Welcome to Manly
Sydney’s version of a very modern seaside village, the atmosphere is laid back and festive.
Ideally located on a picturesque peninsula that is bounded by the Pacific Ocean and Sydney Harbour it is a must see for every visitor whilst in Sydney. This is home to things to do with the sea, Oceanworld, it is a top-class aquarium and Shark Dive Xtreme are two of the most popular attractions in Manly.
We can book these and other attractions into your itinerary and package the price to get a great deal for you.
Get Wet, Get Active & Get a Good Time!
The Corso is the street that connects the surf beaches on one side and serene sandy coves and inlets on the other, it is the hub of Manly.
There are many great restaurants, wine bars, nightclubs and things to do in Manly that blend beautifully with the Beach Culture of the northern beaches.
Manly has public transport via the Ferry, Bus & Shuttle services from Circular Quay as well as the airport. Check out the journey planner on our Transport Page for more details.
Dining Out:
Manly has a great share of fabulous places to dine, from fish and chips by the beach to a fine dining experience. The choices are many and mostly within walking distance of the Corso.
Award winning Restaurant as voted by Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide awards in Manly.
Awards are presented in Chef Hats: 1,2 & 3 Hats
| Pilu at Freshwater | 2 Hats | Sardinian Cuisine |
Located directly on the Beach at Freshwater Beach (North of Manly Beach) Pilu at Freshwater is superb.
Our Suggestions:
Something different to try is the Moroccan /African cuisine at Out of Africa, it is one of Sydney’s best Moroccan restaurants.
Live Music in Manly:
Manly is alive with many music venues from Blues on Sundays to sitting in luxurious sofas and comfortable booths listening to some tunes whilst sipping a cocktail or two, or simply doing some people watching at a side walk café/bar. The bar at the Wharf is a picturesque spot for a cool drink and a chat.
Dance the night away, one of the hot night-clubs you can try is the Manly Wharf Hotel, this is one of Australia’s best-located pubs with modern décor and a village atmosphere, enjoy a cold beer with some of the locals. The Old Manly Boat Shed provides live music from big name bands as well as the up and coming hit the stage, it also hosts stand up-comedy nights.
The funky new venue called the Shoreclub and its rooftop sundeck is the place every one is talking about. Head on up for some tasty tapas and a cold beer on tap. There are 3 levels of music bars with excellent views. This venue has won the Best New Hotel at the Australian Bar Awards.
Things To do:
Surf – it’s every where you can learn to surf with one of the accredited surfing schools close by or just wax your board and start paddling. It is safe to swim in the waters of the Pacific Ocean at the Patrolled Beaches. (Surf Life Saving in Australia was born at Harbord Surf Life Saving Club) or take a walk south to the pretty rockpools of Fairy Bower Beach and the protected waters of Shelley Beach for a dip and some excellent snorkelling.
Hire a boat or a kayak and discover the natural beauty of the sandy coves and inlets that surround this part of Sydney Harbour. Test your nerve and try a Shark Dive Xtreme at Oceanworld, it is a top-class aquarium. Fishing trips are a speciality here in Manly, stay within the harbour or venture out into the blue water on an ocean going trip. Diving & Fishing Tours operate regularly. For the Golfer there are a couple of courses here to test your drive and ambition for a hole in one. If it is a good book you are after, try the fabulous facilities at the Manly Library.
Museums & Galleries:
The Art Gallery opened in 1930 by Manly Council; it was the first metropolitan regional gallery in NSW. It showcases dynamic changing exhibitions as well as Australian art & ceramics. It has workshops, talks, and readings available for you to attend. It is the epicentre of the annual Manly Art Festival.
If artillery is your thing the National Artillery Museum at historic North Fort is a must. The fortifications and tunnel system are one of its focal points. There are picnic facilities with BBQ’s and a café.
Market Shopping:
The Manly Markets on the weekend are a treasure trove of Australian ceramics, jewellery pieces and ingenious handicrafts – you can pick up great gifts and souvenirs.
Nature Walks:
Walks – put your boots on for some of Sydney Harbours most stunning scenery and bushland on The Manly to Spit Bridge Scenic Walkway. The track is 8 to10 kilometres in length, it takes on average 3 to 4 hrs, if you’re not that keen to walk all the way, there are 6 entry/exit points along the way where you can catch a bus back to Manly.
Suburbs close by: Manly, Manly Vale, North Manly, North Head, Queenscliff, Harbord, Brookvale.