One of the most fun suburbs to explore in Sydney, there are LOTS of things to do in Manly. From the beaches and bushland to restaurants and nightlife, I’ll lay it all out for you here from my experience.
As the wise tale goes, Manly Beach is 7 miles from Sydney and 1000 miles from care. This guide to Manly Beach comes from experience, because I was lucky enough to live in the gorgeous place for about 6 months. During this time, I got to know it and its unique charm quite well.
Everyone has their opinion on what is the best beach in Sydney, usually between Bondi and Manly. They all have their arguments as well – but I think Manly beach is just so much less of a scene than Bondi, has great waves, has an awesome vibe, and good-looking people. It’s top in my book!
Here are my recommendations for the best adventure spots, sunset spots, and places to eat and stay in Manly Australia:
Best Beaches in Manly
One of the best and most obvious things to do in Manly is head to the beach! And there are plenty more than just Manly Beach. Here are the best for all tastes!
Manly Beach
Duh! This one goes without saying, but has to be mentioned. The famous Manly Beach is known for its expanse of sand, its amazing surf, and the crowds it draws to its shores each day. It has plenty of space to lie out on your towel and catch some rays right near the center of town. Just watch out for the currents if the waves are strong!
Shelly Beach
Shelly Beach is just less than a kilometer’s scenic walk from the Manly beach and is a bit more secluded and smaller. There are beautiful trails you can take up around the point or to North Head from here; its a great starting point for a hike. Click here to read more about all the amazing coastal walks in Sydney – as told by me!
Shelly is home to the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, which means fishing is prohibited due to the teeming underwater sea life. This means that this is the BEST place in Manly for snorkeling and scuba diving. One of the most popular tours in Manly is snorkeling here, which you can book below.
Manly Wharf Beach
This is a calm sandy beach right on the wharf, the Sydney harbor side of Manly. Here, you can watch the ferries come in from the sand or from walking along the boardwalk. It’s not the absolute cleanest beach in Manly but it’s still a lovely little spot for viewsd.
Freshwater Beach
Freshwater is technically not part of Manly, but it’s just around the point from Queenscliff and is another absolutely beautiful beach. ‘Freshie,’ as it’s known by locals, has a rock pool also and some great surf. It’s a bit smaller and less busy if you want to get away from the crowds.
Queenscliff Beach
Queenscliff is still part of Manly Beach, but in its northern part. ‘Queensy’ is characterized by a big rock pool and a beautiful cliff you can climb/drive up for a lovely view all the way down the beach. This is the quieter side of Manly Beach!
Little Manly Beach/Collins Flat
Many people don’t know that one of the best Manly things to do is find smaller and more secluded coves around the cliffs of North Head. These tiny beaches are around a little peninsula from Manly Wharf and are much more secluded and calm for swimming.
Little Manly is a smaller stretch of sand that seems more secluded, as is Collins Flat. Both are perfect for a loungey beach day.
Things to Do in Manly
Here are the places you can’t miss in and around Manly Beach!
Walk Down The Corso
This is Manly’s central street, where all the shops, people, and bars are, and where you really feel the Manly vibe! The Corso is mostly a pedestrian-only street, leaving space for skaters, street performers, and people galore to explore the street.
You’ll find tons of places to shop, eat, and drink on the Corso, with many restaurants and bars overlooking the busy, colorful, and historical street. Grab a drink at a bar (see below) or a takeaway coffee and have a leisurely stroll – that’s the best way to enjoy the Corso.
Try the Spit to Manly Coastal Walk
One of the most incredible coastal walks in Sydney, the Spit to Manly walk is frequented by locals and travelers alike. This 10km walk passes along beaches, through bush, along cliff tops, and through rocks for some of the best scenery around.
This is one of many walks in Manly that go through Sydney Harbor National Park, including North Head. There are so many outdoor adventures to be had!
Go Hiking in North Head
No Manly guide is complete without North Head! North Head is a fascinating, huge point of land that juts out into the sea to begin Sydney’s massive harbor. You can walk just a mile or two from the Corso and suddenly be immersed in seemingly remote nature at North Head.
There are tons of trails, plenty of abandoned army barracks and structures (North Head was one of the main points of defense of the harbor during WW2), some amazing rock pools to find, and even an old Quarantine station you can tour.
Visit the Creepy Quarantine Station, Q Station
North Head’s Quarantine Station was used when ships came into Sydney’s Harbor bringing people during disease outbreaks.
