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Recommended Reviews - Manly Beach
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This beach was absolutely gorgeous and it took almost all that I had to not take my shoes off and strip down to my undies and take a dip. We had only come to Manly to check out the beach and take the Manly ferry. I can imagine that this place gets crazy busy when it's not the middle of winter. Heck, there were a lot of people on the beach and actually in the water in early August so there's that. The sand here is gorgeous. The beach is wide so there are many activities you can do, like surfing and swimming. The views are lovely. There are many large trees (it was so much like one of my favorite beaches at home, in Hawaii) that you can sit under on benches, tables and the steps to the beach. It seems to be manned well with lifeguards. There are also nice showers to rinse off in.
This was a nice clean beach located just to the north of Manly Wharf at the end The Corso. Even if you're not a fan of sand and sunbathing like me, there's a nice pathway all along the edge of the beach to walk up and down for your exercise. If you head south, you will eventually be on the Marine Parade, a waterfront pathway for pedestrians, runners, and cyclists. That path ultimately leads to Shelly Beach. There are a couple of public toilets available along the length of this beach.
Great access to this beach from downtown Sydney, especially on a Sunday with the discounted trains/ferries. The Corso/boardwalk is fun and much like beach towns in the US. The beach itself is beautiful and well kept up. Waves were tame the day I was there which was unfortunate for the surf championship going on. Lots of folks even on an overcast day in early March. Great to be out in nature after my wanderings in the city.
I didn't think it got better than Bondi, but it does. Manly not only has the beach, but also a whole boardwalk full of events, bars, and restaurants. When I went, there was a volleyball tournament happening, which wasfun to catch. With its main street full of tourists, cafes, and clothing stores, Manly feels like a more small-town version of Santa Monica. The ferry to Manly was easy enough to catch. There's free WiFi and tons of bathrooms around. Overall, a very chill beach town hippie vibe. I think this must be my favorite Sydney beach of all.
Visited Sydney a few months ago and my plan was to check out a couple beaches while I was there. If you have been to Seattle, you know that there aren't many proper beaches here. So unless I am flying to Southern California or home to Hawaii, I don't spend time at a beach too often. The beach that I was most looking forward to visiting while in Sydney was Bondi Beach. Unfortunately, there was a massive rainstorm while I was in town so I was unable to go there. While I was unable to visit Bondi, I managed to get out to Manly early in my trip. The best and fastest way to get to Manly from Sydney is to take a ferry ride from Circular Quay to Manly Wharf. The trip takes about 30 minutes, unless you decide to take the Fast Ferry which is even quicker. From the wharf, it is a short walk of a couple blocks through a pedestrian walkway called The Corso to reach the beach. It was a happenstance that I came to the beach on the same day as the annual food festival, Taste of Manly was going on. This made my visit a lot more lively as there were plenty of food and drink booths to partake. The streets were full of people enjoying the festivities. While there were a lot of people in the area, the beach itself was not very crowded. There was plenty of room to plop your beach towel and enjoy the sun here. I didn't see that many people in the sandy areas of the beach. Most people decided to stay street side where the festival was happening. The beach here is large and the sand stretches far down the road from here. It reminds me of the beaches in Southern California, particular in San Diego. There were even beach volleyball courts. Though there are clear indicators that this isn't actually a beach in SoCal as the area is filled with pine trees. While there were some surfers here, the waves weren't very big. I didn't get in the water, but wet my feet as the tide came in. I found the water to be nice and warm. I thought that the water being cold might be a reason why there weren't many people on the beach, but that wasn't the case. I didn't get a chance to visit Bondi so I can't provide a comparison on which one is better. But based on my visit to Manly, this beach seems like a better option if you are looking for one that is not as crowded. If Taste of Manly wasn't going on when I went, the beach would have been more quiet. Overall, I really liked Manly Beach. The beach and surrounding shopping district makes for a nice place to spend a day at if you are visiting Sydney for the first time. I highly recommend taking the ferry over to Manly.
In order to get to one of the popular beaches, one must take the ferry. Trust me, the ferry ride to Manly is just as amazing itself!! Manly Beach is probably one of the most beautiful beaches I've had the pleasure in seeing. I've seen beaches from so many other countries that Manly and/Bondi comes out on top. The blue water is so clear and the sand is just so soft/clean, that pictures don't do justice. There are plenty of people tanning, and there are plenty of space where you don't feel crowded. I came on a Sunday noon, and everything was just right!! Manly Beach will always hold an unforgettable portrait in my head. Definitely go to Manly!!
