Straddling the peninsula of North Head on Sydney Harbour, the town of Manly is Sydney’s most popular seaside resort. It offers the best of both worlds, with calm harbor beaches on one side and wild ocean waves on the other.
Linking the two is The Corso, lined with cafes and restaurants. Along with swimming, surfing, wining and dining, Manly’s most popular attraction is of course Oceanworld, on Manly Cove Beach on the harbor side of the town. Sharks and rays swim overhead curving walkways, or you can don a wetsuit and go diving with these monsters of the deep (if you dare!).
Manly is surrounded by gorgeous beaches linked by scenic seaside walkways. Boating, kayaking, surfing and cycling are popular pastimes in summer, while winter is a good time to visit the historic former quarantine facility Q Station or take a North Harbour walk to Shelly Beach or The Spit.
Latest Reviews
Review by Monica K, January 2013
Doing what: Sydney Bike Tours
Four of us took the Manly Beach Sunset bike tour. It was absolutely amazing. Mike was very knowledgeable about the area and an awesome guide. The ride up the hill was a bit tough, but well worth the effort. Our total tour had six people. We could not have asked for a better excursion.
Review by Peeya, July 2012
Doing what: Sydney Day Tour with Optional Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise
Our guide was Russel, with one 'L' ! He was amazing, gave us lots of information and took us to awesome places, stopped for photos ! We loved his guided tour ! This tour is a MUST for all those who are visiting Sydney and even for those who live in Sydney ! Manly beach was just awesome !
Review by Anonymous, March 2010
Doing what: Sydney, Manly and Northern Beaches Morning Tour with Optional Harbour Lunch Cruise
Practical Info
Manly is on the northern side of Sydney Harbour, on North Head guarding the entrance to the harbor. Manly Cove is on the harbor, while North and South Steyne beaches are washed by the Pacific Ocean and lined by Norfolk pines.
Manly Cove is 7 nautical miles from Circular Quay by ferry, the time-honored and most fun method of travel. It’s 30 minutes one way by ferry and a speedy 15 minutes by Jetcat. To get here by car takes at least an hour from central Sydney, so ditch the car and take the ferry!



