Manly Wharf Hotel, Sydney - Image 1
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Manly Wharf Hotel Sydney

1.8
·15 reviews·Manly, Australia

Iconic waterfront hotel on Sydney Harbour, offering stunning views and a popular prawn pizza. Accessible via a scenic ferry ride.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, better service

CrowdLow
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Manly Wharf Hotel, Sydney - Image 1

Manly Wharf Hotel Sydney

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, better service

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic waterfront hotel on Sydney Harbour, offering stunning views and a popular prawn pizza. Accessible via a scenic ferry ride.

1.8
(15 reviews)

"The location is great, but they just cannot handle the numbers when it gets busy."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Ferry is the way to go

Take the ferry from Circular Quay for amazing views! It's a scenic and popular way to reach Manly .

🍕 Try the Prawn Pizza

Many rave about the thin and crispy prawn pizza – it's a standout dish on the menu .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Waterfront Views

Waterfront Views

Outdoor seating area

Savor cocktails and meals with breathtaking views of the harbor and passing ferries. A truly picturesque Sydney experience .

Instagram+1
Prawn Pizza

Prawn Pizza

Restaurant menu

A highly recommended thin and crispy pizza, praised for its delicious flavor and perfect crust. A must-try menu item .

Reddit
Ferry Journey

Ferry Journey

Sydney Harbour

The ferry ride to Manly offers iconic Sydney Harbour vistas, making the trip itself a memorable part of the visit .

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Ferry Ride

The journey to Manly Wharf is as much a part of the experience as the destination. Opt for the ferry from Circular Quay for stunning harbor views – it's a scenic prelude to your visit and a popular choice for travelers.Reddit

Manage Expectations for Busy Times

While the waterfront location is a major draw, reviews suggest the hotel can struggle to handle large crowds, potentially leading to service delays and disappointing experiences, especially during peak hours.Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, better service
Crowd
Low
When
Early evenings
Why
Sunset views, relaxed vibe
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Enjoy a scenic trip to Wharf Bar and arrive to waterfront views, freshly shaken cocktails and delicious dishes to complete the experience. #manlywharfhotel #wharfbar #manlypubs #manlywharf #super8 #sydney
felonsmanly
116 likes • 6.1K views

🎯 Ferry is the way to go

Take the ferry from Circular Quay for amazing views! It's a scenic and popular way to reach Manly.Reddit

🍕 Try the Prawn Pizza

Many rave about the thin and crispy prawn pizza – it's a standout dish on the menu.Reddit

that’s a nice view #waitingfortheferry #waitingroom #manly #manlywharf #windows #windows
maryregan4402
49 likes • 0 views
Embracing the serenity of the waterfront 🌊✨ #WaterfrontBeauty #SerenityInNature #EmbracingTheMoment #manlywharf #beachstyle #beauty #photography
malika.numanova
22 likes • 0 views

💰 Be mindful of prices

Food can be expensive, especially seafood platters. Consider it for drinks and lighter bites.Reddit

⏳ Avoid peak busy times

Service can be slow when it's crowded. Weekdays might offer a smoother experience.Reddit

reddit.com

Visiting Sydney from the US for only a few days - need help knowing how to maximize our time!

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Ferry is the way to go

Take the ferry from Circular Quay for amazing views! It's a scenic and popular way to reach Manly.Reddit

🍕 Try the Prawn Pizza

Many rave about the thin and crispy prawn pizza – it's a standout dish on the menu.Reddit

💰 Be mindful of prices

Food can be expensive, especially seafood platters. Consider it for drinks and lighter bites.Reddit

⏳ Avoid peak busy times

Service can be slow when it's crowded. Weekdays might offer a smoother experience.Reddit

🍹 Bottomless Brunch Caution

Reviews suggest potential delays and issues with drink service for bottomless packages.Reddit

What Travellers Say

1.8
(15 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Manly Wharf Hotel shines with its unbeatable waterfront location and scenic ferry access, offering stunning harbor views and a popular prawn pizza. However, diners should be aware that during busy periods, service can be slow, and some menu items are considered expensive for their portion size, leading to mixed dining experiences.

