A Day in Manly
Manly is one of the most beautiful and much-loved beachside suburbs of Sydney. It shines at any time of year, basking in its geographically unique location, being bounded by both ocean and harbour. Even the journey from the city aboard an iconic green and yellow ferry is one of the world’s most scenic.
Whether you’ve got a day or a week, Manly is the perfect place to visit. Here we’ve put together a few of the most popular activities and places to visit if you’re spending a day in Manly.
A hearty breakfast is a great way to start an action-packed day. Head to The Boathouse, a waterside café located at Shelly Beach. To get there take a 15-minute stroll from Manly Beach, past iconic Manly Surf Club and along one of Manly’s most stunning walkways, ensuring you work up an appetite for the generous portions on offer here. Choose from the indulgent crab scramble or the house blend muesli with toasted coconut, chia and seasonal fruit.
Now you’re ready to hit the trail. Head up through the car park to Shelly Beach headland, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning ocean views and perhaps a glimpse of a whale or dolphins, depending on the time of year. Now turn right onto the North Head walk and follow the signs through the National Park, admiring the coastal banksias and native wildflowers. If you’re lucky, you might spot an echidna snuffling in the dirt for ants! This walk will take you up to North Head, where you’ll find sweeping views across Sydney Harbour, with yachts and fishing boats dotted on the sparkling waters.
This circular route will take about three hours, after which you will arrive back at Manly Corso in time to wander around the back streets and hidden alleyways of Manly Village, seeking out souvenirs or beachy attire to take home. You may also discover the perfect lunch venue. We can highly recommend grabbing a takeaway from cafés such as Momo Bar, Banana Blossom or Manly Fish Market. Head back to the beach where you will find tables under the shady Norfolk Pines, but watch out for those pesky seagulls!
If you would prefer a pub meal at one of Manly’s prime waterside spots, try iconic Hotel Steyne at Manly Beach and enjoy dishes like lamb shanks, seafood linguini or pizza, or head to the harbour and try Felons, which dishes up Mediterranean with a touch of surf village charm.
After lunch, get out on the water in a kayak from Manly Sailing and discover the hidden beaches around iconic Manly Cove. Be sure to stop off at Quarantine Beach where, from the 1830s until 1984, migrant ships arriving in Sydney with suspected contagious diseases like smallpox, bubonic plague and Spanish flu offloaded passengers and crew into quarantine! You can do a self-guided tour of the heritage buildings.
Another option with Manly Sailing is a 3-hour Try Yachting experience with a professional skipper showing you the ropes, no prior experience necessary.
Later on, continue with the nautical theme at Manly Skiff Club adjacent to Manly Sailing Club where you can enjoy a thirst-quenching beverage on the deck. It’s the perfect location to watch the sun setting across the harbour. Another great venue is Hugo’s, one of Manly’s most popular restaurants and bars with similar views and a delicious snack menu to accompany your Sunset Geisha cocktail.
If you would like any further suggestions for your day in Manly or to pick up maps of the area, be sure to pop in and see us at Manly Visitor Information Centre, located on Manly Wharf Forecourt. Hope to see you soon!