Make the most of Manly

Manly is the perfect spot for your next holiday with great eateries, drinks, entertainment and adventure.

For visitors wanting to experience Manly like a local here’s an itinerary to make sure you don’t miss a thing.

Rise and shine! If you’re ready to feel the healing benefits of yoga and being connected to ocean then join FlowMOcean and try the latest experience everyone is talking about.

After working up an appetite there are so many good spots for breakfast and being your first morning, we recommend you enjoy breakfast with a view.

The Pantry Manly has amazing views of the rolling waves of Manly Beach. They have all the breakfast classics but with a twist. You can expect delicious meals from buttermilk pancakes with candied walnuts to smashed avocado and ricotta to eggs benedict. No matter what you try, you will be blown away with their customer service and delicious food.

If you had a late start and want something quick grab takeaway and sit by the beach. No visit to Manly would be complete without trying a coffee and unbelievable croissant at Rollers Bakehouse. Try the Gingerbread twice baked croissant brushed with a ginger spice syrup, filled with a pecan and gingerbread biscuit frangipane, a slice of gingerbread loaf and brandy mascarpone creme patisserie. All of their pastries are baked daily and their menu is always changing.

Afterwards walk off breakfast with a stunning scenic walk. A local favourite is the nine kilometre (5.5 miles) walk around North Head Sanctuary. You will explore hidden beaches, see native wildlife, historical sights and scenic views across Sydney Harbour. The entire walk should take you between 2-2.5 hours return trip. You will finish your walk overlooking Shelly Beach and Cabbage Tree Bay aquatic reserve. If you want to get up close and personal with one of Manly’s favourite marine animals the Blue Gropper, you can explore Manly’s underwater world with a local expert marine guide on the Manly Snorkelling Tour with EcoTreasures.

Having worked up an appetite, The Boathouse Shelly Beach or The Bower is a great lunchtime go-to. Both restaurants serve delicious fresh seafood and have stunning ocean views. On the weekends the tables fill up quickly but it’s definitely worth the wait. You can also order takeaway and enjoy beside the beach.

In the afternoon, explore Manly’s alleys and tiny arcades to find some of the best independent shops. With over 150 retail shops to explore, you will be shopping all afternoon long! If your visit happens to coincide with a weekend, make sure you have a look at the Manly Market Place on The Corso and Sydney Road.

While you are exploring Manly make sure you pay a visit to the Manly Art Gallery and Museum. They are open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am until 4pm. They have innovative and distinctive exhibitions and cultural programs, alongside its extensive collection of Australian art, ceramics and beach culture. To see what’s on at the gallery have a look at their website.

After a day exploring Manly, it’s time for a refreshing ale or cocktail while watching the sun go down and Hugo’s is famous for its afternoon sundowners. The Italian restaurant, Fratelli Fresh offers Italian classics with a menu that combines simplicity, robust flavours and fresh produce. If you are looking for a more relaxed dining experience, try Wharf Bar. Located on Manly Wharf it makes a great spot to grab a delicious pub meal and is one of the best spots to watch the sun go down.

End your stay with a ghost tour at The Q station – Ghostly Encounters starts at 8pm every night. The Q station is one of Australia’s most haunted sites. You will be entertained as your guide recounts intriguing stories of the Q station’s history and the spirits who still linger.

We hope you enjoyed your stay in Manly and come visit us again soon.

Where to Stay?

When staying in Manly we recommend accommodation with water views and only a short walk from all the main attractions.

The Manly Pacific is located opposite the stunning Manly Beach. Most of their rooms feature a balcony, where you can admire the areas beauty without leaving your hotel room.

The newly renovated Hotel Steyne is also located on the beachfront at the end of the Manly Corso. Hotel rooms are above the oldest pub in Manly and is a great place to relax after a long day exploring Manly.

Manly Paradise Motel is located in an ideal location right by Manly Beach. They also have a roof top swimming pool and sundeck for you to cool off after your day exploring Manly.

Looking for something a with character, why not immerse yourself in history while relaxing in the comfort and convenience of the contemporary Q Station which is sprawled across the hillside on the very edge of Sydney Harbour.

Seeking relaxed sophistication then The Sebel Sydney Manly Beach could be your pick with oceanfront rooms and a hop skip jump and you’re in the ocean