Manly Beach

“Seven miles from Sydney, a thousand miles from care”: a surf beach town reached by a 30-minute ferry across the harbour, with a seafront under Norfolk Island pines and the Manly to Spit walking track.

Manly lies on the northern headland at the entrance to the harbour, facing the city across the water. The 19th-century promotional slogan “Seven miles from Sydney, a thousand miles from care” still fits. Getting there is a harbour trip in itself. Take ferry F1 from Circular Quay Wharf 3 for 30 minutes (about A$8 with an Opal card, cheaper on Sundays), or a 20-minute fast ferry. On the way you pass the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, Taronga Zoo and the South Head cliffs at the harbour entrance. Sit on the open-air seats at the stern for the best view back to the city. From Manly wharf, walk about 5 minutes along The Corso (restaurants, surf shops, bars) to Manly Beach. The 1.5 km golden beach is lined with iconic Norfolk Island pines. It hosted the first World Surfing Championships in 1964, and its consistent waves suit surfers of all levels (surf lessons about A$75 to 90). The north end, Queenscliff, has the biggest waves, and the south end has a saltwater pool. Walk 15 minutes south along the seafront to Shelly Beach, the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve and one of Sydney’s best snorkeling spots, where you can see blue gropers and turtles (snorkel gear rental about A$20). Continue up to the Fairfax Lookout on North Head to overlook the harbour entrance and the city skyline. It is also a whale-watching spot in winter and spring. The Manly to Spit Bridge Walk on the west side (10 km, 3 to 4 hours) passes through rainforest, Aboriginal rock engravings and secluded bays in Sydney Harbour National Park, and is one of the most beautiful harbour walks in Sydney. On the harbour side, Manly Cove has a beach and a marine protected area. There is a market on The Corso on weekends. The beach is free to visit. Swim between the red and yellow flags, as rip currents are strong at the Queenscliff end. Summer weekend ferries have long queues, so go early and return late. The North Head walk has no shade, so bring water. There is a visitor centre and bicycle rental beside Manly wharf.

Manly Beach

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Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby