When planning out what to do for our Sydney itinerary, I consistently heard about how Manly Beach is a must visit. We honestly almost went to Bronte Beach instead (for the saltwater rock pool), but was surprised to find one at Manly also! It turned out to be the perfect day trip; here are our 5 reasons why you should visit Manly Beach.
The Boathouse Shelly Beach
After seeing all the good reviews on TripAdvisor/Yelp, we knew we had to make a stop at The Boathouse for lunch. The beachy, aquatic vibe was spot on, and the food was out of this world delicious! The food is definitely worth the price here. Get the tuna and crackers if you like sashimi, you won’t regret it!
Manly Saltwater Rock Pool
Technically called “Fairy Bower Baths”, this pool was one of the highlights of my day at Manly. We spent a good hour just lounging and taking pictures here. Saltwater pools are quite popular in NSW!
The Ferry Ride
We were surprised to find out that the ferry ride from Manly Beach gave us the best view of the Sydney Opera House! We also rode back right as the sun was setting, so we were able to capture warm shots of the iconic landmark. We were stoked to have been given an unexpected vantage shot, and those pictures ended up being our best pictures of the day.
The Surf
With a school set up right along Manly Beach, we’ve heard this is one of the best spots to learn how to surf. We actually rented boards here, and our friends from Canada learned how to surf here as well! Just be cautious; we saw tiny blue jellyfish all along the shore! (But thankfully, none got us in the water.)
Walking The Shops
The walk from the ferry dock to Manly beach is quite impressive to say the least. With incredible coastal views, tons of shopping, and a variety of eateries to choose from, it’s the perfect day trip.
Have you ever been to Manly? What are some of your favorite things to do there?
