Find the best things to do in Manly, from scenic lookout points and walking trails to historical sites and quiet beaches.
Manly and Bondi are home to Sydney’s two most famous beaches, yet they’re quite different in many ways. While this article isn’t a comparison piece, one key difference stands out: the distinct atmosphere each location offers.
Manly has a more relaxed vibe compared to its eastern suburbs counterpart. This might be due to the quieter streets, the nearby beaches to escape to, or the area’s pedestrian-friendly nature.
Ready to explore Manly for a fun day out? In this guide, we’ll share the 15 best attractions and activities in and around Manly.
1. Do the Fairlight Walk
The family-friendly Fairlight Walk is a short trail that starts at the ferry wharf in Manly Cove and leads to the Manly Boatshed near North Harbour Reserve.
Along the way, the walk passes a few secluded beaches and several small parks, offering beautiful views of the Harbour from start to finish.
The highlight of the walk is Fairlight Beach, an 80-metre stretch of sand that features a rockpool and a small, safe area for toddlers to splash around.
2. Have Lunch at the Pub
Manly isn’t just about its stunning beaches; it’s also home to some fantastic pubs where you can enjoy a good meal and a cold drink.
Many of these pubs are conveniently located along The Corso, while others can be found on the waterfront, alongside a selection of bars and restaurants.
Great pubs in Manly:
- Hotel Steyne (75 The Corso)
- New Brighton Hotel (71 The Corso)
- Ivanhoe Hotel Manly (27 The Corso)
3. Walk around North Head
If you’re up for an exciting hike that combines coastal views with bushwalking, the North Head Circuit Walk is a must-do.
This 9.5-kilometre trail offers a mix of history, panoramic views, and secluded beaches, making it a real treat for hikers.
You can begin the walk at Shelly Beach, following the trail to the historic sites on North Head, the Fairfax Lookout, and then returning to Manly via Collins and Little Manly Beach.
More information: Manly North Head Walk.
4. Catch a Ferry
If you’re in Manly, there’s a good chance you arrived by ferry from Circular Quay. But even if you didn’t, it’s worth taking a quick return ferry trip from Manly Wharf to the city and back.
The Manly ferry ride from Circular Quay is a tourist attraction in its own right and is a must-do for anyone visiting Sydney.
The journey takes about 20 minutes, crossing the entire Sydney Harbour, with comfortable vessels offering plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors.
5. Walk to the Spit Bridge
The 10 km walking track between the Spit Bridge and Manly is one of Sydney’s most iconic walks, and it’s something you should experience at least once.
Most people begin this walk from the Spit Bridge, but you can also start from Manly Wharf and head westbound if you prefer.
Highlights along the way include Fairlight Beach, North Harbour Reserve, Reef Beach, Dobroyd Head, and Clontarf Reserve.
More information: Spit to Manly Walk.
6. Learn How to Surf
Did you know that the first World Surfing Championships were held in Manly? Back in 1964, this iconic beach hosted the event, drawing a crowd of 60,000 spectators.
If you’ve been thinking about trying surfing, Manly’s main beach is the perfect place to start, with waves that cater to both beginners and advanced surfers.
Head to the Manly Surf School at the northern end of the beach, where you can book a lesson or hire a board if you’re already familiar with the basics.
7. Do the Fairfax Walk
The popular Fairfax Walk on Manly’s North Head features one of Sydney’s best viewpoints, the Burragula Lookout, offering stunning Harbour views with the city skyline visible in the distance.
This short, family-friendly trail also includes several other lookouts, each providing unique perspectives of the Harbour and ocean.
The walk begins at the end of Scenic Drive, where you’ll find a reasonably sized car park.
More information: Fairfax Walk.
8. Visit Shelly Beach
While the two beaches on either side of the Corso are stunning, some might say that the smaller Shelly Beach is Manly’s most beautiful strip of sand.
You can reach Shelly Beach by following the footpath from Manly’s main beach, heading south past the Manly Life Saving Club and the Fairy Bower Sea Pool.
Shelly Beach is part of Cabbage Tree Bay, a protected aquatic reserve spanning about 20 hectares. Beyond swimming, it’s a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkelling, with plenty of marine life to discover in its shallow waters.
9. Play Beach Volleyball
With its stunning long and narrow beach, it’s no surprise that Manly has several fixed volleyball courts available for everyone to use free of charge.
You can enjoy beach volleyball year-round at these courts, whether you’re playing with friends or joining private classes and group training sessions.
The courts are conveniently located opposite the Manly Pacific Hotel, just a short walk from the town centre.
More information: Beach Volleyball in Manly and Maroubra.
10. Go Shopping in the Corso
The Corso is the pedestrian strip that runs between the Manly ferry wharf and Manly’s ocean-facing beach, lined with numerous retail shops, cafes, restaurants, and pubs, along with hidden gems in the various small laneways.
Without vehicular traffic, the Corso provides a fantastic way to stroll to the beach from the ferry while soaking in the unique Manly atmosphere.
From a retail perspective, the Corso offers a wide variety of options, including classic surf shops, giftware stores, jewellery, and art galleries.
11. Visit Collins Beach
Collins Beach is one of the most beautiful secluded beaches in the Manly area, and fortunately, it’s easily accessible.
Also known as Collins Flat Beach, this small stretch of sand is nestled between North Head and Little Manly Cove, making it an ideal spot to escape the crowds and enjoy a quiet swim.
Bring a picnic blanket to relax in the bushland surroundings while taking in the scenic Harbour views. There’s even a small waterfall that adds to the picturesque setting.
12. Hire a Kayak
The best place to hire a kayak is at the Manly Kayak Centre, located at East Side Pier, just south of the ferry wharf.
Once you’re in your kayak, you can explore some of the most beautiful spots in the Harbour, starting at East Manly Cove Beach.
Kayaking isn’t the only water sport you can enjoy in Manly; stand-up paddleboarding is also popular, along with snorkelling and surfing.
13. Visit Little Manly Beach
The last beach worth mentioning on this list of things to do in Manly is the family-friendly Little Manly Beach.
On sunny days, Little Manly Beach tends to be a bit more crowded than nearby Collins Beach, but it also offers more facilities.
This beach features a swimming enclosure with a shark net, as well as toilets, showers, a small kiosk, and a boat ramp.
14. Visit the Manly Markets
The Manly Markets are held every Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm on Sydney Road, just off the Manly Corso.
As one of the best arts and crafts markets in Sydney, it features a wide variety of artisan products offered by friendly stallholders.
In addition to the Manly Markets, the Manly Fresh Produce Markets take place every Sunday from 8 am to 2 pm at Sydney Road and Short Street Plaza.
More information: Manly Markets.
15. Discover the Quarantine Station
The North Head Quarantine Station is a heritage-listed former quarantine facility that operated from 1832 until 1984.
Established by the colony to protect against the spread of ship-borne diseases, it now goes by the name Q Station. Today, the complex serves as a hotel, conference centre, restaurant, and tourist attraction.
You can visit to explore the site and grab a bite to eat, or you can book a tour to learn more about the fascinating history of this historic complex.
More information: Manly Quarantine Station.
