Meander in Manly

One of Sydney’s most popular northern beaches, a cosmopolitan seaside village.

We take you beyond your typical day. To push your limits. To accomplish your goals. To a destination that captures the imagination and holds a special place in the hearts of guests and guides alike. Can you picture it? Glimmering sand, significant harbour, aesthetic beaches, and quaint town.

From the enthralling ferry ride, magnificent ocean and harbour view to an adventure filled day to experience all Manly’s natural beauty and seaside charm. Escape reality and stay with us, as we came to visit this sandy and exquisite wonderland.

Ferry Ride

The mode of transportation to Manly Beach is either boat or a 30-minute ferry ride. We took a ferry from Circular Quay, and to be frank, waking up early in the morning just to catch the ferry was worth it all. The view was unbeatable. Ferry passed right between the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, meaning we could get an up-close look at the famed architecture from all angles. Undoubtedly, it was the perfect backdrop of coastline beaches on one side of the peninsula and serene sandy coves and inlets on the other.

Seeing seagulls flying past us as the wind became stronger. The brutal weather to visitors from a tropical country like us, without a doubt, almost killed us. However, the sightseeing opportunities made us stay as we hopped on an outdoor deck. The morning sun was friendly, which made us reluctant to leave. Relishing our own sweet times on board, a 30-minute ride, even though it’s short, the experience itself made our day and left us a lifetime recollection when we returned Malaysia.

Beach Beauty

Manly Beach is the spiritual birthplace of Australian surfing, where beachside village and a cosmopolitan hub collide. Its concealed location makes it one of Sydney’s hidden gems, but the secret is out with visitors flocking to enjoy over 200 stores, 150 cafes, bars and restaurants, 40 different beaches and 30 outdoor activities. With options to escape or immerse yourself in the crowds, enjoy the simple pleasures of this small, tranquil town.

Filled with wholehearted beach lovers, the pathway along the Manly Beach is a place where you could never picture yourself being at. Explore the region by bike. Relax your mind taking in bewitching landscapes while relishing in once-in-a-lifetime experiences like a pleasant dining next to the wharf, a leisure meander along the harmonic residences, take a pleasure in looking happy dogs run around the sandy beach or soak in the sea water with your loved ones. 

With the sun still shining in the morning, and the beaches less crowded, Manly is a bustling beautiful place to get active. The moment we arrived at this paradise, we could not help, but to wow at what the people have always described Manly, “One of the most gorgeous beaches in Sydney.”

The beauty startled us. The sea water was jewel blue. The wave-music was harmonic. Everything was soothing and we were glad to get away from the hurly-burly and stresses of life. Manly Beach has been capturing the visitors’ hearts, and ours would be no exception.

Leisure Walk

Don’t you ever complain about getting bored at this place! Even though you’re not a dog lover, you will unquestionably fall in love with active but well-behaved pets strolling with their owners. We saw Golden Retriever happily running around the beach. All types of dogs which seemed enjoyable as the humans did, taking their sweet times while the gentle wind and sunny weather altogether responded to them.

Just a bit farther down the pathway, we arrived Shelly Beach which lives up to its name. The beach is filled with fervent surfers, snorkelers and swimmers who seemed well-prepared to dive into the sea. As such, most beachcombers set up their towels a bit farther back, and simply use the shore as a jumping off point to get into the peaceful cove which doubles as a great surfing and snorkeling spot.

Wasn’t it blissful as an amble by the seashore? It’s like walking through an airy womb of sky and sound.

Foodie Heaven

Fancy a fascinating combination of ingredients? A cup of aromatic freshly brewed coffee. A big plate of toast with two sunny eggs and avocado as a side. A bowl of garden salad with a fair bit of balsamic vinegar that appeals your taste buds. The cafes are calling, and we know all the dining experiences will absolutely take your breath away.

In the morning, we walked along the jagged coastline all the way to a spot called The Boathouse along Shelly Beach. Along the way, the flat path winds past 11 sculptures depicting the history and wildlife in the area. As we walked into the café, what really drew us was the evocative interiors and rustic ornaments. The white-tipped waves curled towards the beach as their rhythmic sounds drowned out the indistinguishable chatter of visitors. While listening to the sounds of the seas, delicious smells of hamburgers and French fries wafted over.

“Can we order everything from the menu?” We asked laughingly. Too good to be true. The menu looked perfect to us, which revealed the gluttonous side of us! Who could ever resist scrumptious food, right? Our stomach started to growl, we could not wait to be seated and served with mouth-watering food. While simply relaxing and indulging in our breakfast, the sun began to shine through the café. Breezy, but the sun kept us warm enough as we dined.

The food was nothing like our Malaysian breakfast, Nasi Lemak or Roti Canai, however, they were equally flavoursome. People become grumpy when they’re hungry, but before anything happened, food came to us and we savoured them. “Don’t take it seriously, though. Food in Manly Beach did not make us grumpy, in fact, our filling breakfast fuelled us before more goings-on awaited.” We uttered contentedly.

Biking Bliss

Destination NSW arranged a cycling tour offered by Manly Bike Tours which was made for the cyclists who like to go the extra mile. We, of course, were more enthusiastic. Riding a bike around Manly and the Northern Beaches is the perfect way to experience every corner of Sydney’s most stunning coastal towns. After getting our lunch done at Hugos, a restaurant positioned on the Manly Wharf; we hopped on a bike and explored secluded coves, national parks, marine reserves, lagoons, and breath-taking shoreline views.

Throughout the cycling route, we biked along the well-signed bike path, past the house of the first Prime Minister of Australia and through the leafy coastal streets of Manly to Tania Park and Arabanoo Lookout at Dobroyd Head. Arabanoo lookout at Dobroyd Head is named in honour of Arabanoo, the first Aboriginal man to live among European settlers. It's a great spot for whale watching, offering views over North and South Head and the expansive Pacific Ocean.

Soak in the spectacular views as well as a bird’s eye view of Manly. Upon pedalling up to the Fair Fax Lookout situated at North Head, we dropped our jaws while overlooking Sydney Heads. It offers sweeping views up Port Jackson to the city of Sydney. Walking tracks lead to the former North Fort Artillery buildings and the dramatic coastal cliffs between North Head and Manly. Nearby is a long-forgotten cemetery where people who died at the Quarantine Station were laid to rest. 

While the landscape itself will take your breath away, we also had the chance to visit International College of Management. Located in the Sydney beachside suburb of Manly, the location overlooks the beach and Sydney Harbour. Striking heritage-listed, sandstone building made us have an urge to go back to school. To the north, there were views of the Pacific Ocean stretching to the New South Wales Central Coast. Southwards, the College has sweeping views of Sydney Harbour, which many consider being the most beautiful in the world. 

The weather became quite squally in the evening, we picked our bikes up again and continued descending along the residential area. Then, riding along heavy traffic, busy shop-lots and laid-back pubs, we ended the bike tour at Manly’s town centre.

More than just Manly Beach

This cycling expedition came to an end you would be dazed as it took you to explore a gem where you could indulge in the gorgeous view overseeing Manly Beach. Focus on nothing but ride, recreation, and relaxation in a world-class destination. It was certainly a bike tour which assured us to leave with legs that were ready for anything.

Unforgettable ride, stunning views and exciting creatures set amidst some of Manly’s most eye-catching panoramas. The scenic walk, amazing natural surroundings, riveting history, approachable people, irresistible delicacies, entertaining water activities, not to forget, a memorable bike tour in none other than the Manly Beach; the sense of contentment was overwhelming.

What could possibly go wrong? It was the ultimate euphoria.

Any thoughts? Talk to trailandthrill@gmail.com