1.Best coffee in Manly: Ruby Lane
Serious coffee lovers will enjoy the smooth single origin available at this wholefoods café. Dietaries are considered too with a variety of milks available on request. A favourite spot for locals, this place gets busy on weekends so it’s best to get down early for a pre-surf feed. All menu items are cooked with sustainable produce, supporting local suppliers so you can’t go wrong whatever you choose. Try the Beach Bun for a convenient and tasty fill (don’t be alarmed by the charcoal coloured bun) or the Smash ‘N’ Hash for a serious protein-packed hit.
Cost: $$$$
Location: Pittwater Road, Manly
2. Best place to surf: Manly Beach
Manly beach is one of the most iconic beaches in Sydney and surfing here is unmissable. The southern end of the beach is ideal for novices, thanks to its sandbanks and more sheltered position along the coastline. Discover a more detailed guide on the best surfing beaches in Sydney (including Manly Beach) to learn about the best places to Hang Ten, in addition to important etiquette to note whilst surfing.
Cost: $$$$
Location: Manly Beach
3. Lunch in Manly: The Boathouse
Adjacent to beautiful Shelly Beach, this place is always heaving and favoured by Sally for lunch. This bright Hamptons style space offers wholesome favourites, from epic salads to traditional juicy burgers. TIP – this place is walk-in’s only, so you may have to wait for a table. Take the gorgeous walk from Manly and bring a small group of your favourite people. Be sure to pack your swimmers on a warm day, as you won’t be able to resist the crystal waters at Shelly Beach.
Cost: $$$$
Location: Marine Parade, Manly
4. Take a Swim: Fairy Bower Ocean Pool
Sated from a lunch at the Boathouse and heading back to Manly, Sally recommends a dip at Fairy Bower Ocean pool. Jutting proud and inviting from the coastal promenade, this pool of turquoise blue begs you to take a dip, a perfect cool reward when walking on a hot summer’s day.
Cost: $$$$
Location: Marine Parade, Manly
5. Sweet treats: Verd Café
Accessible from Manly’s famous Corso, Verd is an open and airy café serving plant-based foods. With it’s hanging baskets and Scandinavian décor, you can eat your fill of good food that’s nourishing whilst giving our planet a little hug due it’s sustainability ethos. Sally always pops by whilst in Manly to grab a raw treat and chai latte.
Cost:$$$$
Location: The Corso, Manly
6. Shop: Naked Foods Organic Health Store
Along with her intense training routine, to stay fit and strong Sally is sure to fuel her body with whole foods. For this reason she stops by Naked Foods in Manly to restock on organic staples like berries, nuts and seeds – perfect to enhance a favourite recipe. You can also pick up some relatively guilt-free treats like chocolate-coated freeze-dried strawberries and cinnamon almonds, yum!
Cost:$$$$
Location: Wentworth Street, Manly
7. Take a Walk: Manly Corso
Sally is sure to take a stroll along The Corso, which is the major access point between Manly Wharf and patrolled Manly beach. This part-pedestrian mall is lined with iconic surf-brand stores, cafes and pubs. Take a walk through the side laneways that flank the Corso and you’ll find many eateries and boutique shops tucked away from the main drag. Kids love the bubbling water displays at the beach end and there are plenty of places to sit, rest and soak up the atmosphere.
Cost: $$$$
Location: The Corso, Manly
8. Special occasion dining: Hugos Manly
In prime position on Manly’s iconic wharf, Hugos is Sydney waterside dining at its best. TIP: dine-in as the summer-sun sets and the lights of Manly and surrounding suburbs start to twinkle. Expect contemporary Italian cuisine, fancy cocktails and attentive service.
Cost: $$$$
Location: Manly Wharf, Manly
9. Stay and Play: Novotel Sydney Manly Pacific
A home away from home for Sally and her team whilst on location, Novotel Sydney Manly Pacific is a great base from which to experience the very best Manly Beach has to offer. Prime beachfront accommodation, guests can experience spectacular water views and be lulled to sleep by the soothing sounds of the ocean. Hang out at the hotel, take a dip in the rooftop pool, relax bathed in gorgeous sunshine on your balcony or venture out to explore Manly and other beautiful Northern Beaches of Sydney like Queenscliff, Freshwater and famous Palm Beach – a further 40 minutes North by road.
Location: North Steyne, Manly
