Susan’s guidebook
Sightseeing
North Head is very close to home. you can drive up in a few minutes or explore the native scrub walking trails (aprx 30mins one way). Spectacular views of Sydney Harbour and city. Walk Fairfax path to take you right to the headland. There is a cafe and toilets at North Head...and explore the military barracks along the way. WW2 gun emplacements, Quarantine cemetery and Memorial walk to honour veterans.
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North Head
North Head is very close to home. you can drive up in a few minutes or explore the native scrub walking trails (aprx 30mins one way). Spectacular views of Sydney Harbour and city. Walk Fairfax path to take you right to the headland. There is a cafe and toilets at North Head...and explore the military barracks along the way. WW2 gun emplacements, Quarantine cemetery and Memorial walk to honour veterans.
Q Station is only a few minutes drive from home.... a 20min walk.... or a few minutes on the fast ferry. Historical significance and worth a visit. 1837-1984 used to isolate new ship arrivals suspected of carrying disease. Interesting small museum and buildings. There's a great set of stairs you can choose to use... i trained on these when heading to Everest Base camp . Join a night ghost tour!
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Quarantine Station (Q Station Retreat)
North Head Scenic DriveQ Station is only a few minutes drive from home.... a 20min walk.... or a few minutes on the fast ferry. Historical significance and worth a visit. 1837-1984 used to isolate new ship arrivals suspected of carrying disease. Interesting small museum and buildings. There's a great set of stairs you can choose to use... i trained on these when heading to Everest Base camp . Join a night ghost tour!
A great experience is to take the fast ferry from Manly to Watsons bay. From here you can have lunch at the Watsons Bay hotel.. a stunning building right on the water. Walk to South Head lighthouse (past Lady bay nudist beach)......or from the hotel head up the hill 5mins to the lookouts and pathways along the cliff face.
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Watsons Bay
A great experience is to take the fast ferry from Manly to Watsons bay. From here you can have lunch at the Watsons Bay hotel.. a stunning building right on the water. Walk to South Head lighthouse (past Lady bay nudist beach)......or from the hotel head up the hill 5mins to the lookouts and pathways along the cliff face.
Take the 199 bus up to Palm Beach.... 1hr 40mins aprx. Golden sands. Aussie's famous tv soap, 'Neighbours' was filmed there.
Walk to Barrenjoey lighhouse...it's a steep walk but well worth the incredible views over Palm beach, Pittwater and West Head.
lunch at The Boathouse.
From Palm beach take ferries across to The Basin or Patonga. (picnics, kangaroos, food)
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Palm Beach
24 Ocean RoadTake the 199 bus up to Palm Beach.... 1hr 40mins aprx. Golden sands. Aussie's famous tv soap, 'Neighbours' was filmed there.
Walk to Barrenjoey lighhouse...it's a steep walk but well worth the incredible views over Palm beach, Pittwater and West Head.
lunch at The Boathouse.
From Palm beach take ferries across to The Basin or Patonga. (picnics, kangaroos, food)
Beaches and Picnics
Cabbage Tree bay or The Fairy Bower is only 5mins walk from home. It's a marine reserve, so when the wind is calm it is excellent for snorkelling. Rocky shoreline. gorgeous ocean pool. It's only 2mins walk from beautiful Shelly beach.... two great cafes: Bower cafe and The Boathouse. One of my favorite rituals is an early morning swim at the Bower, followed by coffee or breakie at the cafe overlooking the water.
The quickest way from my place is to walk to the end of Addison road, turn right at the T junction into Reddall St..about 20metres among you'll see a path going directly down to The Bower cafe and ocean
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Cabbage Tree Bay
Cabbage Tree bay or The Fairy Bower is only 5mins walk from home. It's a marine reserve, so when the wind is calm it is excellent for snorkelling. Rocky shoreline. gorgeous ocean pool. It's only 2mins walk from beautiful Shelly beach.... two great cafes: Bower cafe and The Boathouse. One of my favorite rituals is an early morning swim at the Bower, followed by coffee or breakie at the cafe overlooking the water.
The quickest way from my place is to walk to the end of Addison road, turn right at the T junction into Reddall St..about 20metres among you'll see a path going directly down to The Bower cafe and ocean
Only 8 mins walk from home. A beautiful beach with 'The Boathouse' cafe. Very safe swimming. great snorkeling in the marine reserve. beach faces north so excellent afternoon/evening picnic spot. communal bbqs. Walk 1 minute to the carpark above Shelly beach for ocean views and whale spotting (depending on time of year). A little further up is a great bush track which connects with North Head.