"Messed up first delivery of our order. Got that sorted and the waiter noted one meal was still missing. Said he was onto it. We had to chase up after another hour of waiting. Everyone else had finished their meals by then - so spoiled a family lunch. They said they would get it out asap. Another 30 minutes later - meal still didn’t arrive. Followed up again and it was sitting in the counter stone cold. Stuff happens - but when it is a special occasion and you are paying good coin, you expect mistakes to be rectified pretty quick. Expensive and disappointing. Overpriced and average food. Location great but they just cannot handle the numbers when it gets busy. Lots of better alternatives in Manly."

Ren McG

"My first visit to Manly Wharf Hotel for lunch. The food is really expensive for what you get. I ordered seafood platter to share with a friend and there was so little on the plate I thought they had made a mistake - $120 for the platter which was little more than an entree for 2 people. We also ordered the sticky date pudding. One of the puddings arrived at the table with no sauce so sent it back and when it came back to the table it had literally a dribble of sauce on it. The pudding was so dense and dry I left it. I think The Manly Wharf Hotel is probably a nice place for drinks but there are many other places in Manly that offer far nicer meals and are better value. One saving grace was the staff were really nice."

Janet Crawford

"E ordering extremely over priced food. System error meant i double ordered and paid twice, staff said "too bad" and quick light lunch turned into $280!!"

Gregory THOMAS

What People Like

Spectacular waterfront views
Scenic ferry journey
Popular prawn pizza

What People Dislike

Slow service when busy
Expensive food portions
Inconsistent package delivery

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most scenic and recommended way is to take a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Wharf. The hotel is located right on the wharf, making it easily accessible upon arrival.Reddit Driving is also an option, but parking can be challenging and expensive in Manly.

Absolutely! The ferry journey offers stunning panoramic views of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge. It's a quintessential Sydney experience and a beautiful way to start your visit to Manly.Instagram+1

Ferry services to Manly typically run frequently throughout the day and into the evening. It's best to check the official Transport for NSW website for the most up-to-date timetable, as schedules can vary.

While buses do service Manly, the ferry is by far the most popular and visually rewarding method of transport from the city. Once in Manly, the hotel is a short walk from the bus stops.

Yes, there are several parking stations near Manly Wharf, but they can be quite expensive, especially for extended stays. The ferry is often a more cost-effective and enjoyable option.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

It's highly recommended to book a table, especially for lunch or dinner, or if you're visiting on a weekend or during peak times. This helps avoid disappointment and long waits.Reddit

Manly Wharf Hotel is generally open daily, with extended hours for food service and drinks. It's advisable to check their official website for the most current opening and closing times, as these can change.

No, there is no entry fee to access Manly Wharf Hotel. It operates as a hotel and restaurant, and you only pay for food and drinks consumed.

During relevant periods, the hotel has implemented COVID-19 protocols such as temperature checks and sign-ins, demonstrating a commitment to safety.Reddit

While specific pet policies can vary, many waterfront venues in Manly are dog-friendly in outdoor areas. It's best to contact the hotel directly to confirm their current policy on pets.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The hotel offers a diverse menu with popular items including pizzas, seafood, and pub-style meals. The prawn pizza is frequently highlighted as a must-try.Reddit

Reviews indicate that the food, particularly seafood platters, can be quite expensive for the portion size. It's often suggested as a good spot for drinks with a view rather than a budget-friendly meal.Reddit

The thin and crispy prawn pizza is a standout dish that receives consistent praise. Many also enjoy the pizzas in general.Reddit

While specific menus can change, most pubs and restaurants in Sydney offer vegetarian options, often including salads and pasta dishes. It's recommended to check the current menu online or ask staff.

Based on reviews, the 'Bottomless' package has had issues with delayed drink service and not adhering to the advertised time limits, leading to disappointment for some patrons.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The prime photo opportunities are the stunning waterfront views, especially during sunset. Capturing the ferries arriving and departing also makes for dynamic shots.Instagram+1

Golden hour, just before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photos of the harbor and the hotel's exterior. Evenings with city lights twinkling across the water are also magical.