Just a short boat ride from Sydney's Circular key is a great little beach that has a really nice supporting shopping and restaurant area to support it. The day we went We especially enjoyed the outdoor market area that had a lot in innovative products and gift items that were on sale. The fast ferry ride costs about ~$5 USD and is a direct boat ride to the wharf and the. It's a short walk of a couple of blocks to reach the beach. Definitely worth the trip as you get a beautiful view of Sydney harbor along the way. One of the best values in Sydney!
In A Nutshell: -Manly Beach is a great slice of soothing yellowish sand w/ steady waves amongst beautiful pine trees & bushland. -This is a great beach for surfers catching plenty of waves. -It's also a great walk to get your daily steps in & to exfoliate your callous feet. -There are plenty of wildlife to see while you stroll. Overall, Manly got it's name from the description of the original indigenous people who were described as, "strong and manly" in 1788 by Governor Arthur Phillip.
Mmmmmm sun, sand, fish, many delightful places to enjoy around. Manly is a peaceful and wonderful place to be. The beach is amazing and clean and if you swim you can usually see many fish and pretty sea creatures! Public transport is easier if you don't live local as parking is hard to find and pricey.
Manly is everything it's cracked up to be, with a large, sandy beach, lots of people, chilled out atmosphere, and plenty of shops and restaurants. We only managed to stay out for an hour or so - my skin's not used to the Australian heat! - before heading the Jelly Fish for breakfast, but it was very relaxing and there's a little something for everyone. I had a great time watching the surfers and paddle boarders as it's a completely different way of life to back home! Come over on the ferry and you can see some great views, right out to sea. If you're not a fan of boats (like me) perhaps head inside when you're crossing the area where the ocean meets the harbour - it can get a little bit choppy. A brilliant day out that's well worth it.
Beautiful beach and a cute town. We had a free day in Sydney and some of us opted to take the ferry to Manly and walk around. The town is cute with shops, cafes, a mall, etc... The beach is the real attraction with beautiful large trees and lots of families enjoying the lovely weather. I really enjoyed sitting quietly on the beach, watching the water, and enjoying the scenery. Definitely worth the ferry ride over.
Our original plan was to go to Bondi Beach but so many locals said Manly Beach was nicer so we headed there. So easy to get to, we walked to the ferry from our hotel and got a direct boat to the Manly harbor. A couple of blocks walk and you are on the beach. The weather was not all that great for swimming so we watched the surfers for a bit then headed on the trail that takes you out to the North Head and Burragula lookout. The sights and paths along the way are beautiful. We saw an echidna moseying along the way which was cool. read more
4 months ago
With the construction from Sydney, the drive was less than ideal. Manly Beach was clean but not as beautiful as I thought it would. There are restrooms. Also in walking distance are numerous shops and restaurants. read more
This is a really nice beach that is easily accessible via the ferry. The beach itself is clean, which is always a good thing. There are also a handful of public restrooms to use up and down the outside perimeter of the beach. Lots of things to do within the the area if you are not a "beach person." There are a ton of restaurants, bars, shopping, ice cream and even Starbucks! Plenty to do! Definitely family and dog friendly! read more
3 years ago
This beach was absolutely gorgeous and it took almost all that I had to not take my shoes off and strip down to my undies and take a dip. We had only come to Manly to check out the beach and take the Manly ferry. I can imagine that this place gets crazy busy when it's not the middle of winter. Heck, there were a lot of people on the beach and actually in the water in early August so there's that. The sand here is gorgeous. The beach is wide so there are many activities you can do, like surfing and swimming. The views are lovely. There are many large trees (it was so much like one of my favorite beaches at home, in Hawaii) that you can sit under on benches, tables and the steps to the beach. It seems to be manned well with lifeguards. There are also nice showers to rinse off in. read more
This was a nice clean beach located just to the north of Manly Wharf at the end The Corso. Even if you're not a fan of sand and sunbathing like me, there's a nice pathway all along the edge of the beach to walk up and down for your exercise. If you head south, you will eventually be on the Marine Parade, a waterfront pathway for pedestrians, runners, and cyclists. That path ultimately leads to Shelly Beach. There are a couple of public toilets available along the length of this beach. read more
