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Australia🇦🇺 | beachesManly BeachFerry crossing, the Corso, Shelly Beach cove, North Head | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Manly Beach
🏆 Top pickbeach ranked #5
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 15, 2026

The Corso ends abruptly in sand, and I stood there with a meat pie from a bakery two blocks back, watching a seagull calculate its odds. I ate it on the seawall steps instead, which a seagull would call cowardice. Manly Beach sits in Australia, on the northern side of Sydney Harbour, and the pine-lined stretch of sand runs about 1.5 kilometers. The scenery is easy: Norfolk pines, a long curve of surf, headlands at both ends. The water is clean, the surf is reliable for beginners with board rental and lessons close by, and cheap bakeries and takeaway counters line the Corso. Summer weekends get packed, and the beach is far from quiet. Swim between the red and yellow flags, since rips are real here, and lifeguards patrol daily.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #5 beach in AustraliaWhy Manly Beach should be on your travel list

Backpackers stop at Manly because it gives you a proper surf beach without leaving Sydney's orbit. The Manly ferry across the harbor is the draw for many: you pass the Opera House and Harbour Bridge from the water, and it feels like a mini cruise for the price of a transit ticket. Then you step off into a pedestrian strip that leads straight to the ocean in a few minutes, no car or planning required.

The second reason is the surf culture. Manly is often cited as the place where surfing was first publicly demonstrated in Australia, and the break still sits at the center of local life. Board hire and group lessons are easy to find, so a first-timer can be standing up (or at least wiping out with dignity) within a couple of hours.

The third is the walking. The coastal trails around North Head … read more 👉
Backpackers stop at Manly because it gives you a proper surf beach without leaving Sydney's orbit. The Manly ferry across the harbor is the draw for many: you pass the Opera House and Harbour Bridge from the water, and it feels like a mini cruise for the price of a transit ticket. Then you step off into a pedestrian strip that leads straight to the ocean in a few minutes, no car or planning required.

The second reason is the surf culture. Manly is often cited as the place where surfing was first publicly demonstrated in Australia, and the break still sits at the center of local life. Board hire and group lessons are easy to find, so a first-timer can be standing up (or at least wiping out with dignity) within a couple of hours.

The third is the walking. The coastal trails around North Head and the Manly Scenic Walkway start close by, so you can swap sand for sandstone cliffs and harbor lookouts in the same afternoon. It works as a reset between big-city days.

💡 HighlightsEssential experiences to have while visiting Manly Beach

  1. Manly Beach surf break: The main event. The sand runs from South Steyne to Queenscliff at the north end, with sections suiting different levels. Beginners can take lessons in the whitewater, while stronger surfers head to the northern end where banks are better. Rental boards are easy to find.
  2. Manly Ferry: The harbor crossing from Circular Quay is a sight in its own right, with views of the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and the sandstone headlands as you approach the wharf. Sit on the outer deck.
  3. The Corso: This pedestrian street links the wharf to the ocean beach, packed with surf shops, bakeries and cafes. It is a good place to grab a cheap bite before or after a swim, and busy on weekends.
  4. Shelly Beach: A short walk around the southern headland leads to this sheltered cove, popular for snorkeling.
… read more 👉
  1. Manly Beach surf break: The main event. The sand runs from South Steyne to Queenscliff at the north end, with sections suiting different levels. Beginners can take lessons in the whitewater, while stronger surfers head to the northern end where banks are better. Rental boards are easy to find.
  2. Manly Ferry: The harbor crossing from Circular Quay is a sight in its own right, with views of the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and the sandstone headlands as you approach the wharf. Sit on the outer deck.
  3. The Corso: This pedestrian street links the wharf to the ocean beach, packed with surf shops, bakeries and cafes. It is a good place to grab a cheap bite before or after a swim, and busy on weekends.
  4. Shelly Beach: A short walk around the southern headland leads to this sheltered cove, popular for snorkeling. The water is calm, and the marine reserve means fish are easy to spot close to shore.
  5. Manly Scenic Walkway and North Head: Trails lead along the harbor foreshore and up to cliff lookouts with views toward the Heads and the open Pacific. Walking at dusk gives you soft light and a rock-and-bush backdrop to the city skyline.
If time is short, skip the Corso strolling and head straight to the water.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do around Manly Beach

Sydney Whale-Watching Cruise Including Lunch or Breakfast

Sydney Whale-Watching Cruise Including Lunch or Breakfast

4.5(942) 4h
From €56
per personViator
Small Group Manly Snorkel Tour and Nature Walk with Local Guide

