Manly Travel Guide

Plan your next trip to Manly, a beautiful beach suburb of Sydney! This travel guide covers everything you need to know about Manly, from cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, from food and drink to where to stay, and more!


Introduction to Manly

Manly is a beautiful beach suburb of Sydney, Australia, known for its laid-back atmosphere, stunning coastlines, historic landmarks, and vibrant food and drink scene. Located in Northern Beaches, Manly is just a short ferry ride away from the hustle and bustle of Sydney’s CBD, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a relaxing seaside escape.

List of Places to Visit in Manly

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Manly is rich in history, and visitors will find plenty of cultural attractions to explore in the area. Some must-see museums and historical sites in Manly include:

  • Manly Art Gallery and Museum: a cultural hub showcasing a variety of local and international artworks and artifacts.
  • North Fort: a historic fort located on the headland of North Head offering incredible views of Sydney Harbour and the Pacific Ocean.
  • Q Station: a former Quarantine Station that has been converted into a hotel and heritage site, offering visitors a glimpse into Sydney’s quarantine history.

Natural Attractions of Manly: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Manly’s natural beauty is a major drawcard for visitors, and the area is home to a range of outdoor adventures and scenic views. Some must-see natural attractions in Manly include:

  • Manly Beach: one of Australia’s most iconic beaches, known for its golden sands, crystal-clear water, and world-class surfing.
  • North Head Sanctuary: a peaceful nature reserve home to a variety of native flora and fauna, including wallabies and echidnas.
  • Manly Scenic Walkway: a beautiful coastal walk that offers stunning views of Sydney Harbour and takes visitors through some of the area’s most picturesque beaches and bays.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Manly

Manly and its surrounding areas are a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. There are several hiking and biking routes traversing through the stunning landscape of Manly, including:

  • North Head Trail: a moderate hiking trail that takes visitors through the scenic North Head Sanctuary and offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the harbour.
  • Manly Dam: a mountain biking and hiking park where visitors can explore scenic lakes, picnic areas, and nature trails.
  • Spit Bridge to Manly Walk: a picturesque coastal walk that covers a distance of 10 kilometers and offers breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour and the Northern Beaches.

Best Things to Do in Manly: Activities and Tours

Manly is a thriving tourist destination, and there are plenty of activities and tours to keep visitors entertained. Some of the best things to do in Manly include:

  • Surfing Lessons: Manly is known for its world-class surf breaks, and visitors can learn to surf from professional and experienced surf instructors.
  • Kayaking Tours: visitors can explore the stunning coastline of Manly by kayak, enjoying the crystal-clear water and spotting native wildlife along the way.
  • Manly Markets: a vibrant open-air market located in the heart of Manly, offering a wide range of local crafts, food, and produce.

Week-Long Itinerary for Manly

Visitors planning to spend a week in Manly can follow this itinerary to experience the best that the area has to offer:

  • Day 1: Explore Manly Beach and the Corso
  • Day 2: Visit the Manly Art Gallery and Museum, and enjoy a picnic in the North Head Sanctuary
  • Day 3: Take a whale watching tour, and visit the Q Station
  • Day 4: Spend the day at Manly Dam, hiking or mountain biking
  • Day 5: Enjoy a day trip to Taronga Zoo and explore Sydney Harbour by ferry
  • Day 6: Take a surf lesson, and explore the Spit Bridge to Manly Walk
  • Day 7: Visit the local markets, and relax at one of Manly’s many cafes and bars

Food and Drink Scene of Manly

Must-Try Dishes

Manly’s food and drink scene is diverse and vibrant, offering something for everyone. Some must-try dishes in Manly include:

  • Fish and Chips: Manly is known for its fresh seafood, and there are several eateries offering delicious fish and chips.
  • The Manly Burger: a local specialty, featuring a juicy beef patty, bacon, and egg, served on a brioche bun.
  • Sticky Date Pudding: a classic dessert served in nearly every restaurant and cafe in Manly.

Local Beverages

Manly is home to several popular bars and breweries, offering visitors a chance to try the best local beers and wines. Some must-visit spots for drinks include:

  • 4 Pines Brewing Company: a local brewery known for its award-winning beers and ciders, served alongside delicious pub food.
  • Hemingway’s Manly: a Caribbean-inspired bar offering delicious cocktails and live music.
  • The Steyne: a historic pub offering stunning views of Manly Beach and serving a variety of local and international beers and wines.

