Manly Recommendations
We know many of you are travelling from afar, so if you find yourself in our beautiful home we have included some recommendations below.
SWIM SPOTS
The Bower, our favorite ‘European style’ dip off the rocks
Manly Beach, tucked in the south near the Manly Life Saving Club
Shelly beach, perfect if there is wind
Delwood beach, for a harbour side swim
HOTELS
CAFES
The Nest, Best coffee & hospitality
The Bower cafe, for after your morning swim
Rollers Bakehouse, pastries galore
MORE FOOD & DRINKS
Felons Manly, pub food + a view
Manly 16ft Skiff Club, the locals favourite
Manly Pavilion, dinner and sunset
Busta, shared plates and great wine
Sunset Sabi, Japanese food with a twist
Chica bonita, Mexican and margaritas
THE OFFICE
The grassy area behind the wharf beach is a public space allowing alcohol until 8pm. Grab some drinks and take-away and watch the sunset
ACTIVITIES
Surf lessons
Manly Corso markets
Ferry ride to Circular Quay or Watson Bay
Exploring North Head Coastal walks
Spit to Manly foreshore walk
Ocean pool hopping (Bower, Fairlight, Freshwater pools)
Greater Sydney Recommendations
WHERE TO STAY
Within walking distance of the Rocks, Opera House and Botanic Gardens. Likely the best luxury offering in Sydney at the moment.
Luxury hotel in the historic “Rocks” area of Sydney City.
Luxury hotel overlooking Sydney Harbour in Sydney City.
Seafront hotel in Bondi, well-located on the main strip of Bondi. A great option if you want to stay in the Bondi area.
Serviced apartments located on Hall St in Bondi, 5 mins walk from the Beach and in the middle of Bondi’s restaurants / shopping area.
Cool boutique hotel just near Sydney central station.
Close to both beaches and the city. Double Bay itself is on the water and has great food offerings and a village feel.
WHERE TO DINE
Some of the best food in Sydney overlooking Bondi Beach. If you have time, a must visit.
Icebergs Dining Room & Bar, Bondi
Glamorous restaurant overlooking Bondi Beach. If you can’t get in for dinner here, get drinks at the bar for a great view.
Formal restaurant with lovely views over the ocean. Would suggest coming in advance of your booking to have drinks on the terrace.
The burrata, rigatoni bolognese and fritto misto are Italian staples you must have.
Fine-dining degustation restaurant in Circular Quay with great views of the Sydney Opera House.
Great vibes and food in Paddington. Charlie Parker’s (bar) downstairs a perfect spot for a pre or post dinner drink.
Underground French restaurant with live jazz every night.
Wine bar and intimate Italian restaurant in Bondi. Near Paddington pubs including the Paddo - good for a drink beforehand.
Pan-Asian cuisine in Potts Point. Relatively casual. Get the mochi.
Margaret has proudly been named the No. 2 Steak Restaurant in the World and No. 1 in Australia for 2025
Sceney formal restaurant on the beach in Coogee. More informal pub / bar the Coogee Pavilion downstairs.
Seafood restaurant right on Bondi Beach. Great option for lunch when exploring the area or after the Bronte to Bondi walk.
Casual Italian restaurant in Bondi. In an outdoor garden of a pub.. Instagram-famous.
Very good food in a lovely setting in a glasshouse style venue in a garden. Much of the food is sourced from onsite garden.
The Dining Room is classic in theory, yet modern and forward-thinking in practice. Its elegant, grand and approachable all at the same time.
The Greek taverna you dream of finding at the heart of any bustling village. Communal, plentiful and full of life with a touch of theatre.
Cafes/ Casual Restaurants
Pubs / Bars
The Royal Paddington, Paddington
The Woollahra Hotel, Woollahra
Where to get coffee
Primary Coffee, Rushcutters Bay
Bills, multiple locations
WHAT TO DO
Arguably the best thing to do in Sydney, spend some time at one of Sydney's best beaches like Manly, Tamarama, Coogee, Camp Cove, or Bronte
Catch the ferry to Manly and go to Shelly beach. Finish the day with a drink at Manly Pavillion
Take a dip at Bondi Icebergs Pool or Bronte Baths
Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Catch the ferry to Taronga Zoo.
Visit the Art Gallery of NSW. The new modern wing is particularly special
Walk around the Botanic Gardens (next to the Art Gallery)
Take surfing classes at Manly or Bondi
Do the Bondi to Bronte walk for cliff-side ocean views or the Hermitage Walk for Sydney Harbour views