Manly Beach: The Surfers’ Paradise Beach In Sydney

Perched on the east coast of Australia, is the stunning city of Sydney. Sydney is Australia’s largest city with over 5.2 million people residing there. Sydney is home to stunning beaches, renowned structures, noteworthy tourist attractions, and award-winning restaurants. From the breath-taking views of Sydney Harbor to the peacefulness of Hyde Park, there is something here for everybody. Regardless of whether you’re are looking for an adrenaline-packed adventure experience or planning a romantic getaway, Sydney is the ideal destination.

This visually amazing city has been the first stop in many Australian itineraries as it has one of the best connectivities and gives you a taste of what Australia is. As it is a year-round destination with a near-perfect climate, you can plan your trip to Sydney anytime. This travel guide below will help you decide what attractions you can include during your time in Sydney.

As Sydney is located on Australia’s east coast, it became home to several breathtaking beaches. One of which is the Manly beach. Situated among the pristine Northern Beaches in Sydney City, Manly Beach extends north to south and is divided into three sections, that is, Queenscliff, North Steyne, and South Steyne. It was named by Captain Arthur Phillip, who named it after the aboriginal people living there. He stated that the confidence and the manly behaviour portrayed by those aboriginal people was why the beach was named Manly.

Manly Corso

Once you reach Manly, you’ll come across the visitors’ first spot, the Manly Corso. The Manly Corso laid out in 1854-55 by Henry Gilbert Smith, was initially built as a footpath for early visitors. This pedestrian-only street is a wide walkway featuring a quirky sculpture, fountain and long palm trees lined on the pavement that stretches towards the sky. On the Corso, you’ll also find bars, restaurants, surfs shops, and gift stores with aboriginal art, boomerangs and other handicrafts. This should keep you amused throughout the day. The Corso is also the fastest way for you to reach the Manly beach.

Manly Beach

After Bondi Beach, Manly beach has been the favourite beach destination in Sydney. This beach is less crowded compared to Bondi Beach. However, the beach is just as stunning as Bondi. Manly beach beats Bondi beach when it comes to the vastness. Visitors can feast in one of the numerous eateries and bistros, unwind on the wharf, take in the beautiful views and the picturesque setting or go for a swim.

Just like any beach in Australia, manly also offers a surf spot. In fact, this iconic beach is famous for surfing and is a must-visit spot for local as well as international surfers. But don’t you worry, even if you’re not an experienced surfer, you can learn to surf at one of the surf schools at Manly. Besides, Manly is one of the safest beaches, with experiences lifeguards and volunteers who patrol the beach.

Getting There:

Take a bus or a train to reach Circular Quay. From there you can take a ferry from Circular Quay to the Manly Wharf. The best part about getting to Manly beach is the breath-taking views that you get to see. Imagine yourself sailing right past the magnificent landmarks – Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge and catch sight of these marvels in all their glory. The ferry ride takes about 30 minutes to reach the Wharf. Walk from the wharf up to the Corso, that leads to the beach.

Things To Do:

Manly To Spit Bridge Walk:

One of the most famous walks in Sydney is the Manly to Spit Coastal walk. It takes about 3 hours 45 minutes to complete the walk covering a distance of 10kms (one-way). This walk lets you unravel the hidden beautiful cliffs, stunning beaches, bushlands, bays and much more in North Sydney.

North Head Sanctuary:

Manly Cliffs Manly beach — Photo by Tommy Pequinot on Unsplash

The North Head Sanctuary is a remarkable setting right behind Manly. This place lets you stroll through the walking track and explore the untouched bushlands and admire the stunning views of the harbour before ending the walk at the Fairfax Lookout. Not only this, but the North head also offers something for the History buffs. You can visit the North Fort which was vital for Sydney defence in World War II. Later you can take Australia’s memorial walk or visit the Third Quarantine Cemetery were 240 people were buried.

Manly Whale Watching:

Whale watching at Manly Beach — Photo by Georg Wolf on Unsplash

Manly beach is one of the favourite locations for whale watchers as this is a prime location for spotting whales. You can choose from the different tour options that are available. The whale watching season starts from mid-May to mid-November. Regardless of the tour length or the vessel type, you will still be able to spot whales as over 3000 whales migrate past and into Sydney Harbor every year.

Marine Life In Manly:

Visit the Oceanworld marine park in Manly, which is home to Sharks, giant rays, sea turtles, corals, reptiles and tropical fish. Also visit the Penguin Cove, where you can find a cute colony of little penguins.

Events:

Surfing at Manly beach — Photo by Zachary Shea on Unsplash

Throughout the year, you can find events or festivals happening at Manly beach. Surfing competition is a very popular event taking place here.

Visitor Information

Entrance Fees

There’s no entrance fee for the beach. If you wish to opt for any tours, then you will have to pay a fee.

Timings:

Open from Monday to Sunday throughout the year.

If you’re looking for a beach destination, then Sydney would be the perfect place for you. You’ll have plenty of beaches to choose from. If you’re planning a trip to Australia and need more ideas on what to do check out Pickyourtrail to get your own customized itineraries and start planning your vacation!