A three-day Manly escape

GoNSW4 years ago

With a perfect mix of trendy cafes and restaurants, cool bars and beautiful, sprawling beaches, Manly offers laid-back coastal vibes combined with all the cosmopolitan buzz of the city centre. Just across the harbour from the CBD, Manly is a natural wonderland, with pristine sea life, secluded shorelines and world-class surf right on its doorstep.

Credit: VisitNSW

Photo: Martyna Bober

Fairy Bower Sea Pool

Take a scenic walk south from Manly Beach to Fairy Bower Pool and on to pretty Shelly Beach. The sheltered, sandy beach is popular for picnics, and the sparkling clear waters make a great spot for snorkelling. For more stunning views, continue on the path to North Head and enjoy the panoramic lookouts along the way.

Fairy Bower Sea Pool

5B Marine Parade, Manly NSW 2095, Australia

The Cumberland

Finish the evening with a sneaky drink at underground speakeasy The Cumberland. The hidden bar can be found by opening a fridge at the back of Cove Deli, revealing a 1920s-style drinkery offering three distinct cocktail menus and more than 250 bottles of whisky.

The Cumberland

17-19 Central Ave, Manly NSW 2095, Australia

Manly Greenhouse

Return to the foreshore for a picturesque aperitivo on the rooftop of Manly Greenhouse, a stylish restaurant and bar serving wine on tap, smart cocktails, wood-fired pizzas and uninterrupted beachside views.

Manly Greenhouse

36-38 S Steyne, Manly NSW 2095, Australia

The Sebel Sydney Manly Beach

Beautifully positioned at the southern end of world-famous Manly Beach, just a 30-metre walk from the sand, The Sebel Sydney Manly Beach is a chic apartment-style hotel with a relaxed seaside atmosphere, and sweeping ocean views.

The Sebel Sydney Manly Beach

8/13 S Steyne, Manly NSW 2095, Australia

Busta

Feast on fresh, handmade pasta at locally loved Italian restaurant Busta, offering a modern take on friendly Italian dining with an organic-leaning wine list served in an intimate, retro-glam setting.

Busta

10 Pittwater Rd, Manly NSW 2095, Australia

Ruby Lane Wholefoods Manly

Serving up nourishing, wholesome meals and organic coffee, Ruby Lane Whole Foods is a favourite hangout among Manly locals. With a focus on sustainability and community, the healthy menu supports local producers throughout NSW. Stock up on organic food and health supplies for home at their on-site wholefoods grocery store.

Ruby Lane Wholefoods Manly

200 Pittwater Rd, Manly NSW 2095, Australia

Sunset Sabi

Tucked away on Pittwater Road, this vibrant izakaya serves up a contemporary Japanese menu full of unexpected flavour combinations – try Mexican-spiced sushi, Korean-inspired ramen or sweet dessert burgers. Order from a menu of classy cocktails and classic Japanese beer to complete the experience.

Sunset Sabi

26/28 Pittwater Rd, Manly NSW 2095, Australia

4 Pines Manly - Brew Pub

Manly’s famed brewpub is a must-visit for all craft-beer lovers. Get a hands-on look at the beer-making process during a workshop at the original micro-brewery upstairs, or settle in for a pint at the lively downstairs 4 Pines Keller Door. Photo: broadsheet.com.au

4 Pines Manly - Brew Pub

29/43-45 E Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095, Australia

Rollers Bakehouse

The sunny outdoor cafe is known for its creative take on their croissants, from peanut butter and jelly or banoffee creations to savoury versions like spanakopita or cauliflower and cheese. Photo: concreteplayground.com

Rollers Bakehouse

19 Rialto Ln, Manly NSW 2095, Australia

Joes Mountain Bike Tours

Spend the morning exploring Manly’s lesser known pathways on two wheels with a tour from Joe’s Mountain Bike Tours. The Manly Dam trail is perfect for beginners or more experienced mountain bike riders and offers lush tracks with magnificent views.

Joes Mountain Bike Tours

9 Alexander St, Collaroy NSW 2097, Australia

7 Market Pl

This New York-style loft bar is a Manly institution. Take a seat in the award-winning designer interiors and order from a Prohibition Era-inspired drinks menu, handpicked wines by the glass, plus classic American snacks.

7 Market Pl

7 Market Pl, Manly NSW 2095, Australia

ECOTREASURES

Learn about Sydney’s marine life on a snorkelling or stand-up paddleboarding tour through Cabbage Tree Bay, a pristine aquatic reserve located between Manly Beach and Shelly Beach. EcoTreasures’ experienced guides will share their knowledge of the area’s incredible biodiversity and how to conserve the sealife while enjoying it too.

ECOTREASURES

10/9 Foamcrest Ave, Newport NSW 2106, Australia

154 Pacific Parade

The burgers at JB & Sons are loved throughout the Northern Beaches, offering classic American-style options using organic meats from nearby Freshwater Village Butchery and Smokehouse. With buffalo wings, loaded fries, margaritas and plenty of craft beer options, this is just the spot to say cheers to a perfect weekend in Manly. Photo: Anna Kucera

154 Pacific Parade

154 Pacific Parade, Dee Why NSW 2099, Australia

Q Station Sydney Harbour National Park

Once a quarantine stop for migrants in the 19th and 20th centuries, Q Station is a historic precinct rich with real-life stories and heritage buildings to explore. Join a one-hour tour to learn more about the daily operations of this unique Sydney landmark

Q Station Sydney Harbour National Park

1 N Head Scenic Dr, Manly NSW 2095, Australia

Market Lane Cafe

With a focus on quality coffee and a seasonal menu, Market Lane Cafe is the perfect place for a Sunday brunch, right in the heart of Manly. Photo: @marketlane