Rekindle your romance with 4 days in Manly
If we told you that 4 days is all it takes to rekindle the romance in your relationship, would you believe us?
Let Manly convince you with its special kind of magic that is guaranteed to reignite any spark.
Day one – Explore above and below the water
Morning
Arriving in Manly to start your romantic escape, you’ll immediately understand the 1920s advertising slogan “Seven miles from Sydney and a thousand miles from care” to describe our relaxed beach suburb.
One of the best ways to explore Manly is on two wheels. Spend the morning with Manly Bikes on a pre-booked e-bike guided tour where you’ll discover hidden gems including breathtaking lookouts and secluded beaches.
Alternatively, try a self-guided bike tour. Ride along the 2km of golden beachfront framed with the iconic Norfolk Pines that make Manly so well known around the globe. Follow the love to the northern end of the promenade which is overlooked by the iconic love heart painted on the cliffs. Then make your way over the rocks behind the ocean pool to the Manly Wormhole, a man-made 40m tunnel which has become a popular Insta-worthy spot.
Afternoon
All that riding would have worked up a good appetite. Grab some takeaway fish and chips and head to the beachfront to watch the local surfers while fuelling up. It’s a must-do when visiting Manly.
Craft and soul End the afternoon with a relaxing browse through The Corso and a leisurely visit Manly Art Gallery & Museum located at Manly Cove. Established in 1930, it’s the oldest regional gallery in NSW and a hub for the visual arts on the Northern Beaches.
Evening
There’s no better way to end your first day than an beautiful sunset evening on Sydney Harbour with Manly Sailing. Choose from a private lesson or spoil yourselves with a romantic chartered sail complete with a bottle of bubbles.
The accommodation can make or break a romantic weekend so choose from two highly recommended oceanfront hotels. Both the Manly Pacific or Peppers are great options where you’ll wake up listening to the serene sounds of the ocean.
Day 2 – Explore the Northern Beaches
Morning
Rise and shine! Manly locals love to start their day with a swim, jog or walk as the sun rises over the ocean, so why not join them?
Once you’ve got your day off to the right start, grab a healthy bite with breaky at Market Lane Café. Choose from the popular spanner crab omelette or truffle-scented chilli masala scrambled eggs.
Next on the agenda is a day trip along the Northern Beaches to its most northerly point of Palm Beach. You can travel straight from A to B, or for a more exciting adventure, stop along the way at the beautiful villages and beaches, such as Avalon and Long Reef.
Take the journey by car if you have one, otherwise jump on the 199 bus from Stand B in Manly – easy! Check out our article Discover the Northern Beaches by bus for a great hop-on-hop-off tour.
Once you’ve arrived in Palm Beach, home to the famous Australian television series Home and Away, head to the beach and wander past “Summer Bay Surf Club”. You might be lucky and spot a celebrity!
Make your way to Barrenjoey Headland and take on the walk to the top where you’ll find heritage-listed Barrenjoey Lighthouse as well as panoramic views over the Northern Beaches, the Central Coast and Ku-ring-gai National Park. Keep your eyes peeled between May and November for humpback whales on their annual migration.
Evening
Head back to your Manly hotel and relax with a cocktail before preparing for a night of frights at the history-steeped Quarantine Station, operational from the 1830s to 1984 and widely known as one of Australia’s most haunted sites. Join a chilling ghost tour and cuddle up to your loved one as you experience paranormal activity and stories of times gone by.
Day 3 – Get active
Morning
Leave your car at the hotel and prepare to work up a sweat. Manly is home to many breathtaking nature walks and none more inspiring than the 9km, easy-moderate North Head Walk, where you’ll experience native wildlife, spectacular lookouts, remains of old military forts and the Quarantine Cemetery overlooking Sydney’s city skyline.
Start this loop walk at Manly Wharf and head out on the harbour side so you finish your walk on the ocean side via Shelly Beach, where you’d be excused for thinking you had arrived at the Mediterranean. Pull up a seat at The Boathouse Shelly Beach, a breezy beachside café where you can enjoy a well-earned brunch feasting on lovely fresh produce.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon with Ecotreasures on their snorkel and reef tour of Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, just steps from The Boathouse. This guided tour takes you into the calm waters off Shelly Beach, home to over 150 species of marine life. Keep your eyes peeled for blue gropers and wobbegong sharks resting on the bottom.
Evening
Secure a table at Garfish, one of Manly’s most popular seafood restaurants, with beautiful fresh food, a wide drinks selection at SuGarfish Bar and a covered deck which is the perfect place to cuddle up to your loved one and watch the sun set.
Day 4 – More to explore
Morning
Start your day with breakfast at Noon where you can nourish your body and soul in readiness for a surf lesson! Try their house-made Good Good Granola or scrambled eggs with black lime za’atar crisp, cultured butter and za’atar salmon.
Now off to the surf – Manly is part of Aussie surf history after all. Don’t worry if you’re a complete beginner, Manly Surf School caters for all levels of experience and ability.
Afternoon
Head across to the harbour and rent a kayak for two from Manly Kayak Centre. A leisurely 20-minute paddle will take you to the pristine sands of Store Beach, a secluded, sheltered beach only accessible by water and known only to the locals. Throw down your towels and settle in for an afternoon of reminiscing about your magical experience in Manly while you start planning your return visit!
Evening
Stroll to Hugo’s Manly for an unforgettable dining experience. With the sun setting over the water and cocktail in hand, this is the perfect end to your romantic weekend in Manly.