Where to Stay in Manly: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Manly offers a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Some of the best places to stay in Manly include:

  • The Sebel Manly Beach: a luxury hotel located right on the beach, offering stunning ocean views, a spa, and a restaurant and bar.
  • Manly Backpackers: a budget-friendly hostel located in the heart of Manly, just minutes from the beach and with a range of room options.
  • The Outback Lodge: a cozy guesthouse located in a quiet street, offering a range of rooms and suites with free Wi-Fi and a shared kitchen.

What to Buy in Manly: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Manly is home to several souvenir shops and local boutiques, offering visitors a chance to take home a piece of the area’s unique character. Some great souvenirs and local products to bring home from Manly include:

  • Manly Beach Towels: colorful towels featuring iconic images of Manly Beach.
  • Aboriginal Artworks: Manly is home to several galleries showcasing the work of local Aboriginal artists.
  • Australian-made Skincare Products: Manly is home to several stores selling locally made skincare products, featuring natural ingredients sourced from the area.

Local Culture and Customs of Manly

Manly’s laid-back culture is reflected in its friendly locals, relaxed atmosphere, and love for the ocean and outdoor activities. Visitors should be respectful of the area’s cultural and environmental values, and follow the local customs and etiquette.

Best Time to Visit Manly

Manly can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit is during the summer months (December to February), when the weather is warm and sunny. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, and other outdoor activities during this time, and the area is bustling with tourists and locals alike.

Do’s and Don’ts of Manly

Do:

  • Enjoy the stunning beaches and ocean activities on offer.
  • Try the local seafood and craft beers.
  • Explore the cultural and historical attractions of the area.

Don’t:

  • Leave litter or damage the environment.
  • Disrespect the local culture or customs.
  • Ignore the ocean safety warnings or swim outside the designated areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Manly

Manly is generally a safe and friendly area, and visitors are unlikely to experience any major safety concerns. However, visitors should be aware of pickpocketing and theft, especially in crowded areas or on public transport. It is also important to follow the ocean safety warnings and guidelines, and only swim in the designated areas.

Health in Manly

Manly offers several medical and health services, including hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. Visitors are advised to take suitable precautions for their health and safety, such as using sunscreen, drinking plenty of water, and seeking medical attention if needed.

Getting to Manly: Transportation Options and Logistics

Manly can be easily reached by public transport, car, or ferry.

Airports Near Manly

  • Sydney Airport (SYD) is the nearest international airport, located about 30 kilometers away.

Bus Stations Near Manly

  • Manly Bus Interchange is located in the heart of Manly and offers several bus routes to and from Sydney CBD and other areas in Northern Beaches.

Other Options

  • Visitors can also reach Manly by ferry from Sydney CBD, offering stunning views of Sydney Harbour and a scenic way to reach the area.
  • Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available throughout the area.

How to Get Around in Manly

Manly is a small area that is easily navigated on foot, with several scenic walks and trails to explore. Visitors can also use the local buses and taxis to get around, or hire a bike or scooter to explore the area at their leisure.

Where to Go Next from Manly: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Manly is situated in Northern Beaches, an area known for its stunning coastlines, beautiful beaches, and relaxed atmosphere. Some nearby destinations and excursions from Manly include:

  • Palm Beach: a beautiful 30-minute drive from Manly, offering stunning scenery and some of the area’s best surf breaks.
  • Narrabeen Lakes: a peaceful waterway popular for kayaking and paddleboarding, located just a short drive from Manly.
  • Bilgola Beach: a secluded beach located between Avalon and Newport, offering beautiful views and a peaceful escape from the crowds.

Conclusion

Manly is a beautiful beach suburb of Sydney, offering visitors a chance to relax, explore, and experience the unique culture and natural beauty of the area. From its stunning beaches and outdoor adventures to its thriving food and drink scene and cultural attractions, Manly has something to offer every kind of traveler. Plan your next trip to Manly and discover one of Australia’s true coastal gems.

Queenscliff crossing the heads towards Manly Queenscliff crossing the heads towards Manly The harbour side of Manly The harbour side of Manly