On the northern edge of Sydney are a string of spectacular beachside suburbs that will make you feel a million miles away from the city.
Jump on one of Sydney’s famous ferries and head across the harbour to Manly. This laid-back suburb is surrounded by water, with the harbour on the west and a huge ocean beach to the east. It’s a favourite of surfers, snorkellers, families and anyone looking for a little getaway in the heart of the city. Manly is the start of a 30-kilometre stretch of coastline known as the Northern Beaches. This is truly another side of Sydney, a series of small coastal communities more akin to Queensland than the capital. Admire the million-dollar waterfront mansions, surf at secluded breaks and soak up the sun.
How To Get There
Catch the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly. It’s a beautiful journey through Middle Harbour that takes about 30 minutes.
Top 5 Things to do
- Snorkel at Shelly Beach, off the southern end of Manly, where the calm waters are teeming with fish. Join a tour with Ecotreasures for a guided adventure. ecotreasures.com.au
- Catch a wave at the birthplace of Australian surfing, Freshwater beach. Hawaiian Duke Kahanamoku surfed in front of thousands of spectators here in 1914. Beginners can take a lesson with Manly Surf School. manlysurfschool.com
- Take a tour of Q Station, the historic quarantine centre perched on North Head that housed new arrivals to Sydney from the 1830s until 1983. qstation.com.au
- Play a game of beach volleyball on Manly Beach. Eight courts are set up on the sand year-round and are free to use.
- Tackle the Manly to Spit Walk, a 10-kilometre trail that winds through the inner harbour, past gorgeous beaches, historic lighthouses and scenic lookouts. nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
Top 6 Places to eat & drink
- Manly Wharf Bar. A very popular pub set right on the wharf next to the ferry terminal with multiple indoor and outdoor spaces. wharfbar.com.au
- 4 Pines Brewpub. The original Manly craft brewery (there are now at least nine) and the birthplace of one of Australia’s most popular beer brands. 4pinesbeer.com.au
- Garfish. Exceptional seafood grilled, spiced or wood roasted served in a breezy dining room overlooking the harbour. garfish.com.au
- The Boathouse Shelly Beach. A casual café and kiosk just steps from the sand, perfect for everything from coffee to cocktails. boathousesb.com.au
- Pilu at Freshwater. Stylish Sardinian fine dining overlooking the water – a favourite destination for a long lunch. pilu.com.au
- Norma’s Deli. If you like yia-yia’s food then this Greek-Australian semi-subterranean diner will do the trick. Normasdeli.com
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