Local guide · Manly
Exploring Manly & beyond.
We adore our vibrant Manly neighbourhood — a beachside gem that blends relaxed coastal living with the buzz of Sydney city life. A short ferry across the harbour and the city awaits, but here in Manly there's more than enough to fill your days — from sunrise swims to sunset strolls.
Start your morning like a local
The Bold & Beautiful Swim — 7:00 AM, every day.
Join hundreds of locals each morning at 7:00 AM sharp for a refreshing 1.5 km swim from Manly Beach to Shelly Beach and back. It's free, friendly and open to all abilities — you'll spot the pink swim caps gliding through the clear water as part of this iconic Manly ritual. Meet at the South Steyne Surf Club ramp just before 7 AM, and bring your sense of adventure (and maybe a coffee from Cibaria afterward).
boldandbeautifulmanly.com.auWalking tracks
Coastal walks & bush trails
Our picks
Manly Dam Walk
Tranquil bushland with freshwater swimming spots.
Manly-to-Spit Bridge Coastal Walk
10 km of breathtaking coastal views.
Q Station Ghost & History Tour
Heritage and eerie tales from Sydney's quarantine past.
Shelly Beach Lookout
Short scenic climb with sweeping ocean views.
North Head Sanctuary Walk
Cliffs, wildlife and WWII tunnels.
Beaches
Sand, surf & sheltered coves
Where to swim
Manly Beach
World-renowned surf and sunshine.
Shelly Beach
Protected marine reserve and snorkelling haven.
Fairlight Beach
Calm waters, ideal for families.
The Office (East Esplanade Park)
Sunset picnics with locals.
Little Manly Cove
Peaceful and sheltered.
Freshwater Beach
Where surfing first began in Australia.
Pools
Ocean & lap pools
Three favourites
Fairy Bower Sea Pool
Oceanfront with spectacular views.
Fairlight Rock Pool
Great for families and calm laps.
Andrew Boy Charlton Swim Centre
Heated indoor and outdoor lanes.
Activities & wellness
Move, recover, sail
On the water & on land
Manly Surf School
Surf lessons for all ages.
Manly Kayak Centre
Paddleboard and kayak hire.
Manly Bikes
Scenic rides along the foreshore.
Manly Sailing
Sunset sails and private charters on Sydney Harbour.
Wellness & recovery
Manly Beach Health Club
Local gym and fitness studio.
Nimbus Co Infrared Sauna Manly
Sauna and ice baths.
Power Living Yoga Manly Studio
Yoga and pilates classes.
Cryotherapy & Infrared Sauna
Recovery and rejuvenation sessions.
Coffee & cafés
Where we get our morning fix
Best coffee
Noon
Cibaria Caffetteria
Barefoot
Staple Bakery
Sway Coffee
Little Legends
Sit-down cafés
Noon
Cibaria Caffetteria
Fika
Norma's Deli
The Boathouse Shelly Beach
Girdlers Manly
Restaurants
Dinner, by mood
Italian
Cibaria
Pocket Pizza
Hugo's Manly
Busta
Japanese
Sunset Sabi
Our pick — coastal-Japanese, always a great night.
Cow
Sake
Seafood
Bistro Manly
Ormeggio
Garfish
The Herring Room
Mexican
Tommy's Manly
Chica Bonita
St Alma
Freshwater.
Cantonese / Thai
Yok Thai Restaurant
Cocktails
A drink before or after dinner
Where we go
Manly Pavilion
The Cumberland
Donny's
Henry G's
55 North
Something sweet
Gelato, pastries & late-night treats
Sweet picks
Cibaria Gelateria
Butterboy Manly
Messina
Anita
Need help during your stay?
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