16 Iconic Things To Do In Manly

If you’re after the quintessential Sydney coastal experience, Manly is the place to be.

Manly’s golden sands, secret beaches and excellent surfing conditions make it irresistible to locals and international visitors alike. With a relaxed and laid-back lifestyle, this world-renowned destination has got something for everyone. Food enthusiasts are drawn to a culinary scene that’s as diverse and captivating as the coastal views. Prefer the outdoors? There’s a wealth of options for those who love coastal walks, water activities and people-watching by the water. It’s time to drift along with the sea breeze, escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and keep reading to discover what to see and do while soaking up this vibrant, lively place.

1. Catch the Manly ferry

The best way to begin an adventure to Manly is to catch the iconic ferry from Circular Quay. On the journey, you’ll see stunning views of Sydney Harbour, an expansive panorama of the Sydney skyline, snippets of maritime history and secret hidden beaches. Catching the ferry is considered an iconic Sydney attraction.

Sydney Ferries passing through Sydney Harbour — Hop on the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Discover Q Station

The heritage-listed Q Station, formerly known as the Quarantine Station, is regularly considered one of the best things to do in Sydney. The unique site, originally picked for its isolation, first opened as a quarantine facility for incoming ships to prevent the spread of contagious diseases, particularly with the cholera pandemic in mid-1800s Europe.

an aerial view of Q Station, Manly — Q Station offers luxe accommodation on the shores of Sydney Harbour in Manly. (Image: Destination NSW)

Now part of the Sydney Harbour National Park, Q Station offers a wealth of things for visitors to do. There is a range of tours to join: history tours, after-dark ghost tours, and wildlife tours. There are multiple dining options on-site, from casual snacks at the Wharf Cafe and Bar to fine dining at the Boilerhouse Kitchen and Bar.

Ghost tours at Manly Q Station — Get spooked after dark on a Q Station ghost tour. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Bike ride through Manly

Manly offers an extensive range of bike tracks and cycleways that will suit both beginners to more experienced cyclists, and these let you take in Manly’s beautiful coastal vistas and natural scenery.

a father and son cycling along Manly Beach — Start your day right by cycling along Manly Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

You can elect to take yourself on self-guided tours by hiring from Manly Bikes, or you might prefer to join a guided tour, like with Bonza Bike Tours.

Bonza Bike Tours experience in Manly — Explore the Northern Beaches with Bonza Bike Tours. (Image: Destination NSW)

Popular places to cycle include North Head, and around Manly Dam, or another option is to begin at Manly and cycle along tracks that will take you further into the Northern Beaches.

Women cycling aroud Manly Dam — Swap the beach for Manly Dam and explore more of the region by bike. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Surf at one of Manly’s beaches

Manly’s iconic beaches have earned themselves the reputation of being a surfing haven and the popular surfing culture means that out in the waves you’ll find a combination of confident surfers and those trying it out for the first time.

surfing at Manly Beach — Hit the waves at Manly Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

Manly Surf School offers adult and kids group lessons right on Manly’s main beach. Surfing conditions can change quickly, so check local surf reports and be aware of surf safety before heading out.

surfers hitting the beach at Manly SurfSchool — Learn to surf with Manly Surf School. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Visit the Manly Art Gallery and Museum

Established in 1930, the Manly Art Gallery and Museum (MAG&M) is the oldest metropolitan-based regional gallery in NSW. The Design shop is worth popping into, and features the work of local Australian artists and designers.

two people talking while browsing through artworks at Manly Art Gallery and Museum — Browse through diverse artworks at the Manly Art Gallery and Museum. (Image: Karen Watson)

Head here to see innovative exhibitions, Australian art and ceramics, and cultural programs. They also offer a range of workshops and drawing classes.

the view of Manly Wharf from Manly Art Gallery and Museum — The gallery is a stone’s throw away from Manly Wharf. (Image: Leila Jeffreys)

MAG&M is within walking distance of Manly Wharf and, good news, general admission is free. Further along in Freshwater, you’ll find the Aboriginal Heritage Office, where you can visit the cultural and heritage displays at the museum and Keeping Place.

6. Kayak Manly waters

Manly’s stunning coastal scenery and accessible waterways make it an excellent destination for kayaking. Not only does it allow for fresh perspectives when looking up from the water at the cliffs and rocks on the shoreline, but there are plenty of opportunities for close encounters with marine wildlife.

kayaking at Manly Beach — Go kayaking along the rocky shoreline of Manly. (Image: Destination NSW)

There are several places for kayak hire, including Manly Kayak Centre at Q station. From here, you have the flexibility to visit Store Beach – not only is Store Beach one of the best secret beaches to visit in Australia but it is only accessible by Kayak. As with all water sports, it’s important to check the weather and tidal conditions before setting out.

kayaks lined up on the shore in Manly — There are several spots by the water for kayak hire. (Image: Destination NSW)

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

7. Shop at Manly’s weekend market

Manly markets are open every Saturday and Sunday and can be found just off the main beach in the heart of Manly, along the Corso and Sydney Road.

people shopping at the Manly weekend market — Shop your way around the Manly markets.

