Emma's Guidebook
Sightseeing
Manly Dam is a hidden gem.
You can walk there from our house (enter the track next to Manly Vale Primary School) or if you want to driver there’s plenty of parking inside.
There are great trails for walking or running, you can swim in the Dam itself and if you have a mountain bike, there are trails for that as well.
There’s playgrounds, BBQ facilities and great picnic spots.
https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/parks-and-trails/parks/manly-dam
116 locals recommend
Manly Dam
112 King StManly Dam is a hidden gem.
You can walk there from our house (enter the track next to Manly Vale Primary School) or if you want to driver there’s plenty of parking inside.
There are great trails for walking or running, you can swim in the Dam itself and if you have a mountain bike, there are trails for that as well.
There’s playgrounds, BBQ facilities and great picnic spots.
https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/parks-and-trails/parks/manly-dam
Shelly beach is a lovely protected beach south of Manly
Walk around from Manly SLSC. You can snorkel in cabbage tree bay which is between Shelly and Manly beach.
337 locals recommend
Shelly Beach
Shelly beach is a lovely protected beach south of Manly
Walk around from Manly SLSC. You can snorkel in cabbage tree bay which is between Shelly and Manly beach.
We love Manly beach!
Head to the south end for more gentle waves, or to the middle and north end for a more local vibe.
752 locals recommend
Manly Beach
We love Manly beach!
Head to the south end for more gentle waves, or to the middle and north end for a more local vibe.
A great local beach!
There’s a park behind with BBQs and some great cafes and restaurants.
Parking can be tricky so definitely go early if you can
170 locals recommend
Freshwater Beach
A great local beach!
There’s a park behind with BBQs and some great cafes and restaurants.
Parking can be tricky so definitely go early if you can
Some great walks and viewing points looking up the harbour, across to the eastern suburbs and up the northern beaches.
197 locals recommend
North Head
Some great walks and viewing points looking up the harbour, across to the eastern suburbs and up the northern beaches.
A hidden beach in north head national park. Instagram has made it more popular, but it’s still well worth visiting.
11 locals recommend
Collins Beach
A hidden beach in north head national park. Instagram has made it more popular, but it’s still well worth visiting.
Little Manly Beach Kiosk
42 Stuart StLovely local harbour beach
Forty Baskets Beach
Another lovely harbour beach!
This is a lovely walk following the harbour.
You can drop in at points to make it shorter or longer.
https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/manly-scenic-walkway
122 locals recommend
Manly To Spit Bridge Costal Walk
Reef Beach TrackThis is a lovely walk following the harbour.
You can drop in at points to make it shorter or longer.
https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/manly-scenic-walkway
Activities
If you like golf, this is a public course set in the bush with lovely views
10 locals recommend
Wakehurst Golf Club
Upper Clontarf StreetIf you like golf, this is a public course set in the bush with lovely views
Neighbourhoods
Where to eat and drink:
- The Boathouse (Shelly Beach)
- The Pantry - lunch or dinner with amazing views
- Rollers bakery - the best pastries around
- The Skiff Club - great bistro in a lovely setting. Book ahead!
- De Vita Italian - good for a family dinner
- Belgrave Cartel - wine bar and delicious Italian
- Yok Thai
- Hugo’s (for a fancy dinner)
11 locals recommend
Manly
Where to eat and drink:
- The Boathouse (Shelly Beach)
- The Pantry - lunch or dinner with amazing views
- Rollers bakery - the best pastries around
- The Skiff Club - great bistro in a lovely setting. Book ahead!
- De Vita Italian - good for a family dinner
- Belgrave Cartel - wine bar and delicious Italian
- Yok Thai
- Hugo’s (for a fancy dinner)
Where to eat and drink:
- Seven Miles coffee - only open weekdays for coffee and small eats
- Roseberry Street Cafe
Balgowlah shops and Fairlight Village on Sydney Road also have some nice cafes and restaurants
Where to shop:
- Woolworths or Aldi are best, but there’s also a Coles
- Richards Meats butchers
- BWS or Dan Murpheys
6 locals recommend
Manly Vale
Where to eat and drink:
- Seven Miles coffee - only open weekdays for coffee and small eats
- Roseberry Street Cafe
Balgowlah shops and Fairlight Village on Sydney Road also have some nice cafes and restaurants
Where to shop:
- Woolworths or Aldi are best, but there’s also a Coles
- Richards Meats butchers
- BWS or Dan Murpheys