There were massive outbreaks of influenza, cholera, and many other things during Australia’s colonization, and to make sure the population didn’t get infected, they used to keep the people in quarantine for a period of time before they could enter Sydney. It’s fascinating and eerie to tour and learn about, and you can even do ghost tours at night because it is very haunted!
Find the North Head Secluded Rock Pools
If you go when the tide is right, you can discover some incredible rock pools down the cliffs of one corner of North Head (pictured above). I went with someone who knew the way and the tides (you MUST go when it is low or it could be very dangerous!), but if you are lucky, maybe you will find your way too.
Peruse the Wharf
Manly Wharf is where all the ferries come in from Circular Quay and the rest of Sydney Harbor. There are many shops and restaurants on the wharf that look out to the calmer side of Manly Beach, which faces Sydney Harbor.
Some choose to go to the beach here, but it’s also a great spot to bring a picnic along to the grass along the boardwalk, shop, or get a nice dinner.
Try Out Some Surfing
One of the best things to do in Manly Beach is surfing! You can rent a board from many places or event take a class to learn how to surf for the first time.
You can’t miss the board rental places along the Corso or along the beach. There are good waves along pretty much the entirety of Manly Beach.
Get Out and Go Kayaking
Similar to surfing, kayaking is popular in Manly (especially on the Sydney Harbor side!) This is a great way to explore the lovely coves and water. There are some places to rent a kayak near the calmer bays, but the BEST way to kayak is by doing the organized tour in a clear kayak below which will show you the best spots.
Snorkeling + Scuba Diving
As I mentioned above, the Cabbage Tree Aquatic Reserve is a protected marine area right outside Shelly Beach, and is home to some beautiful sea life. Grab your goggles and go for a swim in this beautiful area if you have them. Or, jump on the top rated snorkeling tour below or book a fun scuba dive (there are a few dive shops in Manly but Dive Centre Manly is the best!).
Best Places to Watch the Sunset in Manly
As it is on the east coast of Australia, Sydney is not best known for sunsets. However, a few parts of Manly face perfectly west, in preparation for a great sunset! Here are some of the best places to catch the sunset in Manly over the water to complete this Manly travel guide:
Little Manly Beach/Little Manly Point Park
This secluded and calm beach has a great sunset view. You can also walk through the grassy park next door for a lovely view of the Sydney harbor.
Shelly Beach
Although on the other side of Manly beach, Shelly ends up in a pretty good sunset direction as well. Watch a great Manly sunset from the beach, or climb around the point a bit for an event better sunset view.
Restaurants on Manly Wharf – Bavarian Bier Cafe/Hugos Restaurant/Skiff Club/Wharf Bar
The wharf faces the sunset quite nicely, so any of the above restaurants on and around the wharf would be a great place to catch the sunset in Manly. The best sunset views are from Hugo’s, the Bavarian (where I used to work), Wharf Bar (which will be packed on a weekend), and the Skiff Club around the point.
Not looking to spend too much money? That’s alright, just chill on the beach next to the wharf or the grass area above that for some lovely viewage.
Go on a Sunset Cruise + Bike Ride
Watching the sunset from a boat is definitely the best way to get a perfect view, and amazingly enough, there’s a tour in Manly that ends a scenic bike tour with a sunset boat cruise on the Sydney Harbor. This is one of the best ways to see a lot in a little time!
Where to Stay in Manly
It’s hard to decide where to stay in Manly, but this post here will give you a good idea of your options both in Manly and other places in Sydney for any budget. Here are some of my ideas for Manly below:
Social + Budget Stays in Manly
Stoke Beach House: Now newly renovated, the Stoke Beach House is THE PLACE to stay in Manly for a social vibe in a super cute boutique hostel. The hostel beds have curtains, and the private rooms are cute.
They offer an amazing ‘deluxe’ booking that comes with surf lessons, yoga, booze, and more. It’s definitely the coolest option for young-at-heart travelers who want adventures and good times. The location is close to everything.
Manly Bunkhouse: My next best recommendation for a hostel/budget room, this is a clean and well-located hostel with a nice vibe. Located in basically a big house along the beach.
Boardrider Backpackers: I stayed a few weeks here. It’s not the flashiest hostel in the world (at all), but the community there is just like one big family, and it has the perfect location in Manly. It looks right over the corso! They also have a job center and help find jobs for backpackers.