Wander through the market stalls with a coffee in hand and you’ll find a range of artisanal products from emerging artists and designers, vintage clothing, delicious food stalls and live music.

stalls line up along Manly weekend market — Browse through the stalls that feature artisanal products.

On Sundays, Manly Fresh Produce Market showcases the best fresh produce directly from farmers and food providores across the state.

stalls line up along the Manly weekend market on a sunny day — Experience Manly’s weekend market scene.

8. Swim at the many beaches (and play beach volleyball)

One of the best parts about Sydney life is cooling off in the ocean on a long, hot day. Manly boasts not only the iconic Manly Beach – made up of three sections: Queenscliff, North Steyne and South Steyne – but also neighbouring coves and smaller beaches, each possessing a distinctive charm, that makes it a dream destination for taking a refreshing plunge.

Views of Manly Beach — Prioritise a dip in Manly Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

There’s quieter Little Manly Beach, family-friendly Manly Cove, picturesque Fairlight Beach, crystal-clear Quarantine Beach and hidden gem Store Beach. And don’t forget Collins Flat Beach. Splashed at all of Manly’s beaches? Check out our must-read guide to Sydney beaches to visit.

an aerial view of Quarantine Beach, Manly — Bask in the sun at Quarantine Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

9. Soak up Manly’s cafe scene

Manly’s dynamic and bustling cafe culture means that visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to coffee here. Not only that, there’s a cacophony of hearty breakfasts, flaky pastries, cosy and inviting spaces and a passion for sustainability to guarantee a good time. There are so many cafes to start the day at, which can be found tucked away down Manly alleyways or right by the water with gorgeous water views.

Croissants at Rollers Bakehouse in Manly — Rollers Bakehouse is one of the many cafe spots in Manly.

10. Attempt a bullseye at Kiss My Axe

The popularity of Indoor axe-throwing has been gaining momentum, so why not check out Kiss My Axe in Brookvale, just around the corner from Manly? With a licensed venue, expert staff on hand to help, and a high-energy vibe, the stars are aligned to have an axe-ceptional time. They have packages for large and small groups, a two for Tuesdays axe throwing special, and glow darts also on offer.

players throwing axes at Kiss My Axe Brookvale — Try your luck at Kiss My Axe.

11. Tour Manly’s breweries

Touring the breweries in Manly and surrounds isn’t just a journey through hops and malt, it is a chance to celebrate the craftsmanship and art of brewing. Explore the breweries in the area and discover authenticity, innovation and excellence.

two people enjoying beers at the 4 Pines Brewing Co. TruckBar, Brookvale — Start a brewery tour of Manly at 4 Pines BrewPub. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start off in Manly at the 4 Pines BrewPub, make your way up to Manly Vale and stop off at Quakers Hat Brewing. End your crawl in Brookvale and enjoy the tours, live music and great food at Bucketty’s Brewing Co., Dad & Dave’s Brewing, and 7th Day Brewery.

If you lean towards spirits over beer, head over to Manly Spirits Co. You’ll discover Australian premium spirits created using artisanal methods in their distillery, like award-winning artisan gin, as well as vodka and whisky. Want more than a tour? They also offer a cocktail masterclass.

a gin distillery tour and tasting experience at ManlySpirits Co. Distillery, Brookvale — Sample award-winning artisan gins at Manly Spirits Co. (Image: Destination NSW)

12. Explore North Head Sanctuary

North Head, with its dramatic cliffs and network of walking tracks, is a must-visit destination in Manly. Located on the land of the Gayemagal people, you’ll find stunning natural beauty, sweeping panoramic views and snapshots of history with the remnants of the Second World War military fortifications.

There’s so much to do here – join one of the many Harbour Trust run tours to hear about the North Fort or the Third Quarantine Cemetery, learn more about the local flora and fauna by visiting the North Head Sanctuary Foundation’s visitor centre, and tie up your shoelaces as there’s over 10 kilometres of walking tracks to explore. To finish your visit, grab a bite at one of the two spots on site: Bella Vista Cafe or the Yorky Coffee Caravan.

an aerial view of North Head, Sydney Harbour National Park — Catch sweeping ocean views as you explore North Head. (Image: John Spencer/DCCEEW)

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13. Manly Dam

Manly Dam, also known as Manly Warringah War Memorial Park, is a picturesque reservoir and popular recreational area, hemmed in by lush bushland. There is a network of walks and trails to choose from.

the Manly Dam surrounded by lush greenery — The Heritage-listed Manly Dam extends to a freshwater lake. (Image: Northern Beaches Council)

