Fast facts
- Relaxed, shapely and shady when you need it, Manly Beach has all the essential ingredients for a great day at the beach.
- 30 minute ferry from Circular Quay; 17 km by road from Sydney CBD.
Why go there
Sydneysiders’ favourite beach has a lot more to it than just sun, sea and sand. Stacked on top of its five-star natural attributes is a way-cool line up of shops and boutiques and a dining scene that takes the taste buds on a gastronomic world tour.
Among the leading lights of the cafes and restaurants along the beachfront, Jellyfish has bluewater views and a brasserie-style mod-Oz menu that works hard from breakfast to dinner. For something dressier, try the ultra-chic Whitewater Restaurant, a stunning showcase for the kitchen wizardry of chef Luke Cesare – and don’t miss the seafood tasting plate.
Manly Wine is a cool new wine bar overlooking the waves at South Steyne. On the walkway to Shelley Beach, the Bower Restaurant has a mostly Mediterranean menu to go with the sparkling sea views, a standout for weekend brunch.
Close to the ferry terminal on West Esplanade, Alhambra Café & Tapas Bar is a fusion of Moroccan and Spanish flavours that will have your taste buds dancing a fandango. Hot new tapas bar El Toro Loco serves up treats overlooking the beach at North Steyne.
Don’t miss
- Oceanworld Manly, a fish-eye view of the underwater world, and if you’re feeling game, try Shark Dive Xtreme – a scuba session with sharks.
- The ferry ride from the city, heaven on a stick.
- Small and perfectly formed, Shelley Beach just to the south of Manly Beach.
- The Manly to Spit Bridge walk, a classic half-day stroll along beaches, through parks and tangled forest, over cliffs and coastal heath.
- Manly Arts and Craft Market, a weekend treat with candles, woodwork, leather, jewellery, ceramics, paintings and glass works.
- A dive with Dive Centre Manly - courses for all levels, plus guided boat and shore dives.
- A bike ride around Manly and surrounding beachside areas including Sydney Harbour National Park - with Manly Bike Tours.
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