Situated on the North Shore of Sydney, Manly is one of Australia’s famous surf spots and a drawcard for tourists who want to experience a little of the famed beach life. But beyond its beaches, Manly also has a plethora of incredible spots awaiting a little exploration with the whole family. Yes, there really are a bunch of things to do in Manly with kids that you’ll love.
Things to do in Manly with kids
Table of Contents
Catch a ferry
The Manly ferry ride is one of those city transport experiences that should be enjoyed at least once. Operating since 1855, this 30-minute trip from Sydney to Manly provides some of the most spectacular harbour and ocean views in the city.
The Manly ferry operates 7 days a week, both day and night, providing numerous options to catch a ride. Sunday’s a great time to use the ferry with the Opal pass capped for the whole day.
Click to access Transport NSW details on Manly Ferry tickets, timetables and information.
The Beach
When we say “the beach” we actually mean beaches. Manly has some of Sydney’s best with gorgeous white sand and gorgeous water.
Shelly Beach
This protected beach is part of Cabbage Tree Bay and is popular with Scuba Divers and Snorkelers. It also boasts showers, toilets and a kiosk along with two free electric barbeques. You may fancy heading here for a family BBQ!
Fairy Bower
Built back in 1929, Fairy Bower rockpool is one of the historic pools that was cut and blasted along the New South Wales coast. The Fairy Bower pool is triangular in shape with the ‘The Sea Nymphs’ sculpture looking upon swimmers from its edge.
Queenscliff Beach
At the northern headland of Manly, Queenscliff Beach is the spot to head for surfing with its offshore “bommie” creating waves up to seven metres.
Little Manly Cove
If you are looking for a great spot to head with the kids, Little Manly Cove may be just the spot. Its beaches are reputed to be safe and they have no waves, it has a playground and lovely grassy areas.
Cabbage Tree Bay
Cabbage Tree Bay is an aquatic reserve covering around 20 hectares. Whilst you can not fish or collect any marine life (including shells) it is a great spot to head for a little swimming or snorkeling.
Quarantine Beach
Quarantine Beach can be found at the old Quarantine Station and features around 200m of gorgeous sand. Protected, secluded and steeper in history, this is also one of the few spots in NSW where you might find a Little Penguin.
Spring Cove
Encasing Collins Beach, Store Beach and Quarantine Beach, secluded Spring Cove is on the harbour side of Manly and is fringed by the Sydney Harbour National Park. There is a natural spring within it which inspired its name.
North Steyne Beach
Beware! North Steyne Beach is riddled with rips so it is crucial that you swim between the flags when headed to this beach.
Store Beach
I was a little reluctant about adding this one to our Manly beach roundup as it could possibly be one of the best beaches in the city for families. Accessible only by water, it is a hidden treasure that not everyone knows about (or can get to).
Clontarf Beach
With large shady areas, gentle harbour waters and wide open grassy areas, Clontarf Beach boasts a playground and harbour swimming pool making it one of Manly’s favourite family beach spots.
Fairlight Beach
We are led to believe that Fairlight beach is one of the locals and a great place to head if you are looking for things to do in Manly with kids. It has everything with the perfect water for both snorkelling and scuba diving as well as ideal calm swimming conditions most of the time. We love the tidal rock pools!
Which beach spots have we missed?
Go to the Qstation
The Quarantine Staton, affectionately called the QStation, was in action from 1833 to 1984, protecting Sydney from a number of infectious diseases that came from across the seas…or so we were told. Selected for its isolation from Sydney, the Quarantine Station boasts an incredible location today and it was one that you will want to explore.
CLICK TO READ ABOUT OUR TRAVELS TO THE QUARANTINE STATION IN MANLY
Manly Dam
The Manly Dam is a heritage-listed former reservoir located within the Manly Dam Reserve built back in 1892. It’s a delightful spot with lovely walks to enjoy and a plethora of wildlife. Watch out for the long-nosed bandicoots.
Little Penguins
Manly is home to New South Wales’ only remaining mainland Little Penguin colonies. Every night From May to February to breed. While most of their burrow spots are top secret, there is one area in Manly where you can visit and watch them come in for the evening. Head to the Manly Wharf (right side when facing the ocean) just before sunset and look for the NPWS Volunteer Penguin Wardens who will tell you where to look and the specific guidelines you need to follow to ensure the penguins are kept safe.
Please note: All Australian native birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals, but not including dingoes, are protected in NSW by the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. This means you can not approach the penguins or try to look in their burrows. Chat to the volunteers for full details.
Long Nosed Bandicoots
While we’re talking about native wildlife we should mention the bandicoots too. Restricted to the North Head, Long Nosed Bandicoots in Manly are endangered and keenly protected by the locals. They are a nocturnal mammal and quite small, so not always easy to spot. We’ve heard that a stay at the QStation will maximise your chances of seeing one.
Check out Manly’s Bandicoots on Facebook to hear their recent adventures in the area.
Whale Watching
Pick your travel dates well and you may just spot a whale on your trip to Manly. With two whale watching seasons in Sydney each year, your chances are likely from May to August and then again in summer.
Click here to discover the best whale watching spots in Sydney
Learn to Surf
How could we not include this? Manly is renowned around the world for its surfing culture and it even hosts a number of events through the year. Of course, you don’t actually need to know how to surf to give it a go. Head over to Manly Surf School and give it a go!
We stayed at the Novotel Manly Pacific Hotel on our visit to Manly. We loved that it was right across from the beach and offered interconnecting family rooms.
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