The 10min walk along the boardwalk from Manly to Shelly beach is absolutely stunning...watch swimmers and surfers along the way. Look out for Water dragons sunning on the rocks or pathway.
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Spiaggia di Shelly
Only 8 mins walk from home. A beautiful beach with 'The Boathouse' cafe. Very safe swimming. great snorkeling in the marine reserve. beach faces north so excellent afternoon/evening picnic spot. communal bbqs. Walk 1 minute to the carpark above Shelly beach for ocean views and whale spotting (depending on time of year). A little further up is a great bush track which connects with North Head.
The 10min walk along the boardwalk from Manly to Shelly beach is absolutely stunning...watch swimmers and surfers along the way. Look out for Water dragons sunning on the rocks or pathway.
This is a hidden gem !!! surrounded by bush .... walk from home (10-15mins via Little Manly beach) or a few minutes drive (limited parking though). Secluded beach. You could even hire kayaks from Manly wharf and kayak to Collins beach. Note there are no public toilets here. calm safe swimming. If you have Kayaks don't miss Store beach...a hidden jewel only accessible by kayak.
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Collins Beach
This is a hidden gem !!! surrounded by bush .... walk from home (10-15mins via Little Manly beach) or a few minutes drive (limited parking though). Secluded beach. You could even hire kayaks from Manly wharf and kayak to Collins beach. Note there are no public toilets here. calm safe swimming. If you have Kayaks don't miss Store beach...a hidden jewel only accessible by kayak.
Cute harbour beach. 7 mins walk from home. Small kioske for food and coffee. swimming nets. great family swimming spot. have a picnic on grass and watch sunset.
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Little Manly Beach Kiosk
42 Stuart StCute harbour beach. 7 mins walk from home. Small kioske for food and coffee. swimming nets. great family swimming spot. have a picnic on grass and watch sunset.
Manly main beach.... get off the ferry and walk a few minutes down The Corso to Manly's magnificent beach. Almost 2 kms of white sand lined with Norfolk pined.. It's a fun swimming beach, often with waves to jump in. watch the surfers....or learn to surf. swim between the flags as there can be dangerous currents. Buy fish n chips...but watch out for those pesky seagulls. they will steal food right out of your hand!
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Spiaggia di Manly
Manly main beach.... get off the ferry and walk a few minutes down The Corso to Manly's magnificent beach. Almost 2 kms of white sand lined with Norfolk pined.. It's a fun swimming beach, often with waves to jump in. watch the surfers....or learn to surf. swim between the flags as there can be dangerous currents. Buy fish n chips...but watch out for those pesky seagulls. they will steal food right out of your hand!
it's a gorgeous walk around to Fairlight beach... an easy pathway perhaps 15mins from the ferry terminal. excellent swimming net and beach. safe and calm. changing sheds and toilets. take a picnic..
Delwood beach along the way is also very cute, although doesn't have a protected swimming net.
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Spiaggia di Fairlight
it's a gorgeous walk around to Fairlight beach... an easy pathway perhaps 15mins from the ferry terminal. excellent swimming net and beach. safe and calm. changing sheds and toilets. take a picnic..
Delwood beach along the way is also very cute, although doesn't have a protected swimming net.
Only 4mins walk from home is East Esplande beach, Manly Cove or nicknamed 'The Office'... this is definitely a local favourite for families, picnic makers and those enjoying a wine watching the sunset. it's quite a lively spot especially on a sunny afternoon. safe calm water for kids... one of the only beaches with lots of trees for shade. One of my favorite picnic spots to watch sunset...a few mins and you're back home.
On the other side of the ferry terminal (West Esplanade) the beach is the same, although less groups of young people and a safe swimming net. There is also a kids water slide park tucked away at the end
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Manly Cove Beach
Manly CoveOnly 4mins walk from home is East Esplande beach, Manly Cove or nicknamed 'The Office'... this is definitely a local favourite for families, picnic makers and those enjoying a wine watching the sunset. it's quite a lively spot especially on a sunny afternoon. safe calm water for kids... one of the only beaches with lots of trees for shade. One of my favorite picnic spots to watch sunset...a few mins and you're back home.
On the other side of the ferry terminal (West Esplanade) the beach is the same, although less groups of young people and a safe swimming net. There is also a kids water slide park tucked away at the end
About a 20min drive from home. Lovely walking trails around the dam... great picnic spots and swimming on fresh water (a nice change from the ocean)
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Diga di Manly
112 King StAbout a 20min drive from home. Lovely walking trails around the dam... great picnic spots and swimming on fresh water (a nice change from the ocean)
Food Scene
There are a few great eateries at Manly Wharf...with incredible harbour views. I enjoy this area especially in the afternoon and evening to make the most of the setting sun. Wharf bar, Bavarian Biet cafe, Hugos, la Cantina and Sake.... i also love getting Thai takeaway from 'Chat Thai' inside the wharf then sitting on the deck below Hugos in the sun, watching sunset, and fish. At dusk stand under the pine trees near Bavarian Biet cafe and listen to the 1000s of noisy parrots coming home to roost.....This is also the time the big fruit bats start circling and eating the fig tree in The Corso...look up!
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Manly Wharf
There are a few great eateries at Manly Wharf...with incredible harbour views. I enjoy this area especially in the afternoon and evening to make the most of the setting sun. Wharf bar, Bavarian Biet cafe, Hugos, la Cantina and Sake.... i also love getting Thai takeaway from 'Chat Thai' inside the wharf then sitting on the deck below Hugos in the sun, watching sunset, and fish. At dusk stand under the pine trees near Bavarian Biet cafe and listen to the 1000s of noisy parrots coming home to roost.....This is also the time the big fruit bats start circling and eating the fig tree in The Corso...look up!
this is a great spot any time of the day... large open bar and restaurant. i love having a wine in the sun on the outside jetty bar area. beware, if you buy drinks inside you can't take them across to the jetty...you need to buy at jetty bar. a bit of a younger crowd inside in the evenings
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Manly Wharf Hotel
East Esplanadethis is a great spot any time of the day... large open bar and restaurant. i love having a wine in the sun on the outside jetty bar area. beware, if you buy drinks inside you can't take them across to the jetty...you need to buy at jetty bar. a bit of a younger crowd inside in the evenings
Seafood restaurant...to be honest, I've only been once and I'm vegetarian!! ... but my foodie friends love it....
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Garfish Manly
39 E EsplanadeSeafood restaurant...to be honest, I've only been once and I'm vegetarian!! ... but my foodie friends love it....
Iconic Manly pub on The Corso directly across from the ocean. great any time of day for relaxed vibe pub drink or meal. half price meals on monday. ping pong thursday night. big tv screens for sports. great old style building with local historical photos on wall. it's a huge complex with various bars and eateries. Gin bar with balcony on top floor: Glasshouse.
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Hotel Steyne
75 The CorsoIconic Manly pub on The Corso directly across from the ocean. great any time of day for relaxed vibe pub drink or meal. half price meals on monday. ping pong thursday night. big tv screens for sports. great old style building with local historical photos on wall. it's a huge complex with various bars and eateries. Gin bar with balcony on top floor: Glasshouse.
One of my favorite spots for a sunny wine is on the New Brighton balcony. Up one floor, get a table outside in the sun...views of ocean and people watching in the Corso.
If you go up another level you'll find a surprise roof top bar with couches etc. Food is ok...mainly there for balcony views.
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New Brighton Hotel
71 The CorsoOne of my favorite spots for a sunny wine is on the New Brighton balcony. Up one floor, get a table outside in the sun...views of ocean and people watching in the Corso.
If you go up another level you'll find a surprise roof top bar with couches etc. Food is ok...mainly there for balcony views.
this is a fun venue for an evening cocktail....very small venue, usually with a live musician. Speakeasy ambience. Not the place you're after if you want to sit down and enjoy space
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Donny's
7 Market Plthis is a fun venue for an evening cocktail....very small venue, usually with a live musician. Speakeasy ambience. Not the place you're after if you want to sit down and enjoy space
cool little bar and restaurant. Vintage atmosphere. tasty cocktails
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Belgrave Cartel
6 Belgrave Stcool little bar and restaurant. Vintage atmosphere. tasty cocktails
local beer brewery across the road from ferry terminal. my favorite is the beer tasting platter. cosy seating and often a live musician
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4 Pines Manly
43-45 E Esplanadelocal beer brewery across the road from ferry terminal. my favorite is the beer tasting platter. cosy seating and often a live musician
Possibly one of the finer restaurants in Manly. Situated perfectly on the water at Manly Wharf. Banquette seating and deck. Delicious food and beverages.... my fav, a glass of bubbles and pizza
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Hugos
1 E EsplanadePossibly one of the finer restaurants in Manly. Situated perfectly on the water at Manly Wharf. Banquette seating and deck. Delicious food and beverages.... my fav, a glass of bubbles and pizza
This is a chic little bar....across the road from the main beach, just out of the hustle of central manly. Very close to home
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Manly Wine
13 S SteyneThis is a chic little bar....across the road from the main beach, just out of the hustle of central manly. Very close to home
I love the Skiff Club.... it's got an amazing deck over the water with stunning views of Manly and back towards the ferry terminal. On a windless day it's magical. Good array of food. Monday cheap steak night. It's a members club so don't forget your ID as you'll need this to gain entry.
