Manly Beach

Manly Beach is one of Sydney's finest beach experiences. The 30-minute ferry from Circular Quay is the recommended way to get there, and the harbor views on the crossing are genuinely stunning. Year-round surf patrols are in place, so the water's always covered.

The beach stretches 1.5 kilometers along the ocean side of the Manly peninsula. You'll find excellent surf conditions, along with a laid-back beach town atmosphere that feels well removed from the CBD, despite Manly being technically within Sydney's boundaries. When the swell is too much, head to the sheltered harbor beaches on the opposite side of the peninsula for calm water swimming.

The Corso pedestrian mall connects harbor to ocean, lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. It does get crowded on weekends, so if you can manage a weekday morning, you'll find better conditions and fewer people.

Manly is also the gateway to the Manly Scenic Walkway and North Head, where the coastal hiking is spectacular.