Planning for your trip is probably one of the hardest but most fun parts of any trips. This article will give you some ideas about what to do and to see in Manly. For restaurants in Manly and accommodations in Manly for your holiday, please read my previous posts, this article will solely focus on where to go and what to do.
1. Take a ride on Manly Ferry
The Manly Ferry is not only widely known as the quickest way to get to the Sydney CBD but also an icon of world-renowned Manly Beach. The locals proudly call it “the most beautiful commute in the world” because you will have a chance to see the beautiful and peaceful ocean before arriving at Circular Quay to admire the Opera House and Harbour bridge. There are two types of ferry service: Fast ferry and the traditional one. The difference is instead of spending 30 minutes on a traditional ferry, it now only takes 20 minutes on fast ferry services. On the other hand, if you would like to admire the beauty of the ocean for a bit longer, traditional ferry should be the choice.
2. Visit Manly Quarantine Station
Manly Quarantine Station is a historic landmark which was operated as an operational quarantine facility for about 150 years from 1830's until 1984 before it was transformed into a beautiful hotel with dining venue including restaurant and cafe. Although it is now a hotel that welcomes guests from all around the world at the moment, the original quarantine room is still well preserved. It is hard to deny that visiting Q station is an Australian unique experience. ("Sydney Quarantine Station (Our History)", 2019)
3. Cycling Around Manly
Manly features over 20 km of cycle paths that was specially built for those to want to wander Manly in a different way. Hire a bike and discover the beach town as a local, the bike can be hired from Manly Bike Tours, which offers a wide range of tours for 2-hour long. During the tour, you will also have a chance to know more about the history of Manly and point out attractions that only locals know.
4. Manly Art Gallery and Museum
Personally, I would highly recommend you to visit Manly Art Gallery and Museum. Established in 1930, it is preserving the beach culture and the history of Northern Beaches area through over six thousand artifacts on display such as artworks, ceramics. Especially, it is totally free to enter and there is no age restriction. Therefore, come in and be a culture purist.
5. Explore the vibrant Manly Corso
A vibrant pedestrianized street right in the heart of Manly, where there are many shops, restaurants, cafes and supermarket, Manly Corso is definitely worth your visit. The Corso is named after the Via Del Corso in Rome. The Corso is now widely known as the busiest shopping district in the area. If shopping is not interesting enough for you, you might want to see street performers in here.
6. Learn to surf
Surfing is the reason of many people to come to Manly, the nature mother nature gives Manly such a beautiful beach with strong waves: that is why we call it surfer paradise. If you do not bring your surfing board, no problem, go across the North Steyne and hire one. If this is your first time to the waves, you can find out more information about surf class for beginners here
Reference List:
Sydney Quarantine Station (Our History). (2019). Retrieved from https://www.qstation.com.au/our-story.html