Review: Manly Beach

Give us the wide-angle view: what kind of beach are we talking about?
One of Sydney’s most famous surf spots, Manly Beach is a huge sweep of golden sand backed by pretty pine trees. It’s actually three beaches in one—South Steyne, North Steyne, and surf-friendly Queenscliff, stretching almost two kilometers—and is the first of the city’s Northern Beaches which run from here up to Palm Beach.

Lovely. How accessible is it?
Taking the iconic half-hour Manly Ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Wharf is half the fun, with fantastic views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and city skyline (especially if you bag a seat outside). Privately-operated Manly Fast Ferry journeys, lasting 19 minutes, cost more. On arrival, you’ll spy family-friendly harbor beaches on both sides of the wharf offering sheltered swimming. For proper waves though, follow the crowd along short pedestrian street The Corso across the peninsula to oceanfront Manly Beach.

Got it. Decent services and facilities, would you say?
A promenade links the trio of ocean beaches dotted with changing rooms. Manly is stuffed with surf shops selling boards, flippers, masks and snorkels, with gear for rent too (fashion and homewares stores also get a look in). Need to refuel? Try Fika Swedish Kitchen (5b Market Lane) or Showbox Coffee Brewers (19 Whistler Street). At Manly Wharf, Hugo’s Manly serves wood-fired pizza and wine or kick back at Manly Wharf Hotel for casual food and drinks – both offer outdoor tables. Microbrewery 4 Pines Manly pours beers nearby (29/43-45 E Esplanade).

How’s the actual beach stuff—sand and surf?
Opposite and right of The Corso, South Steyne Beach suits swimmers and is patrolled by lifeguards year-round. Surfers will find the best waves left and north at Queenscliff, thanks to a submerged reef or bombora. Manly Surf School, halfway up the beach on North Steyne Road, offers group and private classes. Manly is a fairly easy place to learn, although it gets crowded at weekends.

Can we go barefoot?
You’ll find pine-shaded seats on the promenade or retreat to one of the many cafes, restaurants and bars fringing the beach.

Anything special we should look for?
Snorkelers should stroll south around the winding esplanade past a rock pool to petite Shelly Beach, backed by bush and part of a marine nature reserve. The sheltered, kid-friendly beach has its own changing rooms, and also hosts stylish cafe The Boathouse at Shelly Beach with a kiosk and inviting seats outside. Manly has risky currents, so swim between the flags.

If we’re thinking about going, what—and who—is this beach best for?
Swimmers, surfers, snorkelers and hedonists will get a kick out of Manly, and hikers will love the coast-hugging, crowd-free 10-kilometer Manly to Spit Bridge Walk. Taking three to four hours, you can tackle it in either direction, admiring jaw-dropping harbor views and ancient Aboriginal rock carvings. From Manly, it begins just north of the wharf. Buses connect Spit Bridge with the city’s Wynyard Station.