Sometimes the bustle of the city centre can really get to us, fortunately, Sydney is home to over one hundred pristine #beaches that can have you feeling like you’re on holiday in the midst of the workweek! #Manly is one of those coastlines along the Northern Beaches area that really reflects the relaxed vibe of Sydney #beach suburbs.
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Circular Quay to Manly Ferry
If you’re driving across the bridge to visit #Manly on a warm day or weekend, prepare for tears. Traffic along Military Road can be quite painful to experience and I would gladly never experience it again. Thankfully, Sydney Transport has provided us with a calming, #scenic route across the #harbour. Board one of the iconic green and yellow #ferries for a road-rage free ride straight to Manly Wharf. Along the way, you will get up close to the #Harbour #Bridge and #Opera #House, whilst also catching a glimpse of the stunning Tasman Sea between the #Sydney #Heads. If you opt-out of catching the ferry to Manly, you’re missing a whole chunk of the Sydney experience. The Manly #ferry can be boarded via Circular Quay Wharf, with services running throughout the day.
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Manly Beach
If you’ve come to Sydney to learn to #surf, there is no better place to start than #Manly. Featuring kilometres of ideal #surf, you will find a range of #rental services and #surf coaches who can help you find your footing on the waves. Manly Surf School is a popular choice for new surfers and has been operating on Manly Beach for over 38 years. You’ll also be sharing the water with casual #swimmers and beachgoers on a warm summer’s day due to the constant lifeguard supervision of the main beach. If swimming isn’t really your thing, riding #bikes, #skates or #walking along the paved #promenade for the length of the #coastline might interest you instead.
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Shelly Beach Trail
Some people prefer smaller, sheltered #beaches. If that’s you, then don’t rule out #Manly just yet as you have the perfect opportunity to explore Shelly Beach. Getting there will take you no more than fifteen minutes from Manly Beach along a designated footpath right next to the water. Whilst soaking in the views of North Harbour you can stop for #coffee along the various #cafes planted along the #trail, or even take a dip at the Fairy Bower pool (below).
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Once you arrive at Shelly Beach, you will be greeted with a more intimate stretch of sand with calm waves and grassy lawns - perfect for a #picnic with friends. Shelly Beach also features a colourful range of #marine life, attracting #scuba divers from all over. If you want to find a friendly community to begin your diving career in, Dive Centre Manly or PRO DIVE can help you get started!
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Retail and Dining
Connected to the #coastline is the bustling yet relaxed #beach suburb of #Manly. From residential beachfront condos to rows of storefronts, #Manly has everything you need. I would recommend making a day out of your #beach trip and taking a #lunch break at one of the many #cafes this suburb has to offer. Blue Bottle Espresso is one of the most highly rated local #coffee spots in #Manly, serving quality blends and fresh bagels and wraps. Multiple #ice #cream joints also dot the shopping district, including Anita Gelato. This venue provides artisan value #gelato to all Sydneysiders - curing your disappointment of missing out on summer in Italy. Finally, if you make the trip to #Manly on a #weekend, #market stalls will be scattered throughout the main plaza of the #shopping district, providing you with handmade #artwork, regional #wine and more. When soaking up the sun on Manly Beach, give your skin a break from the UV by taking a stroll through town.
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