Best Mid Range to Luxe Stays in Manly
Manly Panorama Vacation Rental – the best value, view, and location for a vacation rental in Manly. It is locted in a high rise with an INCREDIBLE view of Manly Beach, and is affordable too.
Hotel Steyne – The Steyne is one of the most iconic hotels and pubs in Manly. Located absolutely perfectly on the corner of the Corso and the beach road, you can’t be more central here. The rooms are affordable and boutique, and you won’t have to walk far to get to the party!
The Sebel Sydney Manly Beach – For a higher-rage hotel with incredible amenities and views, The Sebel is your best bet! It’s close to everything and quite luxurious.
Manly Beach Nightlife and Food Guide: Where to Eat and Party in Manly
There are SO many good cafes and restaurants in Manly; it’s hard to choose. Most of the main bars have good food options as well; Australia is known for having massive multi-story/area hotels that are also bars and restaurants at the same time.
Smaller/More Intimate Manly Restaurants and Cafes with Great Food
Chica Bonita
Pretty darn good Mexican food, and I don’t say that outside of the US/Mexico very often.
Fika the Cafe
This is a lovely little place serving great coffees, teas, and meals. ‘Fika’ in Swedish means a coffee break, and they also serve amazing breakfast/lunch type meals.
Ground Zero
One of my favorite places to go and work, Ground Zero has incredible smoothies, breakfast, lunch, and coffee. Honestly, everything is good here!
Acai Bowls
Manly actually has a large selection of places to get a great Acai Bowl, and I did a blog post on the best acai bowls in Manly Beach right here! All these little cafes are great.
The Pantry Manly
This is a nicer place directly on the water across from the Corso. It has a nice breakfast and lunch menu so you can watch the waves while you eat.
Banana Blossom
Banana Blossom is near Chica Bonita and is a yummy healthy place to get a salad bowl.
Ruby Lane Wholefoods Manly
This is technically in Queenscliff, but it’s a fantastic whole foods cafe where you can get all sorts of creative and healthy items and coffees. It doubles as a small grocery shop for healthy things as well.
Best Restaurants in Manly Beach for Dinner
Hugo’s
A fancier dinner place directly on the wharf where you can watch the ferries.
Mex and Co
A Mexican place right on the water, with a couple other nice (but probably expensive) places next to it.
Great Restaurant/Bar Combinations for Food and Drink in Manly
Ivanhoe Hotel
A popular bar at night and also has pool tables, sports bars, and different food options too.
New Brighton Hotel
A great second-story balcony for having a beer, watching a game, and people-watching right on the Corso. Also great nightlife – home of the notorious ‘Shark Bar’ where northern beaches residents tend to end the nights they may not remember.
The Steyne Hotel
The Steyne is a multi-level hotel venue that is very popular for nightlife as well. They have a balcony that looks out over the beach, a great menu, and also live bands upstairs quite often.
Felons Brewing Co Manly Beach
This a a chill spot right on the wharf with a great view and classic pub food and specials.
Manly Skiff Sailing Club
This is a more ‘private’ club (you will have to sign in when you go) around the bay from the wharf. The view here is amazing, as are the food, drinks, and atmosphere.
Four Pines Brew Pub
One of my favorite places to both eat and go out, Four Pines is a brewery based on the Northern Beaches and has fantastic beer and food that varies every time. The drinks are always changing with their new brews and it looks out right over the grass area on the wharf.
Manly Nightlife – Where to Go for a Dance
Other than the pubs and hotels listed above, try these spots:
Shark Bar
Like I said above, this is the top story of the New Brighton Hotel and is where you end quite a grimy (but fun) night.
I hope you have found PLENTY of things to do in Manly for your trip, as well as places to stay, eat, and drink too! Leave a comment below if you have any questions, or follow me on Instagram too!
Passionate, full-time travel blogger with over 230k on social media and 150kMPV blog. Extraordinary photographer with two DSLR's + a drone with a love for capturing candid moments, epic drone shots, and magical compositions. I'm a natural-born content creator originally from California, but I've been on the road for 9 years living, working, traveling, blogging, and photographing my way around the world. I recommend the most amazingly adventurous and unique + boutique travel experiences/stays and helpful products to my audience and write comprehensive guides on my website that have helped millions of travelers so far. I love to inspire people to plan their dream trips, and many readers have given feedback as such. The reach on my platforms continues to soar, especially when combining cutting-edge social content with optimized articles on my high-authority website.