Great access to this beach from downtown Sydney, especially on a Sunday with the discounted trains/ferries. The Corso/boardwalk is fun and much like beach towns in the US. The beach itself is beautiful and well kept up. Waves were tame the day I was there which was unfortunate for the surf championship going on. Lots of folks even on an overcast day in early March. Great to be out in nature after my wanderings in the city. read more
Nice beach! A fun area to walk around and watch surfers hit the waves. Definitely recommend a visit here if you're in the area. Take the ferry from sydney (go in the late afternoon and return in the evening for nice views of sydney bridge and concert hall). read more
I didn't think it got better than Bondi, but it does. Manly not only has the beach, but also a whole boardwalk full of events, bars, and restaurants. When I went, there was a volleyball tournament happening, which wasfun to catch. With its main street full of tourists, cafes, and clothing stores, Manly feels like a more small-town version of Santa Monica. The ferry to Manly was easy enough to catch. There's free WiFi and tons of bathrooms around. Overall, a very chill beach town hippie vibe. I think this must be my favorite Sydney beach of all. read more
Visited Sydney a few months ago and my plan was to check out a couple beaches while I was there. If you have been to Seattle, you know that there aren't many proper beaches here. So unless I am flying to Southern California or home to Hawaii, I don't spend time at a beach too often. The beach that I was most looking forward to visiting while in Sydney was Bondi Beach. Unfortunately, there was a massive rainstorm while I was in town so I was unable to go there. While I was unable to visit Bondi, I managed to get out to Manly early in my trip. The best and fastest way to get to Manly from Sydney is to take a ferry ride from Circular Quay to Manly Wharf. The trip takes about 30 minutes, unless you decide to take the Fast Ferry which is even quicker. From the wharf, it is a short walk of a couple blocks through a pedestrian walkway called The Corso to reach the beach. It was a happenstance that I came to the beach on the same day as the annual food festival, Taste of Manly was going on. This made my visit a lot more lively as there were plenty of food and drink booths to partake. The streets were full of people enjoying the festivities. While there were a lot of people in the area, the beach itself was not very crowded. There was plenty of room to plop your beach towel and enjoy the sun here. I didn't see that many people in the sandy areas of the beach. Most people decided to stay street side where the festival was happening. The beach here is large and the sand stretches far down the road from here. It reminds me of the beaches in Southern California, particular in San Diego. There were even beach volleyball courts. Though there are clear indicators that this isn't actually a beach in SoCal as the area is filled with pine trees. While there were some surfers here, the waves weren't very big. I didn't get in the water, but wet my feet as the tide came in. I found the water to be nice and warm. I thought that the water being cold might be a reason why there weren't many people on the beach, but that wasn't the case. I didn't get a chance to visit Bondi so I can't provide a comparison on which one is better. But based on my visit to Manly, this beach seems like a better option if you are looking for one that is not as crowded. If Taste of Manly wasn't going on when I went, the beach would have been more quiet. Overall, I really liked Manly Beach. The beach and surrounding shopping district makes for a nice place to spend a day at if you are visiting Sydney for the first time. I highly recommend taking the ferry over to Manly. read more
In order to get to one of the popular beaches, one must take the ferry. Trust me, the ferry ride to Manly is just as amazing itself!! Manly Beach is probably one of the most beautiful beaches I've had the pleasure in seeing. I've seen beaches from so many other countries that Manly and/Bondi comes out on top. The blue water is so clear and the sand is just so soft/clean, that pictures don't do justice. There are plenty of people tanning, and there are plenty of space where you don't feel crowded. I came on a Sunday noon, and everything was just right!! Manly Beach will always hold an unforgettable portrait in my head. Definitely go to Manly!! read more
3 years ago
This is a beautiful beach that you can take a ferry ride to get to. There are lots of cafe's and restaurants so you can definitely spend a wonderful day here. Have some fish and chips and sit on the beach or wharf and relax. There are also lots of shopping outlets and it's beautiful. read more
Just a short boat ride from Sydney's Circular key is a great little beach that has a really nice supporting shopping and restaurant area to support it. The day we went We especially enjoyed the outdoor market area that had a lot in innovative products and gift items that were on sale. The fast ferry ride costs about ~$5 USD and is a direct boat ride to the wharf and the. It's a short walk of a couple of blocks to reach the beach. Definitely worth the trip as you get a beautiful view of Sydney harbor along the way. One of the best values in Sydney! read more