The most popular is the park circuit track, which is 7.3 kilometres long and takes around three hours to complete – along the way you’ll pass waterfalls, rockpools, and local wildlife. There are shorter walks available too, that vary in distance and difficulty. Gulgadya Muru Aboriginal Self-Guided Walk is a circuit track that educates about Aboriginal culture, and you can see rock engravings and sites with axe grinding grooves and other artefacts.

kayaking in Manly Dam — There’s a designated section in Manly Reservoir for kayaking and fishing. (Image: Northern Beaches Council)

Other activities include mountain biking, wild swimming in designated areas, fishing, wallaby spotting and waterskiing. While dogs are permitted on leash on the tracks in the bushland, they’re not allowed elsewhere in the bushland or at the picnic areas. Something that surprises people is that the outdoor picnic tables need to be booked and paid for in advance via the Northern Beaches Council website.

14. Walk along to Shelly Beach

Coastal gem Shelly Beach is part of Cabbage Tree Bay, an aquatic reserve that protects marine wildlife.

a school of fish swimming in the waters of Shelly Beach, Cabbage Bay Aquatic Reserve, Manly — Discover abundant marine life in Cabbage Bay Aquatic Reserve. (Image: Destination NSW)

While there is street parking within walking distance of the shore, to really appreciate how captivating the area is, the best way to visit Shelly Beach is by leisurely walking the 15 minutes or so along the coastal one-kilometre path from the main Manly drag.

an aerial view of the Shelly Beach and the Cabbage TreeBay Aquatic Reserve, Manly — Shelly Beach is renowned for its beautiful cove. (Image: Destination NSW)

Snorkelling here is thought to be one of the best snorkelling spots in Sydney.

a local Eastern Blue Groper in Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, Manly — Spot captivating creatures beneath the waters like this Eastern Blue Groper. (Image: Destination NSW)

Along the walk you will pass the charming Fairy Bower rock pool, considered one of the best Sydney pools in the city.

people enjoying the day in the Fairy Bower Ocean Pool,Manly — Cool off at Fairy Bower Ocean Pool on the short walk from Manly Wharf to Shelly Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

15. Spit to Manly walk

The popular Spit to Manly Walk is a breathtaking 10-kilometre scenic track that winds from the Spit Bridge towards North Head, alongside Sydney’s stunning harbour beaches.

walking along Spit Bridge to Manly with scenic views across Sydney Harbour — Journey the scenic coastal route from Spit Bridge to Manly. (Image: Destination NSW)

It forms part of the great Bondi to Manly walk, and it’s an opportunity to totally immerse yourself in nature, walking through bushland and by pristine waters. Pack your swimmers so you can jump into one of the many stunning beaches along the way, like Clontarf Reserve Beach, Castle Rock Beach, Reef Beach and Forty Baskets Beach.

a couple walking an enjoying coastal views of SydneyHarbour from Dobroyd Head, Balgowlah Heights — Discover breathtaking views along this Manly walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

A track highlight is the Grotto Point Aboriginal engraving site at Dobroyd Head, where you’re able to see rock engravings of a giant kangaroo, several small fish, boomerangs, and a whale – just make sure you stay on the boardwalk to protect the site.

It is important to note that it is a moderate track and challenging at times, and you’ll also need to come prepared with enough water as water stations are limited.

friends climbing up Spit Bridge to Manly via Clontarf Beach — Navigate Spit Bridge to Manly via Clontarf Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

16. Enjoy an afternoon or evening drink at Manly’s bars

Manly has a lively drinking scene that perfectly complements its laid-back and beachy good-time vibes, with many venues offering outdoor seating options to soak in the sun and sound of crashing waves.

There’s a mix of classic pubs, trendy cocktail bars and industrial breweries, so you’ll always find a place for any occasion – to celebrate, catch up with friends, enjoy live music or simply relax and unwind.

Keep your eyes peeled not just for happy hour deals, but see if you can spot the hidden doorway to the underground speakeasy the Cumberland, one of 15 hidden bars in Sydney you need to discover. If drinking by the beach is something you love to do, consider checking out other fantastic beach bars around Australia.

a hand holding a cocktail at Manly Wharf Hotel — Come by the Manly Wharf Hotel for a sundowner. (Image: Destination NSW)

Bate Bay’s sweep of beaches has been crowned Australia’s best for 2026, placing Sutherland Shire in the spotlight as a top coastal destination just south of Sydney’s CBD.

The beaches fringing Bate Bay – Cronulla, North Cronulla, Wanda, Elouera and Greenhills – have topped Tourism Australia’s 2026 list of best Australian beaches (as curated by Beach Ambassador Brad Farmer). For locals, it’s less revelation, more recognition.

