
Manly Beach
One of Sydney's most iconic beaches — the golden sweep of Manly, rated 4.7 by thousands and reached by a classic ferry ride.
Some links are affiliate links — if you book through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our Spot Score or what we recommend.
Why it's worth checking out
Manly Beach is part of the seaside destination that draws visitors from Sydney’s CBD by land or sea. The ferry trip takes about 20 minutes and offers an easy way to arrive from the city before exploring Manly on foot.
The beach sits within a broader coastal setting, with Manly on a small peninsula bordered by Sydney Harbour, North Head Sanctuary and the Pacific Ocean. The area is known for its beaches and coastal walks, with nearby options for cycling, history and heritage, shopping, free activities and family outings.
It suits visitors looking for a flexible day out rather than a single fixed attraction. Come for time by the water, combine it with a walk or bike hire, or use Manly as a base for exploring the Northern Beaches. The surrounding destination also offers relaxed seaside dining, cafés and take-away options, while local guides run tours focused on nature, history and the area’s heritage. With a 4.7 Google rating from more than 6,600 reviews, Manly Beach is a well-regarded choice for solo visitors, couples, families and groups.
Reviewed by Iyan B.
Good to know
- The beach has patrolled swimming and surfing areas with designated zones
- An ocean pool is available for swimming
- A playground is on-site for children
- The beach is easily accessible via public transport from Sydney CBD
Best for
Practical details
Opening hours
Closed- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Closed
- WednesdayToday
- Closed
- Thursday
- Closed
- Friday
- Closed
- Saturday
- Closed
- Sunday
- 00:00 – 23:59
Menu
View the latest menu directly from the venue.
Open menuSpot Score
- Reputation
- 88
- Popularity
- 100
- Information quality
- 30
- Category fit
- 70
- Freshness
- 30
Our independent editorial score — not a user rating.
Frequently asked questions
Is Manly Beach patrolled by lifeguards?+
Yes, Manly Beach has designated patrolled swimming and surfing areas with lifeguard coverage.
Can you swim in the ocean pool at Manly Beach?+
Yes, the beach has an ocean pool available for swimming in addition to the open water swimming areas.
Is Manly Beach good for families?+
Yes, the beach has a playground and patrolled areas, making it suitable for families with children.
Is Manly Beach good for surfing?+
Yes, Manly Beach has designated surfing areas and is known as a popular surf spot.
Nearby venues

The Pantry Manly
$$Upscale, breezy restaurant with beach views and rustic-chic decor, serving Modern Australian dishes.

Hemingway's Manly
$$Popular hangout with book-lined walls and ocean views, for craft beer, cocktails and cafe food.

Wolfies
Cafes in Manly, Sydney.

Hotel Steyne
Lively 1859 property opposite the beach offering 2 restaurants, a rooftop bar & sea views.
More parks in Sydney

Centennial Park
A sprawling 467-acre Victorian park in Paddington featuring ponds, three playgrounds, cycling paths, sports fields and gardens.

Barangaroo Reserve
Barangaroo Reserve is a waterfront park in Sydney CBD offering walking and cycling paths through landscaped grounds with scenic harbour views.

Observatory Hill Park
Grassy harbour-view park in Millers Point with public artwork, a rotunda and tennis court.

Blues Point Reserve
Bayfront park in North Sydney with harbour views, picnic facilities and a nautical-themed playground.




