Things to do in Manly

Grazing with the girls – Manly location

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Private Half Day Sydney Tour – North To Manly Beach

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Sydney Full Day Private Tour

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From your Cruise Ship to North Head, Nature and History Walk

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Serene Sights and Culinary Delights

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A Taste of Local Paradise – Sydney’s Northern Beaches

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The best thing about Manly is that even the trip there will blow your mind. A fifteen-minute ferry ride north from Circular Quay will take you through what is arguably one of the most spectacular harbours in the world and into a hip-n-happening place surrounded by unmatched natural beauty. Once you get your breath back and step onto the wharf, you’ll be hit by a gourmet selection of visual sensations. Get ready, because between you and the ocean lies a plethora of boutiques, bars and beach-related activities, perfect for any season and every palette.

Wining and Dining

What better place to start than where you land. If you need to fuel up for a busy afternoon of fun, you can’t go past Hugo’s. A name that is synonymous with a good time in Sydney, this place sure knows how to deliver a wicked pizza and cocktail combination. Authentic Italian cuisine coupled with jugs of Sangria will certainly get your day off to a good start. If “Vorspiel” (or “foreplay”) with a beer is more your thing, you can head next door to the Bavarian Bier Café, for authentic German brews and bratwurst. But before you shy away from the cooler weather and settle in for too many cosy pints, start making your way east – you won’t regret it.

Hemmingway’s is the place for classy cocktails among unique 1920s-inspired décor. Even the staff take their inspiration from the great writer, sporting beautifully manicured moustaches and oozing with charm. If you’re looking to wine and dine, head to the Manly Wine Bar, for tastings and tapas surrounded by old-world charm (keep an eye out for the peacock!). A warning though, it’s a little expensive.

If you’re in the mood for some live music with your meal, you could head into the Corso and check in at InSitu. Famous for its cool staff and killer live sets, this is the perfect destination if you want to turn your late afternoon drinks into something to remember. But if you haven’t had enough of the water, head to Murray’s Brewery, right on the beachfront. Order yourself a locally brewed beer and a plate of the garlic muscles, sit yourself down on the balcony and enjoy – this place is worth every cent in inflated property tax because the views are amazing.

Shopping

Walking through the Corso towards the beach, you’ll quickly pick up the relaxed coastal vibe that Manly is famous for putting down. The walkway is big enough for bike riders, pavement surfers and families alike, so you can make your way from high-fashion boutique to multi-story surf shop, all the while enjoying your very special personal space – a true treat in a city as closely packed in as Sydney.

If shopping is your thing, you must – and we mean must – check out at least one of these all-class boutiques – Mint, Karabu and Mr & Mrs Smith. These guys know their style, stocking high-end local and international brands through to funky designer fashion. Just don’t expect to get a bargain unless it’s around sale time. Manly is also the home to the highest concentration of surf shops in the world, with 15 speciality stores offering everything from clothing and equipment through to surfing tips and perfect-ten pervs (for both guys and gals!).

Activities and Tours

Once you’re loaded up with card-board-and-string shopping bags, it’s time to get back to basics and take in some of the world-class scenery that makes Manly so special. Sure, your feet will get you there, but why not re-live your childhood memories and hire yourself a pair of in-line skates. Yep, we’re talking about rollerblades. Skater HQ on the beachfront offers rollerblade hire for $20 per hour or $30 a day; as well as skateboards and bikes. You can head north to Queenscliff (or “Queenies” to the locals) or south to Shelly Beach. Whichever way you go, you’ll bare witness to some of the best views on the Northern beaches. On a good weather day, you might even consider jumping in the water for some of the stand-up-paddle-board action that has taken this place by storm. Manly Kayak Centre on the Esplanade will do you sweet deal on the equipment, and they’ll even show you how to do it without falling off.

Whilst you are on the East Coast, you will most certainly want your adventures to continue and there is plenty in the way of  East Coast Australia Tour which offers plenty in Sydney and further North or South. As you head North Fraser Island 4WD Tours is a must, and also the endless excitement on all of the Fraser Island Adventure Tours.

If you are headed South then Kangaroo Island Backpacker Tours is a guarantee tranquil experience, from there you may wish to make it West and hit up the best of Perth to Broome Adventure Tours. Ultimately, Australia is you ouster, but of course, if you cant get enough of good wine, then definitely find yourself Adelaide to Perth Tours, on of Australia most famous wine regions.

No matter where you end up, Manly will show you a time. Just remember that being wasted and catching waves don’t mix!

By Beth McMullen

Travel to Western Australia