Manly Beach Sydney
Bustling beachfront and surfing destination surrounded by tall trees, shops, and eateries, accessible by a scenic ferry ride.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Catch the sunrise glow
Manly Beach Sydney
Best Time
Catch the sunrise glow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Bustling beachfront and surfing destination surrounded by tall trees, shops, and eateries, accessible by a scenic ferry ride.
"The ferry ride to Manly is a breathtaking journey offering iconic Sydney Harbour views."
🚢 Ferry Smart
Use the Opal card for the regular yellow ferry from Circular Quay for the best value.
🤿 Snorkel Shelly Beach
Great snorkeling spot with clear waters and marine life. Bring your gear!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Manly Beach
Main beachfront
Iconic golden sands, perfect for surfing, swimming, and soaking up the sun. A true Sydney beach experience.
Shelly Beach
Short walk from Manly Beach
A tranquil, protected cove ideal for snorkeling and diving with abundant marine life.
Manly Ferry Ride
Circular Quay to Manly Wharf
Spectacular harbour views, including the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, make this a must-do journey.
Manly to Spit Bridge Walk
Coastal walking track
A scenic coastal trek offering diverse landscapes and stunning ocean vistas.
Planning Your Visit
Ferry to Manly: A Scenic Essential
Embrace the Beach Life
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Ferry Smart
Use the Opal card for the regular yellow ferry from Circular Quay for the best value.
🤿 Snorkel Shelly Beach
Great snorkeling spot with clear waters and marine life. Bring your gear!
🚶♀️ Coastal Walks
Explore the Manly to Spit Bridge walk for incredible views. Pack a picnic!
🍔 Beachside Bites
Enjoy fish and chips by the beach or try local eateries like Chica Bonita.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Ferry Smart
Use the Opal card for the regular yellow ferry from Circular Quay for the best value.
🤿 Snorkel Shelly Beach
Great snorkeling spot with clear waters and marine life. Bring your gear!
🚶♀️ Coastal Walks
Explore the Manly to Spit Bridge walk for incredible views. Pack a picnic!
🍔 Beachside Bites
Enjoy fish and chips by the beach or try local eateries like Chica Bonita.
🐧 Penguin Spotting
Keep an eye out for the little penguin colony near Little Manly Beach.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Manly Beach is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, from the iconic surf breaks to the tranquil Shelly Beach, making it a beloved Sydney destination. Visitors consistently praise the scenic ferry ride and the array of coastal walks. While generally loved, some find the main beach can get crowded during peak times.
"We can enjoy this beautiful beach.
A calm and serene beach. Very clean and clear. The sand is fine to coarse on this beach. You can find a lot of seagulls here.
We find many food courts, cafes, nearby to enjoy the beach and have your food.
This beach is a closed one, tides are high, so don't get deep into sea here. The sea pulls us faster into it. So be alert when you are planning to enjoy this beach.
Beaches are always a serene space and provide calmness. Should always enjoy it whenever we need grounding for ourselves. And we are confused. These open beaches can transform our thoughts and rejuvenate us, when we keep observing the sea and the surroundings. So enjoy your solitude here or with family.
Take a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly in the morning, enjoy the food, surroundings and the beach, return back to Circular Quay during sunset, you will love the transition.
Manly wharf is also really beautiful, there are few food spots in it.
I recommend you to have this experience once in your life!"
Anusha M
"Offer a perfect mix of laid-back vibes and stunning coastal views, ideal for both surfers and families. The scenic ferry ride from Circular Quay adds to the charm of the experience. Plenty of cafés, shops, and walking paths make it great for a day out."
Chandara Chea
"15 minutes ferry ride from sydney doesn't feel short at all! I enjoyed the moment to the fullest!! strolling around manly, sat by the beach + ice cream exactly the peaceful perfect moment!!"
Yx Tan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most scenic and recommended way is to take the regular Manly Ferry from Circular Quay. It's an iconic journey with stunning harbour views. Ensure you use your Opal card for the standard ferry service, as some express services may not accept it.