Small Group Manly Snorkel Tour and Nature Walk with Local Guide

4.8(301) 2h 30m
From €79
per personViator
Sydney Harbour Hop On Hop Off 1 or 2-Day Ferry Pass

Sydney Harbour Hop On Hop Off 1 or 2-Day Ferry Pass

4.2(264) 7h
From €26
per personViator
Private Sydney Tour Including Sydney Opera House, Bondi and Manly

Private Sydney Tour Including Sydney Opera House, Bondi and Manly

5.0(81) 8h
From €406
per personViator
7 Day ULTIMATE Sydney (18 - 35s)

7 Day ULTIMATE Sydney (18 - 35s)

4.9(63) 168h
From €754
per personViator
Small-Group Sydney's Northern Beaches & Ku-ring-gai Park Tour

Small-Group Sydney's Northern Beaches & Ku-ring-gai Park Tour

4.9(60) 7h
From €280
per personViator
Sydney 6 Hour Private Tour

Sydney 6 Hour Private Tour

5.0(36) 6h
From €903
per personViator
Sydney City Private Tour

Sydney City Private Tour

5.0(35) 8h
From €1,175
per personViator
Sydney Harbour Sightseeing Cruise Experience

Sydney Harbour Sightseeing Cruise Experience

3.7(98) 1h 20m
From €20
per personViator
Sydney Full-Day Private Tour: Harbour, Bondi & Coastal Walks

Sydney Full-Day Private Tour: Harbour, Bondi & Coastal Walks

5.0(19) 8h
From €468
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Choosing the right time of year

Manly is best from November to April for swimming, with water around 21 to 24°C (70 to 75°F) and sunset not before 7:30 pm in midsummer.
  • Summer (December to February): Air runs 25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F), with sunrise near 5:40 am and light until about 8 pm. Weekends are packed and the Manly ferry fills up by 10 am. Beds cost the most, especially around New Year.
  • Autumn (March to May): Days of 20 to 26°C (68 to 79°F), warm water and thinner crowds. Prices ease after Easter.
  • Winter (June to August): Air of 9 to 18°C (48 to 64°F), water near 17 to 19°C (63 to 66°F), and dusk by 5 pm. Surfers stay out in wetsuits, whale watching runs from late May, and rooms are cheapest.
  • Spring (September to November): 14 to 24°C (57 to 75°F), breezy and quieter, with swimming getting comfortable by November.
Book a … read more 👉
Manly is best from November to April for swimming, with water around 21 to 24°C (70 to 75°F) and sunset not before 7:30 pm in midsummer.
  • Summer (December to February): Air runs 25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F), with sunrise near 5:40 am and light until about 8 pm. Weekends are packed and the Manly ferry fills up by 10 am. Beds cost the most, especially around New Year.
  • Autumn (March to May): Days of 20 to 26°C (68 to 79°F), warm water and thinner crowds. Prices ease after Easter.
  • Winter (June to August): Air of 9 to 18°C (48 to 64°F), water near 17 to 19°C (63 to 66°F), and dusk by 5 pm. Surfers stay out in wetsuits, whale watching runs from late May, and rooms are cheapest.
  • Spring (September to November): 14 to 24°C (57 to 75°F), breezy and quieter, with swimming getting comfortable by November.
Book a weekday visit in summer and catch the ferry before 9 am to get beach space.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: highly recommended for travelingFEBFebruary: highly recommended for travelingMARMarch: highly recommended for travelingAPRApril: highly recommended for travelingMAYMay: good for travelingJUNJune: good for travelingJULJuly: fair for travelingAUGAugust: fair for travelingSEPSeptember: good for travelingOCTOctober: excellent for travelingNOVNovember: highly recommended for travelingDECDecember: highly recommended for traveling
when-to-go

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🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas to stay in Australia