In A Nutshell: -Manly Beach is a great slice of soothing yellowish sand w/ steady waves amongst beautiful pine trees & bushland. -This is a great beach for surfers catching plenty of waves. -It's also a great walk to get your daily steps in & to exfoliate your callous feet. -There are plenty of wildlife to see while you stroll. Overall, Manly got it's name from the description of the original indigenous people who were described as, "strong and manly" in 1788 by Governor Arthur Phillip. read more
3 years ago
11 years ago
Mmmmmm sun, sand, fish, many delightful places to enjoy around. Manly is a peaceful and wonderful place to be. The beach is amazing and clean and if you swim you can usually see many fish and pretty sea creatures! Public transport is easier if you don't live local as parking is hard to find and pricey. read more
12 years ago
Manly is everything it's cracked up to be, with a large, sandy beach, lots of people, chilled out atmosphere, and plenty of shops and restaurants. We only managed to stay out for an hour or so - my skin's not used to the Australian heat! - before heading the Jelly Fish for breakfast, but it was very relaxing and there's a little something for everyone. I had a great time watching the surfers and paddle boarders as it's a completely different way of life to back home! Come over on the ferry and you can see some great views, right out to sea. If you're not a fan of boats (like me) perhaps head inside when you're crossing the area where the ocean meets the harbour - it can get a little bit choppy. A brilliant day out that's well worth it. read more
14 years ago
Beautiful beach and a cute town. We had a free day in Sydney and some of us opted to take the ferry to Manly and walk around. The town is cute with shops, cafes, a mall, etc... The beach is the real attraction with beautiful large trees and lots of families enjoying the lovely weather. I really enjoyed sitting quietly on the beach, watching the water, and enjoying the scenery. Definitely worth the ferry ride over. read more
Less famous than Bondi, and therefore less crowded, I much preferred Manly Beach to its brother down the road. If you have the luxury of a rented car, drive up to a viewing point at the end of the beach - the views over the turquoise bay really are spectacular. The walkway from the very popular ferry terminal down to the beach is pedestrianised, and looked like a lovely area. If I'm back in Sydney I would definitely return to Manly over Bondi. read more
It's one of Sydney's world-famous beaches for a reason. It's beautiful. A long, golden ribbon of sand, with crashing swell, dramatic rocks at the Queenscliff end, a sheltered cove at the Shelly Beach end. Paths for walkers and cyclists. Sunbakers, swimmers, surfers. There's lots to do. Obviously the watersports. Beach volleyball? Easy. Kids playgrounds? Yep. Bars and restaurants? Almost too many! Less crowded, and far less touristy than Bondi. Manly embodies all the best bits of Sydney beach life. I'll admit my view may be slightly coloured by the fact that, as a Manly ratepayer, I get up to 4 hours of free parking each day. read more
12 years ago
This is by far my favorite beach in Sydney. Less crowded and less touristy than Bondi. The ferry ride from the city is gorgeous! You can appreciate sweeping views of the Harbour and admire the beautiful houses along the waterfront. Manly is the cutest beach town and when you walk from the Harbour, down the corso and finally see the beach, you can't help but gasp. It's great for swimming, surfing, tanning, beach volleyball. There's a row of beach volleyball nets waiting to be occupied! It's fun to watch or play. The boardwalk is perfect for a morning run or afternoon walk. Make sure to walk around to Shelly Beach and up to North Head for an amazing lookout point. I love this beach and the surrounding coastal walks! read more
7 years ago
Absolutely loved Manly Beach!! Definitely more enjoyable than Bondi because of the shops that are around the area. Definitely a must when you're in the area!! read more
13 years ago
You have to go to Manly Beach when in Sydney on holiday. Take the ferry from Circular Quay for a budget harbor cruise. If you have at least one adult and one kid, you can get the Sunday Funday pass for all Sydney public transportation for I think $5.00 per person. This includes the Manly Ferry. Woohoo. Different sections of the beach have different waves and the boardwalk is such fun. Sometimes the currents are strong - try your luck at getting sucked out to sea & learn what it's like to be an Aussie! The Hawaiians could do it before breakfast. read more
A short ferry ride from Sydney, Manly is the perfect getaway from the city. With shops, street entertainment, restaurants, and bars it's a perfect place to spend your weekend sunbathing or people watching. If you want to some quite time on the beach, head past the volleyball courts - you'll thank me later. This place is known for surfing so don't expect tranquil waters. There are plenty of warning signs of strong currents and the waves pack serious punch so be wary especially if you're bringing children. read more