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Manly 16ft Skiff Sailing Club
Stuart StreetI love the Skiff Club.... it's got an amazing deck over the water with stunning views of Manly and back towards the ferry terminal. On a windless day it's magical. Good array of food. Monday cheap steak night. It's a members club so don't forget your ID as you'll need this to gain entry.
Amazing views... usually only stop by if i can get an outside table (amazing harbour views) and between 4pm-6pm week days to get half price delicious margaritas.
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El Camino Cantina Manly
West EsplanadeAmazing views... usually only stop by if i can get an outside table (amazing harbour views) and between 4pm-6pm week days to get half price delicious margaritas.
Ora is an amazing little cafe with incredible organic food. Wholefoods all made onsite with the aim to nourish and heal the body. Everything is so delicious and healthy!! i love it.
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Ora
49-53 N SteyneOra is an amazing little cafe with incredible organic food. Wholefoods all made onsite with the aim to nourish and heal the body. Everything is so delicious and healthy!! i love it.
This is a cool little Mexican restaurant.... tasty tapas and delicious margaritas! I try to get the outside table as it can be a little noisy inside. location is not that scenic but tasty food.
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Chica Bonita Manly
9 The CorsoThis is a cool little Mexican restaurant.... tasty tapas and delicious margaritas! I try to get the outside table as it can be a little noisy inside. location is not that scenic but tasty food.
This great restaurant is situated at stunning Shelly Beach. It has a great selection of food, and a perfect spot to stop at for breakfast/brunch after your swim. I usually try to sit outside, as it can be a bit noisy inside.... it's often very busy during weekends and holidays, so I usually only stop if I can get a good tables. You can always get takeaway coffee/food and sit on the beach, under a palm tree or on a picnic table.
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The Boathouse Shelly Beach
1 Marine ParadeThis great restaurant is situated at stunning Shelly Beach. It has a great selection of food, and a perfect spot to stop at for breakfast/brunch after your swim. I usually try to sit outside, as it can be a bit noisy inside.... it's often very busy during weekends and holidays, so I usually only stop if I can get a good tables. You can always get takeaway coffee/food and sit on the beach, under a palm tree or on a picnic table.
This is a great open sided pub on the wharf...perfect for an afternoon cold beer. Numerous local and imported beers. Sit inside or out in the sun, with stunning harbour views. Watch the sunset and listen to the 1000s of parrots that come home to roost in the neighboring pines trees (at dusk). ... also keep an eye out for the large fruit bats that fly around the fig trees in The Corso at this time.
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The Bavarian Manly Wharf
5 E EsplanadeThis is a great open sided pub on the wharf...perfect for an afternoon cold beer. Numerous local and imported beers. Sit inside or out in the sun, with stunning harbour views. Watch the sunset and listen to the 1000s of parrots that come home to roost in the neighboring pines trees (at dusk). ... also keep an eye out for the large fruit bats that fly around the fig trees in The Corso at this time.
Small organic store next to Coles on Wentwortj street. There is also another organic store a few doors up but i can't remember the name.
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Manly Food Co-Operative
11-25 Wentworth StSmall organic store next to Coles on Wentwortj street. There is also another organic store a few doors up but i can't remember the name.
1 min from home. Perfect if you just want to duck out for a coffee or muffin, and bring it back home.
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The Roast Office
37 Darley Rd1 min from home. Perfect if you just want to duck out for a coffee or muffin, and bring it back home.
Amazing views and setting. Head straight to the top floor for a cold drink, surrounded by plants and view over Manly beach.
