Manly Sydney, NSW, Australia

Manly Beach, Sydney NSW Arrival

Manly is famous for golden sand, surf, bars, restaurants, and an electric atmosphere.

On the southern end of Sydney's Northern Beaches, Manly is easily accessible from the City of Sydney by ferry and Jet Cat.

The Manly community is a mix of professionals, artists, surfers and travellers. While it can buzz with beach loving crowds in summer, a ten minute walk guarantees you'll find a secluded spot.

How to Get to Manly Beach Sydney

From Sydney City

Take the thirty minute Manly Ferry ride from Circular Quay Sydney to Manly Wharf. From the Wharf, walk directly over the road and down The Corso, Manly's main shopping area. Manly Beach is at the far end of the Manly Corso, about a 5 minute stroll.

For more information visit our Travel Information pages

Manly Sydney NSW Australia: What to See and Do

Manly Beach Sydney NSW

Heading to Manly's famous beach will be your first priority. Manly Beach is perfect for walking, surfing, swimming and sunbathing. Pick up lunch, drinks and sunscreen at any of the convenient shops along the way.

Swimming between the flags is highly recommended, especially when the surf is up.

Shelly Beach Manly

A ten minute stroll south, around the promenade from South Steyne, will land you at Shelly Beach. This lovely inlet of golden sand provides shelter from both the wind and the swell, particularly in summer.

Shelly Beach is a marine reserve and is extremely popular for both scuba diving and snorkelling. Just leave your spear-gun at home and remember the fish and chips here are worth waiting for.

North Head Manly

If you are keen to stretch your legs, the walk up to North Head is phenomenal. From Manly Wharf, walk straight up The Corso and turn right at Darley Road (the only street half way up). Darley Road heads straight up Manly's Eastern Hill and past Manly Hospital. Walk through the big stone archway, and along the hill-top road. You will eventually come out at the cliffs on top of North Head, greeted by a spectacular view across Sydney Harbour. The walk takes about an hour each way and does include some steep hills.

Manly to Spit Walk

One of the most beautiful walks in Sydney, this three to four hour trek showcases Sydney's magnificent and diverse harbour. You can either walk the 9.5 km from Manly to the Spit Bridge and catch either the 143 or 144 bus back to Manly, or catch the same numbered bus to the Spit Bridge, and walk the other way, back to Manly.

Annual Events in Manly & Sydney's Northern Peninsula

Arts Festival Manly Sydney

The Manly Arts Festival Sydney bursts to life in September and features Art as diverse as the ocean and sky. From photography competitions and fine art exhibitions to dance demonstrations and drawing workshops, there are events to cater to all tastes.

> Read more about the Manly Arts Festival

Jazz Festival Manly Sydney

A full weekend of entertainment at the end of September, the Manly Jazz Festival attracts high-calibre acts from around the world. There are usually around 5 outdoor stages, as well as numerous indoor venues featuring styles from funk to traditional jazz.

> Visit the Manly Jazz Festival Website