry across Sydney Harbour is a favoured activity at Manly Beach. The ferry sets sail regularly from Circular Quay, providing a picturesque trip with magnificent views of iconic Sydney landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House.
The ferry’s path encompasses Bradleys Head Lighthouse, Shark Island, and Hornby Lighthouse, concluding at Manly Wharf. The time taken for the journey fluctuates, with the swiftest ferries completing the trip in merely 18 minutes.

Explore Watsons Bay

From the vantage points on North Head, one can observe Hornby Lighthouse, which has been assisting ships to navigate the entryway of Sydney Harbour since its establishment in 1858.
The Hornby Lighthouse is situated on South Head, within the wider Watsons Bay area. By opting for a quick ferry or water taxi from Manly Wharf, Watsons Bay can be conveniently accessed in less than 15 minutes, initiating your exploration.
Upon arriving at Watsons Bay, there are petite beaches and inlets, yacht clubs, boutique accommodations, cafes, and bars. It is advisable to postpone visiting these and instead commence a brief trek from the dock towards Hornby Lighthouse. On this journey, you will traverse Green Point Reserve, Camp Cove Beach, and historical sites such as ancient cannons and military batteries, all encompassed in the South Head Heritage Trail.

Finish the Spit Bridge to Manly Walk

If you have a keen interest in exploring the picturesque sights and attractions of Manly, we recommend embarking on the Spit Bridge to Manly Walk. This delightful walking path covers roughly 11 kilometres (7 miles) each way. Factoring in pauses for coffee, refreshments, and capturing photographs, it usually takes around 3 hours to finish at a leisurely speed.
This path links Spit Bridge and Manly Wharf, opting for a more circuitous route around Dobroyd Head instead of the shortest path. Being in peak physical condition is not a prerequisite, but wearing comfortable footwear is recommended since the trail is composed of sand, pebbles, and asphalt. The walk is classified as a Grade 3 trek.
Commencing at Spit Bridge, proceed along the shoreline, heading east towards Clontarf Point and Castle Rock Beach. En route, you will come across Aboriginal rock carvings upon reaching Dobroyd Head. From this point, Manly Wharf becomes visible. Persist along this trail, and before long, you will arrive at Manly Beach, where you can unwind and savour a cool beverage.

Hike from Manly Beach to Bondi Beach

Manly Beach and Bondi Beach are identified as two of the most distinguished beaches in Australia. They are strongly suggested for those who love surfing, sunbathing, and beach activities, rendering them essential places to visit. Surveying both beaches when you’re there is an incredible experience and ranks among the leading attractions in Manly Beach.
For individuals pursuing an adventure, undertaking a hike between the two beaches is feasible, encompassing public pathways, oceanfront tracks, and trails along the harbour. The journey can either initiate or terminate at Manly Beach.
The cumulative distance is around 80 kilometres (50 miles) and is subdivided into several segments. Depending on how fast you walk or run, the trek can require two to seven days to finish. There’s also the choice to abbreviate portions by availing buses and ferries.
On your route to Bondi Beach, you can uncover Sydney Harbour National Park, navigate the Spit Bridge, drop by Taronga Zoo, investigate Circular Quay, delve into Watsons Bay, and more. Given the array of alternatives, this hike can be authentically customised, letting you observe the standout sights in Manly Beach, Sydney, and Bondi Beach.

Rent a bike and cycle to explore the Northern Beaches

Biking is a favoured activity in the Northern Beaches, and hiring a bicycle provides a delightful means to experience Manly Beach.
To start, you can lease a bike or engage in a guided bicycle excursion via Manly Bike Tours, the specialised bicycle establishment in the area. Pedalling across the 6.5-kilometre (4-mile) promenade from Shelly Beach to Manly Lagoon serves as a fantastic introduction, yet numerous other kilometres of biking trails await your exploration.
From Manly Beach, the span to Narrabeen Beach is roughly 11 kilometres (7 miles). Tracking the coastal line, you’ll get the chance to drop by Freshwater Beach, South Curl Curl Beach, Dee Why Beach, Long Reef Headland, and a series of other captivating seaside spots en route. For those with a penchant for longer rides, the stretch from Manly Beach to Barrenjoey Lighthouse measures about 32 kilometres (20 miles) northwards, with an equivalent distance for the trip back.
There are also various mountain biking routes near Manly Beach, one notable trail being the Manly Dam Bike Track, covering 13 kilometres (8 miles). Moreover, Joe’s Mountain Bike Tours organises trips into the nearby bushland and national reserves of Sydney tour.

Discover the hidden "Manly Wormhole

The craggy ocean cliffs at the northern extremity of Manly Beach divide Manly from Freshwater. This locale, Queenscliff, presents a distinctive activity featuring a concealed tunnel within the rocks.
The Queenscliff Tunnel is a corridor linking the cliffs on both sides. It extends for roughly 50 meters (164 feet) and is believed to have been chiselled from the rocks in 1908 by local fishermen aiming to establish a quicker route between the beaches.
Residents have affectionately dubbed the Queenscliff Tunnel in Manly the “Manly Wormhole” owing to its unusual entrance and walking experience.