compared to other beaches in the northern sections of Sydney, Manly is not one of the best. crowded, dirty, claustrophobic. the local scenery (adjacent shops, hotels, etc) is depressingly shabby. I wold travel further north to narrabeen, collaroy, etc. more

Going to Manly was the only disappointing thing we did in our 3 weeks in Australia. The ride across the Harbor from Sydney is okay but views are more interesting on other rides, when you arrive you have to walk thru blocks of shops selling identical trinket tourist junk before getting to the main beach. Worth going if you want... more

This Sydney beach is far preferable to Bondi Beach. The ferry trip from Circular Quay is fun, with passengers watching the city-bound ferry cresting the waves on a day when earlier, the ferry had stopped operating for an hour or so due to treacherous berthing conditions at Manly Wharf. Arriving at Manly Wharf on an idyllic December day, I took... more

Our title says it all. the best beach we visited. Great surf, my husband, a keen surfer couldn't get enough. We were greeted with wonderful weather, great people, nice trendy shops, good food. Next time we visit, and we will make sure that there is a next time, we will base ourselves here. Manly, you are a winner. more

We loved this place. We loved the shops, the people, the surf, the beach. Great food too! We ended up visiting here throughout our stay and really had a blast there. We liked it better than Bondi. This place has a CA feel to it, but has beautiful pine trees, nice beach. I have to warn people that night can... more

No surf - are you kidding? You obviously don't surf! Manly has been host to many a world championship surfing contest... and on many days is the best spot to surf in the Sydney region. It catches the same swell that North Narrabeen gets - a world class break. At the moment its 4ft and perfect! Like all beaches worldwide... more

best beach in sydney - and the world! more

We went to Manly beach for the day on new years day (as opposed to Bondi Beach). The beaches were actually closed that day as the swell was too high but the beach was still packed with people, although not too busy to find ourselves a spot! The ferry from Sydney harbour was lovely and the walk from the ferry... more

I stayed in Manly for a month and every morning i would run down the esplanade and round over to Esplanade park - when the suns coming up over manly cove there is no better run - it's short only about twenty minutes but it always brought a smile to my face - i can still picture the clear sea... more