Yes, you can take photos inside the hotel, but be mindful of other patrons and any specific photography policies they might have. The interior decor and ambiance can also be photogenic.

From the ferry, you can capture iconic Sydney Harbour landmarks like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, as well as the coastline and other boats on the water.Reddit

Photos taken from the outdoor seating area, looking out towards the harbor, are very popular. Shots that include the ferries in motion add a sense of activity and place.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Manly Wharf Hotel can be a good option for families, especially for a casual lunch or drinks with a view. The outdoor seating area provides space, and the ferry ride to get there is often a hit with children.Reddit The pizza menu is generally kid-friendly, offering familiar and appealing options. However, be mindful of potential wait times for food during busy periods, which can be challenging with younger children. It's also worth noting that while the staff are accommodating, the overall dining experience might be more enjoyable if you manage expectations regarding service speed when it's crowded.Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

While Manly Wharf Hotel boasts a prime location, it's not typically considered a budget-friendly dining destination. Reviews frequently mention that food prices, especially for seafood, can be quite high relative to the portion sizes.Reddit For budget-conscious travelers, it might be more advisable to visit for a drink and enjoy the views, or to opt for the more affordable takeaway fish and chips often recommended in Manly.Reddit The ferry ride itself is a relatively inexpensive way to enjoy spectacular harbor scenery, making it a great budget activity.

couples

For couples seeking a romantic or scenic experience, Manly Wharf Hotel offers a fantastic setting. The waterfront views, especially during sunset or in the evening with the city lights twinkling across the harbor, create a lovely ambiance.Instagram Enjoying cocktails or a shared meal while watching the ferries come and go can be a very pleasant way to spend time together. Consider booking a table in advance, particularly for dinner, to secure a good spot with a view and ensure a smoother experience.Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Manly Ferry Experience

The ferry ride to Manly is more than just transportation; it's a highlight of any Sydney visit. Departing from Circular Quay, the journey offers breathtaking, unobstructed views of Sydney Harbour's iconic landmarks, including the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.Reddit As you glide across the water, you'll pass by charming waterfront suburbs and other vessels, creating a dynamic and picturesque scene. Many travelers find this ferry trip to be a relaxing and visually rewarding experience, setting a perfect tone for exploring Manly.Instagram+1

Ensure you choose a seat on the right side of the ferry when departing from Circular Quay for the best views of the city skyline. The journey typically takes around 30 minutes, providing ample time to soak in the scenery and capture stunning photographs. Upon arrival at Manly Wharf, the hotel is immediately accessible, making it a seamless transition from the scenic voyage to your dining or drinking experience.

Navigating Dining and Service

Manly Wharf Hotel is celebrated for its prime waterfront location, offering a desirable spot for drinks and meals with a view.Instagram However, visitor feedback suggests that when the venue gets busy, the kitchen and service staff can struggle to keep up. This has led to instances of long waits for food, incorrect orders, and even cold meals, which can be particularly disappointing when celebrating a special occasion or paying premium prices.Reddit

While the staff are generally described as nice and obliging,Reddit the operational challenges during peak times are a recurring theme in reviews. Some patrons have also reported issues with specific packages, such as the 'Bottomless' brunch, experiencing significant delays in drink service and not receiving the full advertised duration.Reddit For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting on a weekday afternoon when the crowds are thinner, or focus on enjoying the drinks and the ambiance rather than expecting swift, flawless meal service during busy periods.

Menu Highlights and Value

The menu at Manly Wharf Hotel features a range of options, with pizzas being a particular point of praise. The thin and crispy prawn pizza is frequently mentioned as a standout dish, lauded for its delicious flavor and well-executed crust.Reddit This dish, along with other pizza varieties, seems to be a safe and enjoyable choice for many visitors.

However, it's worth noting that some reviews suggest that certain items, particularly seafood platters, are considered overpriced for the portion sizes offered.Reddit While the quality of the food is generally acceptable, the perceived value for money can be a point of contention for some diners. For those prioritizing the waterfront experience and a casual drink, the hotel excels. If a substantial and value-driven meal is your primary goal, exploring other dining options in Manly might be beneficial, as some reviews suggest better alternatives exist for dining value.Reddit