This handbook furnishes an exhaustive catalogue of pursuits and points of interest in Manly, encompassing picturesque vantage spots, hiking paths, historical landmarks and serene shores.
Manly and Bondi are two renowned beaches in Sydney tour, each displaying unique characteristics. Although we won’t engage in an intricate comparison, a significant divergence that stands out is the evident disparity in ambience.
Manly exudes a more tranquil vibe than its eastern suburbs counterpart. This could be attributed to the diminished vehicular sound and an abundance of adjacent beaches where individuals can find solace. Furthermore, Manly is more conducive to foot traffic.
This handbook the premier sights and endeavours in things to do in Manly, ideal for an enjoyable day of exploration.
Embark on the Fairlight Walk
The Fairlight Walk is a pedestrian path starting at the ferry dock in Manly Cove and extending to the Manly Boatshed close to North Harbour Reserve. It is appropriate for family members.
The stroll encompasses hidden beaches, miniature parks, and picturesque Harbour vistas from beginning to end.
Fairlight Beach, spanning 80m in length, is a visually appealing locale featuring a rockpool and a diminutive area designated for toddlers.
Kindly dine at the pub
Manly is recognised for its stunning beaches and myriad pubs where one can relish a meal and a revitalising beverage.
Pubs are strategically situated in The Corse, and there are several other pubs, bars, and dining establishments near the ferry dock along the waterfront.
Noteworthy pubs in Manly:
The location of Hotel Steyne is 75 The Corso.
The New Brighton Hotel can be found at 71 The Corso.
The Ivanhoe Hotel is situated at 27 The Corso in Manly.
Stroll around North Head
The North Head loop walk presents an invigorating trek that melds coastal and bushwalking paths.
The 9.5 km hiking trail provides an array of historical landmarks, picturesque vistas, and tranquil shores to appreciate.
The journey can commence at Shelly Beach and proceed to the historical landmarks on North Head, the Fairfax Lookout, and return to Manly via Collins and Little Manly Beach.
Discover Surfing Techniques
The inaugural World Surfing Championships took place in Manly in 1964, drawing an audience of 60,000 onlookers.
If surfing piques your interest, Manly’s primary beach is an ideal point of departure, as the waves accommodate both novice and seasoned surfers.
You can explore the Manly Surf School in the northern part of the beach. Here, you can reserve a surfing lesson or hire a board if you know the fundamentals.
Board a Ferry
If you find yourself in Manly, you will likely reach it by ferry from Circular Quay. Nevertheless, if you still need to, it is suggested you embark on a swift round-trip ferry journey from the Manly dock to the city and back.
The ferry journey from Circular Quay to Manly is a well-known tourist draw in Sydney and is highly recommended for all visitors.
The voyage across Sydney Harbour lasts roughly 20 minutes and features cozy ships with generous indoor and outdoor seating.
Explore Shelly Beach
Both Manly beaches flanking the Corso are magnificent, yet some might contend that Shelly Beach, albeit on a more diminutive scale, stands as the most scenic stretch of sand in Manly.
To arrive at the location, one can traverse the walkway that begins at Manly’s principal beach and extends southward, navigating past the Manly Life Saving Club and the Fairy Bower Sea Pool.
Shelly Beach forms part of Cabbage Tree Bay, a marine reserve spanning roughly 20 hectares. The beach is celebrated for swimming, scuba diving, and snorkelling, presenting an array of aquatic species to uncover in the clear shallows.
Engage in Beach Volleyball
Manly boasts multiple permanent volleyball courts accessible to all, attributed to its splendid elongated and slim beach.
Throughout the year, beach volleyball is in action on Manly’s sand courts. One can engage in individual lessons, collective training sessions or enjoy a game with companions.
The courts are opposite the Manly Pacific Hotel, close to the urban centre.
Indulge in shopping at the Corso
The Corso is a walking-only zone stretching from the Manly ferry dock to Manly’s seashore, populated with various retail outlets, coffee places, eateries, and taverns, with more treasures awaiting in the adjacent alleys.
The Corso establishes an accessible pathway from the ferry to the beach, immersing visitors in Manly’s unique vibe, free from the disturbances of car movement.
In terms of commerce, the Corso is home to a diverse range of stores, encompassing surf and souvenir outlets, jewellery boutiques and art displays.
Explore Collins Beach
Collins Beach is regarded as one of the most picturesque hidden sandy beaches in the Manly vicinity, and luckily, it is also easily reachable.
This petite stretch of sand, Collins Flat Beach, is nestled between North Head and Little Manly Cove. It provides a serene ambience and is a suggested locale for those desiring a quiet swim distance from bustling crowds.
Guests can relish the peaceful bushland environment and captivating Harbour vistas while laying out a picnic blanket. Additionally, a miniature waterfall is present to augment the atmosphere.
Rent a Kayak
The advised place to hire a kayak is the Manly Kayak Centre, located at the East Side Pier south of the ferry dock.
Once aboard a kayak, visitors can discover some of the most stunning locales in the Harbour from East Manly Cove Beach.
Besides kayaking, other favoured aquatic activities in Manly encompass stand-up paddle boarding, snorkelling and surfing.
Explore Little Manly Beach
A beach that warrants mention in this compilation of activities in Manly is the family-oriented Little Manly Beach.
During sunny intervals, Little Manly Beach usually hosts more guests than the adjacent Collins Beach, but it also provides additional conveniences and services.
Little Manly Beach features a swimming spot enclosed with a shark net and facilities like restrooms, showers, a modest kiosk, and a boat launch ramp.
You can visit the Manly Markets
The Manly Markets occur every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sydney Road, adjacent to the Manly Corso.
This arts and crafts market in Sydney is recognised for its extensive selection of handmade goods and amiable vendors, rendering it among the finest in the metropolis.
The Manly Fresh Produce Markets are held every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sydney Road & Short Street Plaza, alongside the Manly Markets.
You can stroll to the Spit Bridge
The 10 km trail between the Spit Bridge and Manly is a famed trek in Sydney, frequently referred to as the Manly Scenic Walkway in conjunction with the North Head Walk, spanning 19.5 km.
Numerous individuals initiate this walk at the Spit Bridge. However, commencing at the Manly Wharf and proceeding westward is equally possible.
A few remarkable locations on this stroll comprise Fairlight Beach, North Harbour Reserve, Reef Beach, Dobroyd Head and Clontarf Reserve.
Visit the Quarantine Station
The North Head Quarantine Station, active from 1832 to 1984, was a previous quarantine station founded to safeguard the island from contagious diseases brought by ships and is presently a heritage-protected location.
The facility, called Q Station, operates as a hotel, conference venue, eatery, and tourist destination.
Guests can roam the premises on their own or partake in a guided excursion to comprehend more profoundly the historical relevance of this establishment.
Embark on the Fairfax Walk
The Fairfax Walk, on Manly’s North Head, is a favoured walking trail encompassing the Burragula Lookout, which provides panoramic views of Sydney Harbour, with the city’s skyline discernible afar.
The Fairfax Walk is a brief and family-oriented trail, presenting multiple vantage points showcasing views of the Harbour and sea from different angles.
The walking route commences at the termination of Scenic Drive, accompanied by a moderately proportioned parking space for cars.
