Best Places to Watch the Sunset in Manly
Sydney has many spectacular places from which to watch the sunset across the harbour but Manly is definitely one of the best! Moreover, if you were looking for that iconic sunset photograph, we would recommend either Manly Cove or Manly Wharf itself. Check out the exact sunset time and make sure you arrive 15-20 minutes to secure your spot. If it’s cloudy, don’t stress – the clouds can make the sunsets more interesting. Now that the days are getting shorter, sunset is also the ideal time for an early dinner or happy hour drink.
We have listed some of the exact locations from where you can catch a beautiful Sydney sunset, which will appeal to both tourists and locals
East Esplanade
If the weather is good, pack a picnic and rug and spread out on the grassy lawns of East Esplanade, nicknamed ‘The Office’ by the locals. Here you will enjoy spectacular views of the sunset, interrupted only by gently bobbing boats. Opened containers of alcohol are permitted in designated areas from the hours of 8am until 8pm.
Once the weather gets too cold to sit outside, you can still enjoy the sunset from one of the fantastic venues that surround East Esplanade. The Manly Skiff Club has outdoor seating and heaters for those cooler months. They also have fantastic dinner deals Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights after 5pm.
4 Pines brew pub, the local microbrewery, has great harbour views from their balcony. Try the local craft beer, they have around 13 beers on tap to choose from.
If you would like to watch a sports game as well as the sunset, then Chubbs Sports bar might be more your speed.
Sugarfish, located across the road from the Manly Wharf will give you a great view of the sunset from their deck. Satisfy any hunger pangs with a tasty appetizer from the share plate menu and splash out on a happy hour cocktail.
Manly Wharf
Popular with families, Manly Wharf has similar views of the sunset with five great restaurants from which you can enjoy the stunning scenery of Manly harbour.
Enjoy a glass of rose and an Italian seafood feast at Hugos whilst gazing across the shimmering waters with the sun setting in front of you.
The Bavarian offers a fantastic happy hour from 4pm – 6pm on weekdays, settle in and watch the sunset from here.
For the entire sunset experience on the water, grab a seat and an icy cold beer from the Manly Wharf Hotel Jetty Bar.
El Camino, upstairs at Manly Wharf, has a lively restaurant with an outdoor terrace and sweeping ocean views, perfect for happy hour and a Margarita-inspired sunset soiree.
Next door, is Sake Manly, a contemporary Japanese restaurant with floor to ceiling bi-fold windows and doors that open to a spectacular al fresco terrace offering diners breathtaking sunset ocean views.
North Head
North Head marks the entry to Sydney Harbour with dramatic cliffs and views for miles and miles, making it the perfect spot for a sunset picnic. Between May and November, you might even see whales breaching!
Close by at Q station, you can enjoy one of their Sunset Sessions held every Sunday 3-5pm with live music on the Glasshouse Lawns. Sit back, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the stunning Sydney Harbour sunset from the serenity of the National Park. BYO picnic blanket plus your mates and settle in for some good vibes!
Manly Ferry
Coincide your trip back to Circular Quay on the Manly Ferry with the sunset. Make the most of the Manly Ferry to watch the sun set behind the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Check out the Manly Ferry timetable to make sure you board a ferry 30 minutes before the sun is due to set, this will ensure you will have 15 minutes to enjoy the beauty of Sydney Harbour.
We would love to see some of your amazing sunset shots. Please share your photos with us on Instagram by tagging us @hellomanlyofficial or use #hellomanly.