Things to do in Manly

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Manly

Revenue and your browsing history impact the experiences featured on this page, learn more.

Things to Do in Manly

Check out must-see sights and activities:
North Head, Shelly Beach, Beaches, Art Galleries.
 For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Powered by AI
BETA

Book these experiences for a close-up look at Manly.

From quick jaunts to full-day outings.

Top Attractions in Manly

These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveller reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

Historical site with preserved heritage buildings and panoramic harbor views, offers ghost tours and kayaking for history and nature enthusiasts.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
1

Revenue and your browsing history impact the experiences featured on this page, learn more.



Learn more about this content
Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.

What travellers are saying

  • Simon B
    City of Greater Geelong, Australia4,120 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Decent distance walking through North Head trails but worth the effort.
    Views, nature, military history and signs provide local knowledge.
    Even looks magnificent as approach Manly crossing harbour.
    Written 3 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • roy v
    Traralgon, Australia5,936 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We walked to Shelly Beach many times while in Manly.
    It is a lovely little Bay Area with lovely sand and calm waters.
    It seems to be a favourite place for diving groups to enter the water as the always seemed to be there each time we were.
    It is relaxing to sit on the beach or at the sitting areas on the grass and just enjoy the moment.
    There is a nice cafe there and excellent new toilet and shower facilities.
    Great spot for a picnic or eat at the cafe .
    There are a lot of very friendly bush turkeys there, we were told by a local that’s what they are as we had no idea what they were .
    A lovely little beach to visit just a few minutes walk from Manly beach on the South side.
    Written 15 May 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Welsh NZers
    Auckland Central, New Zealand1,334 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We took the Manly Ferry from Circular Quay after seeing the Opera House. Great views over the harbour on a beautiful sunny day.

    We then hopped on the North Harbour bus from just outside the ferry terminal - using our Opal card for cheap fares. The route takes you through the suburbs to the Sanctuary which is pretty vast with the most incredible views back to Sydney and the bays. There were lots of different bird sounds and vegetation on the wide path. There are different walks you can take depending on how much time you have.
    If you have some time while in Sydney, it’s something really great to do and see.
    Written 12 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Gary L
    Christchurch, New Zealand105 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Gus! what a guy :) had a great and surprisingly interesting (we were expecting a this is the brewery here's your tasting flight) brewery tour of one of my favourite places - 4 Pines Brewery - Manly the tour was run by Gus the Mgr and he really knows his stuff and makes it all very interesting) and whos not interested in Beer?!!!

    this place is kinda unique and has a laid back manly kind of vibe that really works, but if youve got time book the tours its a very informative hour and a half with a tasting flight (5 beers) at the end all for $25 per
    Written 2 April 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Melinda
    Perth, Australia33 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely little beach to take the kids. The bigger surf beach is a short walk from here. Great location. Lovely cafes and restaurants to enjoy dinner after your day at the beach. Highly recommend.
    Written 23 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • roy v
    Traralgon, Australia5,936 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    During our week at Manly we enjoyed learning about the reserve.
    On our lovely walks we read the notices informing of the sea life in the reserve.
    We saw many groups go diving in the area, that looked like fun.
    The rock formations beside the water are unique and the ocean looks pristine.
    It is good that this beautiful nature is being soo well looked after.
    Written 15 May 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Harry B
    1 contribution
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The tour was good, we had a good guide who showed us lots of cool things.
    The tour lasted a few hours, and we got caught in traffic on the way home, hence the 4/5 star review because the surf was good and I didn't get to go out.
    Anyway, the tour was decent. I learnt some cool facts about the site and what went on there.
    The ghost stuff was boring, but it is what it is.
    If you are paying out of pocket to go, I probably wouldn't recommend it, but if the school is paying, its a cool experience and a day off school, so pretty good.

    YIEWWWW
    Written 4 June 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Simon B
    City of Greater Geelong, Australia4,120 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Knew little nothing about Manly prior to a ferry visit as tourist.
    Corso or Corsi (?) gather short for Causeway.
    A street & mall running south to north from harbour side ferry terminal.
    Interesting variety of shops and dining options.
    Written 3 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sandy B
    Sydney, Australia620 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    another handy beach, has a bit better parking options than the main beach and a couple of cafes nearby as well as a pub
    Written 25 March 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 185beachroad
    Gordon's Bay, South Africa14 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    After a short walk from the car park we emerged onto this delightful beach! There were luscious plants all around so it was like a tropical island! We were there at sunset, picnicing on the beach - so delightful!
    Written 28 May 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mairwen1
    United Kingdom11,168 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Manly Dam is not far from Manly Beach but not many people, apart from locals, know of it. The dam, built in 1892, is no longer relied on for water supply but it remains as a heritage-listed site where you can now swim and BBQ and picnic. The area around the dam has several excellent bushwalking and bike riding trails.
    There are 8 different walking trails here, ranging from the very short and sweet Wildflower Trail to the full Park Circuit Trail. The 7.5km trail leads through beautiful native bushland, past small waterfalls and takes you right around the dam.
    One of the things we loved about the area is that they still have wood-fired BBQs and fire-pits. You don’t see these so often any more. Best of all, they are kept stocked with wood and kindling. If you’re planning a kid’s party or a large family gathering, you can pre-book the a picnic table through the Northern Beaches Council website. There is a surprisingly hefty charge for this ($50) but it does mean that you can guarantee your spot.
    SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT PARKING: Be aware that parking inside the park is pretty expensive. If your not a local resident, it’s $10 per hour ($8 in winter). If you are carrying in picnic supplies and small children, then it might be worth it but if not, there is another option. Free street parking is available at the end of King Street in Manly Vale. From here it’s only a couple of minutes to walk into the park.
    Written 18 April 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Johnnie1948
    Clontarf, Australia359 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Tash, one of the guides from the centre took a small group of us photographers for a walk around Manly. She told us about the buildings, the history, the stories and she answered questions. She had a great, loud voice which we all heard quite clearly above the traffic and other street noises. She was awesome. The event was terrific.
    Written 11 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above hotel descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in one of these AI-generated descriptions is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
All Manly HotelsManly Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in Manly
All things to do in Manly
Day Trips in Manly
RestaurantsFlightsHoliday RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesRental Cars