Manly

Sydney

A relaxed beach suburb on the north shore, reached by a famous 30-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay, with ocean and harbour beaches.

Best for Families · Budget

Transport: 3/5
Sights: 3/5
Value: 4/5
Quiet: 4/5
Food: 4/5

Typical mid-range hotel ~$185/night · 30 min to Circular Quay

See hotels in Manly

Why stay here

Ocean and harbour beaches
The Manly ferry past the Opera House
Relaxed, family-friendly village feel

Who should stay here

Families
Beach holidays with city trips
Travellers who want calm

Not ideal if…

You want to be in the city every evening
You want a short airport transfer
You want big nightlife

What it's like

Manly sits on a narrow neck of land with the harbour on one side and a long ocean beach lined with Norfolk pines on the other, joined by the Corso, a pedestrian street of cafés and surf shops. Shelly Beach, a calm cove for snorkelling, and the walks of North Head are nearby.

It feels like a seaside village, but the ferry gives you the best harbour views in Sydney twice a day. The ferry is the only quick link to the city, so long sightseeing days mean a lot of boat time.

Best streets and sub-areas

The Corso
Pedestrian street from the wharf to the ocean beach.
South Steyne
Beachfront promenade under the pines.
Manly Wharf
Ferry terminal with bars and restaurants on the harbour.

Getting around

Nearest stations: Manly ferry and fast ferry to Circular Quay, and buses up the Northern Beaches.
To Circular Quay: About 30 minutes
From Sydney Airport: About 65 minutes: airport train to Circular Quay, then the Manly ferry.

Nearby attractions

Manly ferry
Thirty minutes across the harbour with Opera House views.
Shelly Beach
Sheltered cove for snorkelling, a short walk from the main beach.
Manly to Spit Bridge walk
10 km harbourside bush walk.
North Head
Clifftop lookouts over the harbour entrance.

Where to eat and drink

The Corso
Cafés, fish and chips and pubs.
Manly Wharf
Harbourside bars at sunset.

Where to stay in Manly

A few hotels we'd book in this area, at different budgets.

Best value

Novotel Sydney Manly Pacific

Why we like it: Beachfront hotel on South Steyne.

Typical mid-range rate in Manly: ~$185/night

Check availability

Boutique pick

Q Station

Why we like it: Historic quarantine station on North Head, by the harbour.