The ferry to Manly
The public ferry from Circular Quay to Manly (route F1) takes about 30 minutes and crosses the whole harbour, passing the Opera House, Fort Denison and the cliffs of the Heads. It costs a normal Opal fare and counts towards your daily cap. Sit outside on the back deck for the views; on windy days there can be a swell near the Heads.
A private fast ferry also runs between Circular Quay and Manly in about 20 minutes, with separate fares; check which one you are boarding.
Manly
From the wharf, walk along the pedestrian Corso to the ocean beach, lined with Norfolk Island pines. Manly has a relaxed beach-town feel, lots of cafés and pubs, and surf schools for beginners.
Follow the path south-east around the headland to Shelly Beach in Cabbage Tree Bay, a protected marine reserve with calm water and excellent snorkelling. Beyond it, North Head has walking tracks, lookouts over the harbour entrance and the historic Q Station quarantine site.
Harbour sightseeing cruise
A morning or afternoon cruise from Circular Quay past the Opera House, the bridge and the harbour bays.
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2-hour express whale-watching cruise
A fast boat from Circular Quay out through the Heads to look for humpbacks during the migration season.
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The Spit to Manly walk
This 10 km bush and beach walk follows Middle Harbour from the Spit Bridge to Manly, passing quiet coves, Aboriginal rock engravings near Grotto Point and lookouts at Dobroyd Head. Allow three to four hours; it includes some steps and sandy stretches. Catch a bus to the Spit Bridge and finish with the ferry back from Manly. More in our coastal walks guide.
The Northern Beaches to Palm Beach
North of Manly a string of surf beaches runs for about 30 km: Freshwater (where surfing was famously demonstrated in Australia in 1914–15), Curl Curl, Dee Why, Collaroy, Narrabeen, Avalon and Whale Beach. The B-Line bus runs from the city to Mona Vale, with connecting buses onward.
At the tip, Palm Beach sits on a narrow peninsula between the ocean and Pittwater. A walk up to Barrenjoey Lighthouse gives a spectacular view over both waters, and the beach is known to TV fans as the set of 'Home and Away'. Allow a full day from the city by public transport.
Staying in Manly
Manly suits travellers who want a beach-town base with a scenic commute: the ferry gets you to Circular Quay in about 30 minutes, but the last ferries are earlier than city trains, so check times for late nights.
Novotel Sydney Manly Pacific
ManlyA large hotel right on Manly's ocean beach promenade, about a ten-minute walk from the ferry wharf.
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Frequently asked questions
How long is the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly?
About 30 minutes on the public F1 ferry, or around 20 minutes on the private fast ferry.
Is Manly better than Bondi?
Manly has the ferry ride, a more relaxed feel and calmer snorkelling at Shelly Beach; Bondi has the famous beach scene and the coastal walk. Both deserve a visit.
How do I get to Palm Beach from Sydney?
Take the B-Line bus to Mona Vale and change to a bus to Palm Beach, or ride direct buses from the city — allow about 1.5–2 hours. Organised tours and car hire are faster.
Sources and official information
Facts were checked against these official sources in November 2026. Opening hours, prices and timetables change, so confirm before you go.
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