This beach-side suburb in Northern Sydney is well-loved for its long strips of beaches and myriad of fun water activities, including kayaking and surfing. Fun fact: the world’s very first surfing competition was held in Manly in 1964, which skyrocketed its fame as a surfing destination!
Whether you’re a Sydneysider or visiting for the first time, you’ll find heaps of things to do in Manly. It’s always fun to escape the busy CBD once in a while and hit its pristine turquoise waters! It’s relatively easy to access via land transportation such as buses and taxis or private cars. Or if you’re travelling from the CBD, jump on the scenic ferry for some awesome views.
There’re so many fun things to do in Manly, making it perfect for a weekend getaway destination that doesn't take you too far from central Sydney. Need some help deciding what to do in Manly? Keep scrolling through!
- Experience the famous Bondi to Manly Walk
- Visit Manly Art Gallery & Museum
- Explore the beaches
- Have a splashin’ good time at Manly Surf n Slide - $20-87 per hour
- Hire a kayak in Manly - $25
- Try Stand Up Paddleboarding - $25
- Challenge your friends to SUP BALL - $25
- Bike around Manly - $40
- Take SUP lessons - $55
- Kayak to an exclusive picnic spot in Manly Beach - $75
- Go on a Manly Snorkel Tour with Guided Walking Tour - $79
- Go on a guided kayak tour from Manly Beach- $125
- Hire a boat and explore Manly at your own pace - $140
- Manly Beach & Sunset Cruise Bicycle Tour - $149
- Shop ‘til you drop in The Corso
1. Experience the famous Bondi to Manly Walk
The Bondi to Manly walking trail is one of the most popular ones in Sydney! Image credits @ivana_rabbit on Instagram
The Bondi to Manly walk is definitely a must-try thing to do in Manly. It takes you to all the essential stops in Sydney, including Watsons Bay Wharf, Double Bay Wharf, Circular Quay, and more. This 80-kilometre trail is no walk in the park, so you can go through it over a few days.
Know more about the iconic Bondi to Manly walk with this guide:
2. Visit Manly Art Gallery & Museum
Feed yourself with the best works of art at Manly Art Gallery & Museum - Image credits @magamnsw on Instagram
If you need to soothe your soul with art, visiting Manly Art Gallery & Museum is a must. It’s known as the cultural gateway of the Northern Beaches with an expansive collection of Australian art, ceramics, and other masterpieces.
3. Explore the beaches
Manly is home to several beaches you can explore - Image credits @manlybeachaustralia on Instagram
Why see one when you can visit several beaches in Manly? Check out Manly Beach, where the first-ever surfing competition was held, Shelly Beach, the 500-metre Bilgola Beach, and more!
4. Have a splashin’ good time at Manly Surf n Slide - $20-87 per hour
Kids will have a blast at Manly Surf n Slide. Image credits @manlysurfnslide on Instagram
Thinking of things to do in Manly with the little ones? You won’t be disappointed with Manly Surf n Slide, a waterpark at the heart of Manly with iconic waterslides and awesome views.
5. Hire a kayak in Manly - $25
Kayaking is a great way to tour the unexplored parts of Manly - Image credits @manlykayakcentre on Instagram
Get out on the unspoilt waters of North Harbour by hiring a kayak in Manly, and uncover beaches and waterfalls that are only accessible by boat. Not only is it a one-of-a-kind sightseeing experience, but it’s also relaxing to just paddle away with a friend.
6. Try Stand Up Paddleboarding - $25
Stand up paddleboarding is a must when you’re in Manly! Image credits @manlykayakcentre on Instagram
Stand up paddleboarding is super in right now, and Manly’s North Harbour is one of the best places to do it. Much like kayaking, you can reach untouched areas while enjoying soaking in nature. Plus, it’s super beginner-friendly!
7. Challenge your friends to SUP BALL - $25
Add a new level of fun to stand up paddleboarding and try your hand at SUPBALL.
Want some fun, excitement, and friendly competition? Then the best thing to do in Manly is to play stand up paddle ball (SUPBALL). Learn the basics from a friendly instructor, and it’s game on!
8. Bike around Manly - $40
Bring all your friends, wear some sunscreen, and bike to all the best sports in Manly!
After a tour of the waters of Manly, it’s time to explore the land. Hire a bike for a full day and explore iconic attractions in and around Manly, such as Centennial Park, Olympic Park, South Harbour Bay, and Northern Beaches.
9. Take SUP lessons - $55
You’ll be paddleboarding like a pro in no time. Image credits @manlykayakcentre on Instagram
Need a confidence boost for paddleboarding? Book a two-hour stand-up paddleboard lesson in Manly, and soon you’ll be SUPing like a pro (and crushing it at SUPBALL)!
If SUP has become your new favourite thing, check out our guide on the best spots to stand up paddleboard in Manly.
10. Kayak to an exclusive picnic spot in Manly Beach - $75
Picnic by the beach, anyone?
Hop on a kayak and paddle away to a beach where a picnic set-up awaits you. On this group picnic and paddle experience in Manly, you can explore the beauty of the harbour and have three whole hours to sit back and relax on a beach picnic.
11. Go on a Manly Snorkel Tour with Guided Walking Tour - $79
Manly’s waters are so pristine, you can even go snorkelling!
On the Manly Snorkel and Guided Walking Tour, you’ll explore the Shelly Beach Headland Loop before putting on your snorkelling gear and diving into the waters for a one-hour tour. You’ll be in awe at the endangered Blue Groper and other aquatic life.
12. Go on a guided kayak tour from Manly Beach- $125
Follow your guide and paddle your way to the best spots in Manly! Image credits @manlykayakcentre on Instagram
Another great thing to do in Manly is going on this guided kayaking tour from Manly Beach. It will take you to the glittering harbour and on-land highlights of North Harbour, such as the historical Q Station Museum.
If your heart’s leaning towards paddling the day away, check out where you can go kayaking and stand up paddling at Manly using your Dine & Discover NSW voucher.
13. Hire a boat and explore Manly at your own pace - $140
You don’t need a boat license to man a boat and explore Manly. Image credits @manlykayakcentre on Instagram
Spend a lovely morning or afternoon being the captain of your own ship thanks to this self-drive boat hire in Manly. Explore the harbour at your own pace; you can even opt to go fishing if you have an NSW recreational fishing license.
14. Manly Beach & Sunset Cruise Bicycle Tour - $149
This tour is the perfect mesh of sunset, sea, and cycling! Image credits @manlykayakcentre on Instagram
On the Manly Beach and Sunset Cruise Bicycle Tour, you’ll start the trip by taking in the views of Sydney Harbour via ferry before cycling along the scenic coastal cliffs and city skyline. Finally, sit back and watch the sunset behind the Opera House and other iconic Sydney landmarks during your return cruise.
15. Shop ‘til you drop in The Corso
The Corso is brimming with activities and fun shopping finds. Image credits @travel_nikol_blahova on Instagram
Aside from being the quickest route from the Manly Ferry to Manly beach, this street/pedestrian mall is a hub of activity and shops. At The Corso, you’ll find entertaining buskers, surf shops, cafés, and more.
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