Manly Beach, Sydney

Manly Beach is one of the country's most famous coastal destinations, located on the city’s northern peninsula and accessible by a scenic ferry ride from Circular Quay. Stretching for about 1.5 kilometres, it is framed by towering Norfolk pines and divided into three sections—Queenscliff, North Steyne, and South Steyne—each with its own rhythm of surf and activity. The beach’s wide, golden sand and consistent waves make it a hub for swimming, surfing, and beach sports throughout the year.

The history of Manly Beach is closely tied to the rise of Australian surf culture. In 1903, it became one of the first beaches in the country to permit public daylight bathing, setting the stage for the development of surf lifesaving and coastal recreation. The Manly Life Saving Club, established soon after, continues to patrol the beach, while heritage surf pavilions and art deco structures along the promenade reflect the seaside style of the early 20th century.

Behind the beach, the Corso—a pedestrian boulevard linking the ferry wharf to the shore—hosts cafés, surf shops, and restaurants that add to the area’s lively, casual atmosphere. The Manly to Spit Bridge Walk, a 10-kilometre coastal trail, begins nearby, winding past secluded coves and bushland with views across Sydney Harbour. At the southern end, the ocean pool built into the rocks provides a calm alternative to the surf, while the surrounding headlands offer vantage points for watching surfers and migrating whales offshore.