The mood shifts from the moment you step off the T4 train service from Central to Cronulla and catch a glimpse of the ocean. At dawn, the Esplanade is already buzzing with regulars, and by mid-morning, parents have staked out a toasty spot on Cronulla Beach where excited toddlers clamber over rocks, and the Jellybean swim squad at Oak Park have donned their bright pink caps while singing Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’.

By the afternoon, towels are being collected from across the sand as visitors wander back to Cronulla in loose formation.

North Cronulla beach — Dive into the world’s best beaches.

That’s the thing about Bate Bay beaches. This isn’t a story about a single beach. This long, uninterrupted sweep of sand and sea, where you can walk for kilometres without breaking stride, is not just enjoyed over summer; it’s a year-round destination. Here, Cronulla’s buzz gives way to Wanda’s wild edges, before stretching out to the quieter reaches of Greenhills.

But while Bate Bay’s beaches may have taken top honours in the 2026 Best Australian Beaches list, they’re only part of the drawcard. Sutherland Shire stacks up as a full-spectrum coastal escape, where good food, national park adventures and on-the-water experiences sit within easy reach of the shoreline. Whether you’re planning a long weekend or stretching out a stay, here’s how to make the most of Cronulla beyond the sand, sea and surf.

Beyond the beaches

Dining

The Sutherland Shire dining scene delivers from early morning to late at night with a mix of vibrant cafes, bars and pubs. Start your day at Grind Espresso, where the coffee comes strong and fast. From there, drift towards HAM for pastries, best eaten buttery warm.

By midday, locals linger across sun-lit tables. Loaf and Next Door appeal to the surfers who come in for snacks after chasing waves. Blackwood’s Pantry and The Press are also popular for breakfast and lunch, while Pilgrim’s continues to hold a special place in the hearts of vegans.

Newer arrivals signal where Cronulla is heading: Homer Rogue Taverna is being hailed as one of the best restaurants in Cronulla, with the confidence that comes from understanding what locals want. Ask a local to reveal their favourite restaurant for a special occasion, and it’ll likely be Pino’s Vino e Cucina al Mare, Yalla Sawa or Alphabet Street. Summer Salt, Sealevel, Benny’s, Bobbys and Pippis are a few of the best waterfront restaurants in the Shire.

Finally, when most places are winding down, Duke’s Providore shifts gears to become Duke’s After Hours – a low-lit romantic spot perfect for a date night. Parc Pavilion, Northies Cronulla and bars The Blind Bear, Las Chicas and Low & Lofty’s are also part of Cronulla’s identity.

Visit Bundeena

Bundeena Ferry Wharf — Catch a ferry to Bundeena.

A short ferry ride from Cronulla, Bundeena offers a counterpoint to Cronulla’s mighty surf beaches. If Cronulla is the Shire’s social heart, Bundeena – or Bundenesia, as it’s affectionately known – is the place to go to exhale and unwind.

Hop on the ferry from Cronulla, and within 30 minutes, you’ll be inhaling the eucalyptus-scented air. Check the creative pulse of the local community by timing your visit with the Bundeena Maianbar Art Trail on the first Sunday of every month.

One of the best things to do in Bundeena is paddle into Cabbage Tree Basin with Bundeena Kayaks. Follow the five-kilometre Jibbon Beach Loop Track that leads past quiet coves to ancient Indigenous rock art, or simply find a stretch of pearl-white sand to relax on.

Pristine walking trails

Royal National Park Cape Baily Walking Track — Cool off with a coastal stroll.

Beyond the coastline, Sutherland Shire offers myriad ways to shift gears. Royal National Park – the oldest national park in Australia – sits just minutes from the surf. Clifftop walks trace the edge of the continent, the rugged bushland is threaded with creeks and hidden waterfalls, and a network of tracks rewards those willing to go a little further.

Take the Coast Track, where the land drops cleanly into the ocean over sheer cliffs that have been stacked together like giant Jenga. Or veer inland, where pockets of forest cool the air and filter the light. It’s a reminder of how close nature sits to the bustle of suburbs in the Sutherland Shire.

Enjoy whale watching

humpback whale sighting noosa experiences — Spot whales from May to October. (Credit: The Edit Suite)

Twist your binoculars until the ocean is in focus, stretched like a creased blue sheet all around. Come May, the East Coast becomes the humpback highway. Thousands of whales migrate along this stretch of coastline each year, their movements tracked by keen eyes from vantage points like the Cape Solander platform in Kamay Botany Bay National Park, one of the best places for whale watching in Australia. There’s something quietly thrilling about seeing that first telltale spout or the arc of a breaching body against the vastness of the sea. From June to October, whale-watching cruises depart from Cronulla, offering a closer look at the migration.

Awards come and go. But places like Cronulla endure because they belong as much to the visitors as they do the early-morning swimmers, walkers and surfers.

Plan your escape at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.