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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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 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.

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.