One of my favorite neighborhoods in Sydney is Manly. The beachside community is further out than some of the other suburbs, but it’s easily accessible from Sydney’s Circular Quay via ferry. I came out here a handful of times when I lived there and had friends who called the suburb home. Anytime I would ask if they wanted to hang out, they would want us to meet over there. It’s just that good.
The area was settled in the 1800s and there was once a pier with games and attractions. Back in 2011, my friends Christine and her husband Joey had come for a visit. Their stay coincided with both a rough patch during my time there and Christine’s birthday, so I was unbelievably happy to see them.
We celebrated her special day by grabbing banana bread for breakfast and hopping on the ferry at Circular Quay. A short ride past the Opera House later and we arrived at Manly Wharf.
We strolled down the Corso, Manly’s pedestrian walkway, where most of the stores and restaurants are located. After a quick lunch, we went to the beach to soak up some sun, despite the southern hemisphere winter weather. We were surprised to see people taking surf lessons, as the water couldn’t have been warm enough to tempt me to get in.
You can also spend the day at the aquarium or ride your bike around the promenade. Stop by the popular shops like Cotton On, Kookai, and Quiksilver. Visit one of Manly’s many notable restaurants, like Chica Bonita Manly or Hugos.
You can also grab a picnic from Cole’s to enjoy on the beach. For the ideal Sunday session, stop by the many pubs near the Corso like Manly Wharf Hotel, Bavarian Bier Café Manly Wharf and 4 Pines Brewing Company.
The next time I visit Sydney, I think I’d like to rent an apartment in Manly for the week, spending my days soaking up sun and enjoying pints at the pub.
Manly is great, but if you want to go even more local, walk over the headland to beautiful freshwater beach. Always my favourite.