The streets just behind the Corso, between the ferry wharf and the ocean beach, are the best base for backpackers, since everything is within a 5 to 10 minute walk of the sand.
This pedestrian strip links Manly Cove harbor beach to the surf side, and it holds the cafés, cheap takeaways, supermarkets and bars where solo travelers end up chatting. Dorm beds here generally run A$40 to 70 a night, climbing past A$90 in peak summer. Private rooms start around A$120.
North Steyne, the stretch along the ocean beach, is a little quieter and a little pricier. It suits surfers who want to be up for dawn sets, … read more 👉
The streets just behind the Corso, between the ferry wharf and the ocean beach, are the best base for backpackers, since everything is within a 5 to 10 minute walk of the sand.
This pedestrian strip links Manly Cove harbor beach to the surf side, and it holds the cafés, cheap takeaways, supermarkets and bars where solo travelers end up chatting. Dorm beds here generally run A$40 to 70 a night, climbing past A$90 in peak summer. Private rooms start around A$120.
North Steyne, the stretch along the ocean beach, is a little quieter and a little pricier. It suits surfers who want to be up for dawn sets, with a few budget options a block from the sand.
Fairlight, a 15 to 20 minute walk west along the harborside path, is calmer and residential, with shared houses and a handful of cheaper rooms, but little nightlife.
Staying in Sydney city and commuting is the other option. The ferry from Circular Quay takes about 30 minutes and costs roughly A$9 to 10 one way. It saves money in summer but leaves you with a last-ferry deadline in the evening.
Best hostels in Australia


Best quality hotels in Australia

🛡️ SafetyScams, Hazards, and Annoyances

Manly is one of Sydney’s best-patrolled beaches, and lifeguards staff it daily, with flags marking the safe swimming zone.
Swim between the red and yellow flags. Rips form along the beach, especially near the rocks at the south end by Shelly Beach and during larger swells, so check the board by the surf club before you go in. If you get caught, float and swim sideways across the current rather than fighting it. Surf is usually moderate, and beginners do better at the calmer, protected Shelly Beach or the harbor side at Manly Cove.
Sharks are rare, and a shark net is set offshore from September to April, though lifeguards will clear the water if one is spotted. Bluebottles wash in on summer northeasterlies and sting, so rinse with seawater and apply hot water.
The UV index is intense from October … read more 👉
Manly is one of Sydney’s best-patrolled beaches, and lifeguards staff it daily, with flags marking the safe swimming zone.
Swim between the red and yellow flags. Rips form along the beach, especially near the rocks at the south end by Shelly Beach and during larger swells, so check the board by the surf club before you go in. If you get caught, float and swim sideways across the current rather than fighting it. Surf is usually moderate, and beginners do better at the calmer, protected Shelly Beach or the harbor side at Manly Cove.
Sharks are rare, and a shark net is set offshore from September to April, though lifeguards will clear the water if one is spotted. Bluebottles wash in on summer northeasterlies and sting, so rinse with seawater and apply hot water.
The UV index is intense from October to March, so wear a hat and reapply sunscreen every two hours. Keep valuables out of sight on the sand, since phones left on towels do go missing. The area is safe at night.
Check Country Safety

FAQFrequently asked questions about Manly Beach

Take the ferry from Circular Quay in Sydney, which takes about 30 minutes and costs roughly A$9 to 10 each way with an Opal card or tap-on card payment. The private Manly Fast Ferry is quicker but costs more. Buses from Wynyard run about 45 to 60 minutes. From the Manly wharf it is a flat 10 minute walk along the Corso to the ocean beach.
Yes to all three, depending on which part you pick. Swimming is best between the flags in front of the surf club, surfing is good along the ocean beach with board rentals and lessons around A$30 to 80, and snorkeling suits Shelly Beach, a 20 minute walk from the Corso, where the marine reserve is sheltered and clear. Winter water needs a wetsuit.
Yes, access is free, and the beach has public showers and toilets. Costs come from the ferry (about A$9 to 10 one way), board hire at around A$20 to 40 for a few hours, and lockers near the wharf at a few dollars. Shelly Beach and the Manly Scenic Walkway are also free.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Australian beaches near Manly Beach

Explore more nearby:

  • Shelly Beach—Aquatic reserve, blue gropers, shore dives, Fairy Bower walk| 1 km away
  • Bondi Beach—Icebergs pool, flagged swim zone, Coogee coastal walk, surf lessons| 11 km away
  • Bronte Beach—Rock pool baths, park barbecues, cliff cemetery, midway coast walk| 12 km away

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We 💚 feedbackWhat to keep in mind

Most first-timers rush straight to the main beach and miss Shelly Beach, a ten-minute walk south along the shoreline. I would pack a mask and snorkel and go there for calm water and easy fish-spotting, then save the main beach for a sunset swim between the flags.

✈️ When did I visit Australia?
On my trip to New Zealand in 1993, I had a short stop in Australia as well.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Australia, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

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