Sydney, Australia’s vibrant city, offers adventure and leisure weekend getaways. However, many prefer Manly for its perfect mix of fun and relaxation. Manly has something for everyone—beach, culture, and delicious food. We’ll reveal Manly’s top attractions, accommodations, restaurants, things to do, ferry rides, and hotels in manly too. All to make your weekend getaway unforgettable.
1. Manly weekend getaways start with getting there, and the question is how!
Circular Quay is the most popular ferry route to Manly from Sydney. The ferry ride offers stunning views of the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Sydney Harbour. After you reach, you can explore the area on foot and rent a bike to make the most of your time.
2. Visit Beaches
Manly offers numerous beaches. Manly Beach, the most popular, has perfect waves for surfing, a long stretch of white sand for sunbathing, and a laid-back atmosphere for beachside strolls. On the other hand, Shelly Beach is quieter. This quiet beach is surrounded by lush vegetation and is ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
3. Embrace Local Culture
Manly has much more than beaches. The Corso, a pedestrian street from the ferry pier to the beach, is Manly’s social hub. Cafes, bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops are here. Local art and artifacts are displayed at the Manly Art Gallery and Museum.
4. Indulge in the Cuisine
Manly has many dining options. Manly has seafood, Asian, and pub food. The Boathouse Shelly Beach is a popular spot for a laid-back brunch, and Papi Chulo serves delectable BBQ dishes with stunning beach views. If you want a more upscale dining experience, Manly Pavilion has a modern Australian menu with harbor views.
5. Engage in Extreme Sports
Numerous exciting activities can be found in Manly. Manly Beach is great for water sports like surfing and stand-up paddleboarding, while Shelly Beach is ideal for scuba diving. However, if you’re looking for something with a little more kick, you can always go skydiving or parasailing to get a bird’s eye view of the beautiful coastline.
6. Rejuvenate at a Spa
Relax and rejuvenate at a spa when you’ve had your fill of sightseeing and adrenaline-pumping activities for the day. Massages, facials, body wraps, and hydrotherapy can all be found at one of Manly’s many spas. The endota spa is a favorite because of its variety of relaxing services. Moreover, if you’re in the mood for some extreme relaxation, you can try out their Floatation Tank!
7. Catch a Movie
For a more sedate evening out, why not visit the Manly Cinemas? This theatre has been open since the 1920s and features mainstream and art house films. The best part is… Have a glass of wine or beer and some fancy snacks while watching the movie.
8. Visiting the North Head Sanctuary
North Head Sanctuary is a fantastic place to visit in Manly if you’re interested in wildlife. There are opportunities to see native animals like wallabies and echidnas in this large park and breathtaking harbor and ocean views. You can stroll along one of the many trails or bring a picnic and spend a relaxing afternoon outside.
9. Market Shopping
The Manly Market Place is the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs and local artwork. Every Saturday and Sunday, locals and tourists flock to this lively market, which features booths selling everything from clothing and jewelry to artwork and household goods. There are also many food stands where you can purchase tasty snacks to keep you going while you shop.
10. Exercise Experiment No. 10: Yoga at the Beach
Why not try some beach yoga for a change of pace? At Manly Beach Yoga, you can practice your downward dog in the sand and surf every day of the week. In addition, they offer paddleboard yoga classes for the truly daring.
11. How to Surf: Lessons Learned
The waves at Manly Beach are world-famous, and the beach is often recommended to novice surfers. Find one of the many local surf schools that offers beginner lessons and learn how to ride the waves with ease. In addition, if you are an experienced surfer, you can rent a board and take to the water on your own.
12. Taking a Tour to See Whales
The annual migration of humpback whales is something to behold if you are in Manly between May and November. From Manly Wharf, you can hop on one of several tours that will take you to the sea to observe these magnificent creatures up close. It’s possible to see dolphins and seals on this journey.
13. Having a Drink at Sunset
Take your date to the Manly Wine bar for a drink as the sun goes down for a memorable evening. The beachfront location of this stylish bar provides breathtaking sunset and ocean vistas. Both is the bar’s cocktail menu, which features traditional drinks and original recipes.
14. Feel the Energy of the Night
Some bars and clubs in Manly are open until the wee hours of the morning, making for an exciting nightlife scene. The Manly Wharf Hotel is known for its waterfront location and extensive drinks menu, while the Ivanhoe Hotel is known for its live music and pub grub. Also, This Donny’s Bar is the place to go if you’re looking for a lively night out with drinks and dancing.
15. Unwinding in Your Hotel
Last but not least, after a thrilling weekend in Manly, why not unwind in your hotel? To suit your budget, you can find various hotels in Manly, from cheap chains to five-star establishments. It’s the ideal place to relax and refuel because many hotels have spas, fine dining, and breathtaking scenery.