15 years ago
Situated on Sydney's North Shore, Manly beach is the laid-back and significantly cooler cousin of Bondi, and not just because it is, by definition, manly. The long beach has been a popular destination for yonks and can make the boast that surfing was born here. What's more it's only a half hour ferry ride from Circular Quay in the CBD, just short enough to be a nip over but long enough to feel like you're going on holiday for the day! The beach front has plenty of hire shops for surf boards, roller skates and volleyballs, as well as loads of bars and coffee shops to dip in and out of too if the heat gets too much, but my advice would just be to jump in that crystal clear water! The currents can be strong, so look out for flags, and make sure you keep an eye on all those enthusiastic boardies. I have an ongoing fear o being ploughed into by a surf-board. You'll find far fewer tourists and a far better atmosphere than on Bondi, as you might have guessed, I'm a complete convert. read more
15 years ago
When we think of Sydney's most iconic strip of sand, Bondi usually springs to mind. But what about the Northern Beaches? Nestled between a peaceful inner-harbour beach on one side and a popular Pacific Ocean surf beach on the other, Manly combines a laid-back attitude with a trendy dining scene and stylish shopping. There is a direct ferry from Wharf 3 at Circular Quay that comes every half hour, and you can take some great pictures, looking back towards the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. As you stroll through the palm-tree lined Corso, you feel like you're in a coastal town. Satisfy the kid in you with an ice-cream from Royal Copenhagen, choose from a plethora of restaurants and bars, or take a short walk to the Sydney Harbour National Park where you can enjoy beautiful views of the Sydney skyline. Manly Beach itself is a lovely, sandy beach with great facilities for surfers and families alike. I took the scenic walk and couldn't help being distracted by the water front mansions I will never be able to afford. I ended up taking a dip in the calmer waters of Shelley Beach-the place where I learned to swim-followed by a couple of hours of sunbathing. For those who find no fun in the sun, there is plenty of shade in the Shelley Beach Park which is also equipped with bbq's, showers and toilets. Manly Beach makes for a great day out where you can escape from the daily grind. read more
15 years ago
The beach at Manly is far better than Bondi Beach. Although Bondi seems to be the more popular beach with tourists, the Manly beach resonates with the locals. Surfing is the favourite pastime of many locals but I like heading there for a swim. The beach is long and wide and lifeguards are present all day. Remember to "Slip-Slap-Slop-Seek-Slide" . That is, slip on a top, slop on plenty of sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek shade and slide on your sunnies. read more
8 years ago
I loved the Cabbage tree marine reserve area (gorgeous turquoise water and reefs!!) but the main beach and walking path were just a little too crowded for my liking. The ferry ride from Circular Quay was awesome!! read more
15 years ago
I'm always being told to take visitors to Manly so they can go to the beach there, and I always wonder why. OK, it's nice enough and it's quite long, but I don't really see the appeal of it past that. I'd rather go to one of the smaller ones like Camp Cove or Balmoral if I'm venturing north-wards. I prefer it to Bondi, mainly because you do get a bit more space, but it's definitely not on my top-beach list. I'm not saying it's not worth going to, if you're here you may as well, but I'm still a little perplexed by the majorities' adoration of it. It's still, as Bill Hicks once lovingly put it, "where dirt meets water". read more
18 years ago
Catch a ferry from Sydney Harbour, taking in the amazing views of the Sydney Opera House & the Harbour Bridge, en-route - & pay a visit to 'Manly Beach'. A great day out, away from Sydney - only a stones throw away. Explore the town, with its shops or just relax on the beach & have an ice-cream or two! ...or maybe enjoy a coffee in one of the cafes. The choice is yours! read more
9 years ago
Nice beach, bit worried about the water with the ferry and other boats going in and out and quite a few people who might bother you for money, but way less people and seagulls. If you're looking to just relax on the weekend, I'd come here. Weekday Manly Beach should be fine. read more
8 years ago
Very nice beach, lots of people, many activities and shops . Second most famous beach in Sydney and the season is still on ! So many food choices around here. Great atmosphere and people, a lot of surfers! read more
10 years ago
Would recommend, choose nice day and try to go early. Gets busy on weekends, great ferry ride, express ferry worth your money pay bit more to get straight to Manly from Darling Harbor or CBD better yet get 24 hour hop on hop off. read more
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