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Manly Greenhouse
36-38 S SteyneAmazing views and setting. Head straight to the top floor for a cold drink, surrounded by plants and view over Manly beach.
delicious Nepalese momos. hole in the wall style cafe.
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Momo Bar. Dumplings & Pokè
28 Market Pldelicious Nepalese momos. hole in the wall style cafe.
Activities
This is a great coastal walk. I'd recommend walking one way (aprx 4 hours) then taking the bus back. Walk through stunning bush with amazing harbour views. wear suitable footwear as the terrain is quite rocky in places.
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Manly To Spit Bridge Costal Walk
Reef Beach TrackThis is a great coastal walk. I'd recommend walking one way (aprx 4 hours) then taking the bus back. Walk through stunning bush with amazing harbour views. wear suitable footwear as the terrain is quite rocky in places.
Situated right iin Corso near the Wharf.... Fun escape rooms. excellent themed rooms and group activities. fun for kids and adults
Room Eight Escape Room
2B The CorsoSituated right iin Corso near the Wharf.... Fun escape rooms. excellent themed rooms and group activities. fun for kids and adults
in summer i love to hire a kayak for a couple of hours and head over to Quarantine Station, Shore beach and Collins Flat... it's a beautiful way to explore these stunning beachs. Water is glorious, Bush to waters edge and no crowds!!! I find it's calmest in the morning... and I only go if it's not a Southerly or Westerly wind
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Manly Kayak Centre
East Esplanadein summer i love to hire a kayak for a couple of hours and head over to Quarantine Station, Shore beach and Collins Flat... it's a beautiful way to explore these stunning beachs. Water is glorious, Bush to waters edge and no crowds!!! I find it's calmest in the morning... and I only go if it's not a Southerly or Westerly wind
Shopping
Warringah mall shopping centre. closest shopping centre to Manly. Bus route 135 leaves from almost outside my apartment door (cnr Addison and Osbourne) and goes directly inside the mall (20mins). Otherwise take a bus from Manly to the mall.
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Warringah Mall, Pittwater Rd, Stand B station
Warringah mall shopping centre. closest shopping centre to Manly. Bus route 135 leaves from almost outside my apartment door (cnr Addison and Osbourne) and goes directly inside the mall (20mins). Otherwise take a bus from Manly to the mall.
Super cheap supermarket in the Manly wharf. Every Wednesday and Saturday there are amazing bargains of things you didn't know you needed !! 😂
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ALDI Manly
Super cheap supermarket in the Manly wharf. Every Wednesday and Saturday there are amazing bargains of things you didn't know you needed !! 😂
Every weekend the Manly Markets are in The Corso and Sydney Road. Wander through the stalls to buy local gifts, organic fruit and veg, and fresh cut flowers
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Mercato di Manly
Sydney RoadEvery weekend the Manly Markets are in The Corso and Sydney Road. Wander through the stalls to buy local gifts, organic fruit and veg, and fresh cut flowers
Neighborhoods
It's a lovely walk from Manly to Queenscliff, then up over the headland into Freshwater beach. It's a stunning ocean beach, great for surfing and swimming.... lots of green parks for picnics, cafes... Pilu is a beautful (pricey) restaurant near the water. less crowds than Manly. Continue walking along Freshwater beach (swim in the ocean pool), walk over headland...stop at Harbord Diggers for lunch (great members club with amazing facilities)...continue on the boardwalk to Curl Curl beach cafe...have a coffee then walk back or catch a bus. Manly to Curl Curl walk (no stops) is about an hour or so.
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Freshwater
It's a lovely walk from Manly to Queenscliff, then up over the headland into Freshwater beach. It's a stunning ocean beach, great for surfing and swimming.... lots of green parks for picnics, cafes... Pilu is a beautful (pricey) restaurant near the water. less crowds than Manly. Continue walking along Freshwater beach (swim in the ocean pool), walk over headland...stop at Harbord Diggers for lunch (great members club with amazing facilities)...continue on the boardwalk to Curl Curl beach cafe...have a coffee then walk back or catch a bus. Manly to Curl Curl walk (no stops) is about an hour or so.
Kid Friendly
Manly Wharf Hotel
East Esplanadecater for kids
The Ivanhoe Hotel Manly
27 The Corsocaters for kids...and has great aircon!
Hotel Steyne
75 The Corsocaters for kids
Yok Thai Restaurant
21 Wentworth Stcaters for kids
The Manly Waterworks
Commonwealth Parade