Manly Beach Tours and Activities

Manly Beach featuring a coastal town, boating and swimming
Manly Beach featuring a coastal town and a sandy beach
Manly Beach featuring a coastal town, swimming and a sandy beach
Manly Beach featuring a city and street scenes as well as a small group of people
Manly Beach which includes general coastal views, surfing and a coastal town


Resplendent with golden sandy beaches, crystal blue seas perfect for swimming and surfing, and the best bars, shopping and views around. Welcome to Manly Beach.

Manly Beach may sound like an odd name, but it was actually named after the rather attractive, virile indigenous people who were first encountered in the pioneering days of Australia. The beach itself has also been something of a pioneer, being one of the first resorts in Australia where people could swim and surf. Today, the location is better known as a salubrious Sydney suburb offering an idyllic lifestyle to natives and visitors alike. If you’re looking for some of the best historical architecture Australia has to offer, some of the best beaches in the world, exquisite dining, indulgent shopping, or a good healthy bush walk, Manly Beach has really got it all.

Ferries literally take visitors right up to the beach at Manly Cove, which is perfect for families as the waters are gentle perfect for leisurely swimming, fishing and sailing. Children will love to explore the rocky coves and pools in the cove. It’s also a perfect spot for picnic and something nice and chilled to drink.

If you are looking for more excitement on the water and you’re a surfing newbie, there are plenty of surf schools around the Manly Beach area that can teach you the art of catching a wave.

The suburb of Manly is full of quirky charm, yet not short on things to do. There are a number of ocean front pathways that are perfect for cycling. The Manly Art Gallery and Museum is packed with interesting exhibits, with a focus on work by local artists. North Head offers spectacular views over the entrance to Sydney Harbour.

If you’re travelling with children, there’s plenty to keep them occupied in the Manly Bay region as well. There are plenty of family-friendly play areas designed with children in mind in the area.

At night, there’s a great choice of upmarket pubs and restaurants offering delicious cuisine. For something a bit less formal, follow your nose to the Manly Fish Café where you can enjoy their irresistible fish and chips, reputed to be the best in the whole of Sydney, if not Australia.

Manly Wharf is a 30-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay. It can also be accessed by bus, and metered parking is available.

Plan a trip to see Manly Beach

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Popular places to visit


Top Manly Beach Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Manly Waves Studios & Apartments

Manly Waves Studios & Apartments

3.5 out of 5
46 Malvern Avenue, Manly, NSW
Manly Waves Studios & Apartments
Manly Pacific Sydney MGallery Collection

Manly Pacific Sydney MGallery Collection

4.5 out of 5
55 North Steyne, Manly, NSW
Manly Pacific Sydney MGallery Collection
Lotus Stay Manly - Apartment 29A

Lotus Stay Manly - Apartment 29A

3 out of 5
29 Malvern Ave, 1, Manly, NSW
Lotus Stay Manly - Apartment 29A
Lotus Stay Manly - Apartment 29G

Lotus Stay Manly - Apartment 29G

3.5 out of 5
Manly
Lotus Stay Manly - Apartment 29G
Manly Beach Retreat-4 min stroll to beach, cafes plus rare free onsite parking!

Manly Beach Retreat-4 min stroll to beach, cafes plus rare free onsite parking!

Manly
Manly Beach Retreat-4 min stroll to beach, cafes plus rare free onsite parking!
Manly Paradise Motel & Apartments

Manly Paradise Motel & Apartments

3 out of 5
54 North Steyne, Manly, NSW
Manly Paradise Motel & Apartments
Stay at Hotel Steyne

Stay at Hotel Steyne

3.5 out of 5
75 The Corso, Manly, NSW
Stay at Hotel Steyne
Stoke Beach House - Hostel

Stoke Beach House - Hostel

1.5 out of 5
24-28 Raglan St, Manly, NSW
Stoke Beach House - Hostel
Boardrider Backpacker & Budget Motel

Boardrider Backpacker & Budget Motel

2 out of 5
Rear 63, The Corso, Manly, NSW
Boardrider Backpacker & Budget Motel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Manly Beach

Manly Beach offers a fantastic blend of relaxation and adventure, with stunning beaches perfect for sunbathing or surfing. Treat yourself to a rejuvenating day spa experience, then enjoy a delightful lunch at one of the local cafés. Don’t miss the chance to explore the local art gallery, showcasing vibrant works that reflect the area’s culture and beauty. Whether you’re looking to unwind or indulge in creativity, Manly Beach has something for everyone.

Shopping

In Manly Beach, shop at Martin Place, a vibrant shopping mall just 11.3km away, offering a mix of city and family vibes. Don't miss The Rocks Markets, also 11.3km away, for unique souvenirs in a bustling atmosphere. Centrepoint, another 11.3km away, is perfect for diverse shopping experiences.

Recreation

At Brookvale Oval, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of sports events, just a short distance from Manly Beach. Enjoy a round at Long Reef Golf Club, where stunning coastal views enhance your golfing experience. For a peaceful escape, take the Spit Bridge to Manly Walk, surrounded by nature’s serenity.

Adventure

OZBobbles offers an exhilarating water sports experience with thrilling activities on the water, located 1.3km from Manly Beach. For family fun, Manly Surf n Slide is a vibrant waterpark, situated 1.4km away, perfect for adventure seekers. For underwater enthusiasts, Ben Buckler Point, 11.3km away, provides an exciting underwater sports experience.

Nightlife

Catch a film at the Hayden Orpheum cinema, located 6.4km from Manly Beach, where family and romance meet entertainment. For a cultural experience, check out the Ensemble Theatre, 9.7km away, or the Sydney Theatre Company, 11.3km away, both offering family-friendly shows and vibrant atmospheres.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Manly Beach

Manly Beach is a stunning destination offering a perfect blend of beach activities, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures. Visitors can explore the iconic Manly Beach, relax at the nearby reserves, or visit the famous Manly Wharf. This vibrant area caters to those seeking both relaxation and adventure, making it an ideal spot for travellers looking to soak up the sun and enjoy the local atmosphere.

  • Sydney Opera House: Marvel at this iconic architectural masterpiece, renowned for its unique sail-like design. Nestled near the harbour, it offers a rich cultural experience with performances ranging from opera to contemporary dance, making it a must-visit for arts lovers.
  • Circular Quay: A bustling hub of activity, Circular Quay is where the city meets the sea. Enjoy stunning views of the harbour, relax at waterfront cafes, or catch a ferry to explore the surrounding areas, all while soaking up the vibrant beach vibes.
  • Sydney Harbour Bridge: Experience the grandeur of this historic landmark, whether you choose to walk across, climb, or simply admire it from afar. Guided tours provide insight into its fascinating history, making it an essential stop for culture enthusiasts.

Best time to go to Manly Beach

The best time to visit Manly Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Manly Beach falls in January, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Manly Beach falls in July, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February72.7°F (22.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
March70.9°F (21.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April66.4°F (19.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May61.2°F (16.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
July55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
August57.2°F (14.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
September61.2°F (16.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
October64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
November67.6°F (19.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
December70.3°F (21.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Manly Beach

To save on your trip to Manly Beach, consider visiting during the cheaper months of May, July, or October. Book your accommodation around one month in advance and aim for a Monday stay, as Saturdays are pricier. Use Expedia to compare prices, find great deals, and explore package options that combine your hotel, flights, and activities for added savings. Don't miss out on free activities like beach walks and scenic views, and take advantage of public transport to get around affordably.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Manly Beach are May, July and October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to March and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Manly Beach is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Manly Beach is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Manly Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Manly Beach hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.