MANLY BEACH

Welcome to Manly Beach

Dive into the turquoise waters of an aquatic playground at the birthplace of Australian surfing.

Welcome to Manly Beach, one of Sydney's most renowned and popular swimming and surf hot spots. Located on Sydney's north shore, this Aussie icon is just a short ferry ride from the city centre. The beach is also home to a variety of restaurants and cafes, making it the perfect place to kick back and soak up the surf, sand and sunshine during your next visit to bustling Sydney.

Water sports enthusiasts will delight in the aquatic adventures and action on offer at this iconic Aussie landmark. Take a dip in the historic Fairy Bower ocean rock pool, catch a wave at Manly’s famous surf breaks, or discover an underwater wonderland while snorkelling or scuba diving in the protected waters of Shelly Beach and Cabbage Tree Bay.

Exercise in nature's beauty along white sandy beaches framed by Norfolk pine trees rustling in the breeze. Patrolled beaches ensure safety around this scenic stretch of beautiful Northern Beaches' coastline.

Whether you're looking for a relaxing day by the beach or some fun-filled adventure, Manly is definitely worth a visit.

Manly Beach to Shelly Beach Walk

Enjoy a relaxed 15-minute stroll along Marine Parade from Manly Beach to the protected waters of Shelly Beach, one of the only west-facing shores on Australia’s east coast. This accessible path hugs the picturesque coastline and incorporates the Cabbage Tree Bay Eco-Sculpture Walk.

Begin at the Manly Life Saving Club at the southern end of Manly Beach. Follow the relatively flat, cliff-top promenade south past the historic Fairy Bower pool. This triangular-shaped ocean rock pool was built by locals in 1929 as saltwater swimming gained greater favour. Today it’s a popular spot for families seeking sheltered swimming and sunbathers looking to soak up the rays on the pool’s warm, rocky edges.

This leisurely 1.3 km stroll continues past the eleven features of the sculpture walk – comprising a series of stainless-steel artworks set in the rock walls and offering insights into the area’s marine life, plants, animals and history.

Along the way, you'll also pass by several restaurants and cafes perched along the path, before reaching your destination.

At the southern end of the walk, the small sandy cove of Shelly Beach offers an idyllic spot to swim, sunbathe or enjoy a beachside barbecue or picnic. Forming part of the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, the relatively shallow waters are sheltered from the ocean swell and offer excellent opportunities for snorkellers and divers to encounter diverse and abundant marine life.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can check out one of the nearby famed surf breaks, hike a bush track, or chill out at a waterfront café before retracing your steps back beside the sea to beautiful Manly Beach.

Manly Myths

One of Manly’s most enduring myths about beach culture is that in October 1902, William Gocher, Editor of The North Sydney and Manly News (today’s Manly Daily newspaper), overturned the ban on daylight bathing at Manly Beach. It’s true that he challenged the daylight sea bathing restriction by swimming at midday while wearing a neck to knee costume. The first time he went swimming, both the authorities and general public ignored him, so he swam again a week later to grab their attention. Frustrated by the sheer lack of response following his second attempt to create controversy, he marched down to the police station, expecting a reaction, and was met with disinterest.

In reality, daylight bathing was already the norm by the time Gocher staged a series of self-promoting stunts. However, these stunts did help to bring attention to the issue and eventually Manly Council did overturn its ban on daylight bathing. This helped to pave the way for a revolution on the beaches, as more and more people began to enjoy the liberty of swimming and sunbathing in the open air.

Water sport history:

Recognised as a World Surfing Reserve and the birthplace of surfing in Australia, Manly Beach is a significant part of surfing culture. Many great moments in surfing history were pioneered on these sandy shores. Manly is believed to be the site of the first recorded body surfing in the 1890’s, the first legal surf bathing in 1902, one of the first surf lifesaving clubs (formed in 1903), the first surf boat (developed in 1903), and the first board-riding (taking place in1910).

In 1903 the Manly locals, including some Council Aldermen, formed the Manly Surf and Life Saving Club. The members modified a 35-foot boat for the rescues - the forerunner of our iconic surf boat. In 1911 it was decided that the club would split to form the Manly Life Saving Club and the Manly Surf Club, both of which exist to this day.

The beach held the first official world surf championship in 1964. At the time, Manly Beach was a hot spot for surfing and the competition drew in a large crowd of locals and tourists. Magazine editor and surf film-maker Bob Evans convinced one of Australia’s largest oil companies, Ampol, to sponsor the event.

The men’s competition title was taken out by the Australian surfer named Midget Farrelly, who also won the unofficial world surf competition in Hawaii in 1962. Australian surfer Phyllis O’Donnell won the women's competition.

Accessibility

There's no better way to see Sydney Harbour than by taking an approximately 11km journey through its waters to travel to Manly Wharf. For over 170 years, ferries have been shuttling passengers back and forth between Circular Quay and Manly across this stunning 30-minute route. You'll get to experience the harbour in all its glory, from the comfort of the ferry. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this is an unforgettable way to explore one of Australia's most iconic landmarks. The Manly Life Saving Club and Manly Beach are walking distance from the ferry terminal at Manly Wharf.

The paths running along the top of Manly Beach are level and well-paved. The easiest access onto this beautiful stretch of sand is on the southern end of the beach via a ramp outside Manly Surf Life Saving Club. The Club has a beach wheelchair available, and accessible toilets and changing rooms. You can also find an ‘all ability’ accessible playground that has a pod swing, sensory playboards, carousels and accessible butterfly see-saw.

The Manly Beach to Shelly Beach Walk, including the Cabbage Tree Bay Eco-Sculpture Walk, is relatively flat and considered to be accessible for people of all ages and abilities. It is reported to be suitable for those using a wheelchair. Sculptures along the rock walls of the path are accompanied by plaques which have been designed with braille notation to aid accessibility for people with vision impairment.