Manly is definitely worth a day trip or even an overnight stay whenever you are in the Sydney area. This picturesque beach town north of Sydney has so much to offer from beaches, shopping, hiking, delicious food and an overall laid back vibe. In this blog post I will share with you the best things to do in Manly.
1. Ferry Ride to Manly
One of the best parts about Manly is the getting to Manly part! A ride on the Iconic Manly ferry is one of the best ways to see Sydney. The ride takes about 30 minutes each way and you will see sights such as the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Fort Denison.
There are 2 main ferry options, the Iconic Manly Ferry or the Manly Fast Ferry which is about 10 minutes quicker each way. You can board a ferry at either Darling Harbour or Circular Quay. I recommend Circular Quay as it is cheaper and quicker.
Hours: (Sydney iconic Ferry departing from Circular Quay) Mon – Fri: 5:30am – 12:20am Sat – Sun: 6:20am – 12:20am
Entrance: From Circular Quay: iconic Ferry – each way $7.51 AUD
Fast ferry – 1 way $9.70 AUD, Return $18.90 AUD
Address: Circular Quay, Sydney, NSW, 2000
Website: https://transportnsw.info/routes/details/sydney-ferries/f1/090F1
2. Food at Manly Wharf
Once you hop off the ferry you are met with a range dining options. Everything from fast food favourites like Mc Donald’s or Macca’s as we say in Australia to waterfront dining serving fresh seafood.
Some other popular restaurants include:
Hugo’s – Italian cuisine
Queen Chow – Cantonese cuisine
Bavarian – German cuisine
Manly Wharf Hotel – Modern Australian Cuisine
At Manly wharf you will also find an Aldi shopping center and newsagent. Whatever you are craving you will find it at Manly Wharf.
Address: Belgrave Street and, West Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095
Website: http://www.manlywharf.com.au/
3. Manly Corso
Built in 1854 as a path for people to walk from the Manly ferry wharf to the surf beach. The Manly Corso in the current day is a lively outdoor shopping mall where you will find surf shops, retail shops, discount stores, chemists and dining options such as pubs, cafes, fast food and a range of restaurants. The Corso is also a place for entertaining street performers and if you have kids they will more than likely be entertained by the water fountains.
Entrance: Free
Address: The Corso, Manly, NSW, 2095
4. Manly Markets
The Manly markets operate on both Saturday and Sunday and are located conveniently on Sydney road which runs off the Corso. The markets are great place to shop for clothes, jewellery, paintings/artworks, handmade crafts, plants, fresh produce, street food and much more. The laid back Manly vibe makes this a great atmosphere to do some shopping.
Hours: Sat & Sun: 9am – 5pm
Entrance: Free
Address: Sydney Rd, Manly, NSW, 2095
Website: https://manlymarketplace.com.au/
5. Manly Beach
Manly beach would arguably be the second most iconic beach in Australia after Bondi beach. The 1.4km long beach has a rich history of surfing in Australia. In 1964 the first world surfing championship was held at Manly beach.
Today the beach is a scenic stretch of golden sand, Norfolk Island pine trees and a mixture of locals and tourists enjoying the surf or just relaxing in the sun. Manly beach is a great place to try surfing for the first time. For more information visit https://manlysurfschool.com/
Hours: 24/7 (Patrolled hours: 8am – 4pm)
Entrance: Free
Address: Sydney, New South Wales 2095, Australia
Website: https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/recreation-area/manly-beach
6. Shelly Beach
Shelly beach is a short 10 minute walk south of Manly Beach. This picturesque beach is a part of Cabbage Tree Bay. The waters of Shelly beach are home to a range marine creatures such as the blue groper making this beach a popular snorkeling and scuba diving spot.
Shelly beach is also a great place for a meal from one of the eateries or you could bring your own food to cook on one of the electric barbeques. There are also showers and toilets for your convenience.
Hours: 24/7
Entrance: Free
Address: 38 Bower Street, Manly, NSW, 2095
Website: https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/recreation-area/shelly-beach
7. North Head Sanctuary
Manly’s North Head Sanctuary is a large bushland area known for its walking tracks, incredible views of the Sydney harbour, military remains, flora and the wild life.
I recommend to walk from Shelly beach to the North Head lookout. Just follow the signs towards the North Fort to find the lookout. The views blew me away. It will be hard to find a view of Sydney quite like this.
The walk takes about 1 hour and is well worth it in my onion. The popular Bella Vista café serves Italian food in case you get hungry from all that walking. Buses operate at the North Fort area, so you can easily get back to the main Manly town area or the wharf.
Hours: 24/7
Entrance: Free
Address: N Head Scenic Dr, Manly, NSW, 2095
Website: http://www.harbourtrust.gov.au/visit/north-head-sanctuary-manly
8. Manly Art Gallery & Museum
Just a short walk from the Manly Wharf is the Manly Art Gallery & Museum. Opened in 1930 the museum has a beach theme relevant to Manly’s beach culture. The museum is quite small and it doesn’t take long to see all the artworks. The ceramics display is a highlight to take a look at.
Hours: Tue – Sun: 10am – 5pm
Entrance: Free
Address: West Esplanade, Manly, Sydney, 2095
Website: https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/arts-and-culture/manly-art-gallery-museum
9. 4 Pines Brewing Co
Fancy a schooner or 2? If you answered yes 4 Pines has you covered. This bar/brewery is famous in Manly for offering a wide range of unique craft beers brewed freshly at the onsite brewery. 4 Pines has a food menu designed to complement the drinking experience.
This is the perfect place to take it easy and enjoy a cold beer with a hearty meal. Conveniently located across the road from the wharf you won’t miss it.
Hours: 11am – 12am
Entrance: Free
Address: 29/43-45 E Esplanade, Manly, NSW, 2095
Website: https://4pinesbeer.com.au/our-venues/brewpub-manly/
As you can see their so much to do in this beach town north of Sydney. Be sure to include these attractions on your list when coming to Manly. If you found this post helpful I would appreciate it if you shared it with anyone who might find it useful. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to leave a comment down below.
