This friendly beachside neighbourhood is located on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, around 12.5 km north-east of the central business district (CBD) of Sydney. It provides access to mostly private residences which are available for short term lettings.
These can range from luxury waterfront homes to budget apartments and everything in between. Your choice will depend on your personal needs; whether you plan to make it a family vacation or use this as an opportunity to catch up with friends, what you want to do while staying here and other similar considerations will be helpful in making your decision.
Manly used to attract mainly domestic tourists but has recently seen an increase in foreign visitors due to its convenience as a hub to Sydney Airport.
Due to the vibrant atmosphere in Manly, it has become a popular destination for hosting international events such as surfing and beach volleyball competitions, modelling competitions, triathlons and other such events.
The Manly Beach Walk is a popular destination to enjoy the views of the ocean and Manly beach.
Manly has its own ferry terminal which connects directly to Sydney's world-famous Circulay Quay terminal in Sydney harbour.
Manly offers a huge range of expensive and inexpensive food items ranging from $5 turkey rolls eaten beachside by locals and seagulls alike to world-class unpretentious restaurants such as Garfish and Hugos.
Manly's quarantine station
was established in 1885 and it played a major role in the transportation of animals from Australia to other countries. Today, part of this quarantine station has been transformed into a museum where visitors can get information about its rich history and significance during colonial times.
Freshwater is an exclusive suburb of Sydney, popular for its gorgeous beaches which are in close proximity to Manly Cove. Freshwater is a popular beach destination for families, couples and surfers alike.
North Manly is a favourite with families and couples looking for a quieter holiday experience which still includes options to eat, drink and shop.
Queenscliff is a family-friendly suburb which is about 15 minutes away from the city. Many tourists opt to stay here because of its proximity to Manly and other popular destinations.
Known for it's spacious surfing beach and coastal walk, Curl Curl is a favoured suburb for holiday-goers who want more of a beachside experience.
Balgowlah has a laidback, relaxed atmosphere and it is popular with older people who enjoy the quieter side of life. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll on miles of beautiful beaches or explore local parks and green spaces.
Little Manly is a well-kept secret as it is much quieter than Manly and remains less crowded even during peak tourist seasons. It has an impressive selection of eating and drinking locations which many visitors find preferable over the popular beaches in nearby areas.
North Head is an affluent suburb with beautiful beaches and it is popular for diving, snorkeling and surfing . Visiting this suburb can also provide an incredible insight into the history of Manly and many other places in Sydney.
Cabbage Tree Bay is a protected marine reserve and one of the most popular diving and snorkelling sites in Manly and home to a variety of fish and sea life.
December - February: Peak Season (Most expensive)
March: Prices start to go down significantly and you get the best deals during this time
September - October: During this period, prices usually fall in between cheap and expensive so it is a good time for holiday rentals.
Manly offers a range of accommodations including:
Some famous attractions around Manly include:
Manly Cove is one of the most popular places in the suburb because it offers visitors a variety of things to do. It has beautiful beaches which are often sought out by tourists looking for some quality time with their loved ones.
Manly Art Gallery and Museum: The gallery houses a number of Australian and international paintings which are worth a look if you have some time to spare.
This is where most visitors come in the summertime because it has beautiful white sands, safe swimming areas and an amazing view of Sydney's world-famous harbour.
The coastal walk is a popular location for walking, biking and jogging because it offers incredible panoramic views of the ocean.
The quarantine station in Manly is an important relic of Australia's colonial past. It was closed in 1980 because it was too costly to keep running and today, it stands as a museum where visitors can get valuable information about its history during colonial times.