Using an Opal card on the regular Manly Ferry is generally cost-effective, especially on Sundays when travel is capped at $2.50. Check current Opal card rates for the most up-to-date pricing.
The ferry ride from Circular Quay to Manly Wharf typically takes around 30 minutes, offering a leisurely pace to enjoy the harbour scenery.
While the ferry is the most popular, you can also drive or take a bus, though these options miss out on the spectacular harbour views.
Look for the largest yellow and green ferry at Circular Quay; it's usually the Manly ferry. Check the departure boards or use the TripView app to confirm your wharf.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Manly Beach itself is a public beach and is free to access. There are no entry tickets required for the beach.
Shelly Beach is also a public beach and is free to enter. You only pay for any activities or rentals you might choose.
Manly Beach is accessible 24/7. However, lifeguard services operate during daylight hours, so swimming is safest during these times.
The Manly to Spit Bridge walk is a public track and is free to use. You can pack your own food and drinks to save money.
While you can visit the grounds of the Quarantine Station for free, guided tours and specific experiences may require booking and incur a fee. Check their official website for details.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Enjoy swimming, surfing, sunbathing on the main beach, or take a walk to Shelly Beach for snorkeling. You can also explore the shops and eateries along the Corso.
Yes, Manly Beach is renowned for its surf breaks, making it a popular spot for surfers of all levels.
Explore coastal walks like the Manly to Spit Bridge track, visit the Quarantine Station, or enjoy the local shops and restaurants.
Yes, there is a small colony of little penguins around Little Manly Beach. Keep an eye out, especially around dusk.
Head to the headland above Shelly Beach carpark or Fairfax Lookout for stunning panoramic views of the coastline and ocean.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Manly offers a wide range of dining options, from casual fish and chips by the beach to Mexican at Chica Bonita and cafes with ocean views.
Yes, several cafes offer great breakfast with ocean views. Some recommend spots above the Corso for a good vantage point.
Many visitors enjoy grabbing fish and chips by the beach. Some local recommendations include places near the Queenscliff wormhole.
Absolutely! Packing a picnic is a great way to enjoy the scenery, especially along the Manly to Spit Bridge walk or at harbour-side beaches.
Yes, backpackers can find affordable options by packing lunches for walks or seeking out casual eateries and cafes.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots from the Manly Ferry, along the coastal walks, at Shelly Beach, and during sunset over East Manly Cove Beach.
Golden hour, especially during sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful light for photographing Manly Beach and its surroundings.
Yes, aerial views of Manly Cove and the coastline can be spectacular. Always check local drone regulations before flying.
Shelly Beach is perfect for underwater photography with its marine life, or capture serene shots of the cove and its reflections.
The walk offers numerous photo opportunities with diverse coastal scenery, hidden coves like Crater Cove, and panoramic ocean views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look out for the little penguin colony near Little Manly Beach, which can be a magical experience for children.
💰 Budget Travelers & Backpackers
Look for hostels in Manly for affordable accommodation options.
couples
+1 A picnic for two at Shelly Beach or along the Manly to Spit walk offers a private and picturesque dining experience. Explore the charming shops and cafes along The Corso, or enjoy a relaxed dinner at one of Manly's many restaurants. For a unique experience, look into SUP boarding for a fun activity together.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Manly Ferry Experience
The journey itself is a relaxing way to transition from the city bustle to the laid-back coastal vibe of Manly. Keep your camera ready, as the vistas are constantly changing and incredibly photogenic. Travelers often highlight the ferry as a must-do, especially for first-time visitors. It's a cost-effective way to see some of Sydney's most famous landmarks from the water.
Exploring Shelly Beach and Marine Life
Visitors rave about the snorkeling opportunities at Shelly Beach, with many recommending it as a must-visit for its clear waters and abundant sea creatures.
The walk to Shelly Beach itself offers lovely coastal views and a chance to escape the crowds, making it a rewarding addition to any Manly visit. The Manly to Spit Bridge Walking Track
Redditors frequently praise this walk for its beauty and the rewarding views it provides.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit