Top Things to do in Manly
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The 8 Best Sights & Landmarks in Manly, New South Wales
Discover the best top things to do in Manly, Australia including Grotto Point Lighthouse Walk, Manly Quarantine Station, Norwegian Church in Sydney, Manly Freshwater Parish, North Head, St Matthew's on the Corso, The Corso, Australia's Memorial Walk.
Restaurants in Manly
1. Grotto Point Lighthouse Walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By mrdom
Grotto Point is down a side track from the Spit to Manly walk - unmarked but a developed track that you can spot if you look. It's an interesting lighthouse in a great spot out on the harbour. You can even get down on the rocks. Also note that another track to Washaway Beach runs off this track.
2. Manly Quarantine Station
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 353 reviews
Reviewed By AniaTur - Sydney, Australia
I LOVE the Q Station! Walking around it literally feels like travelling in time. You can feel a vibe, a presence - it is quite different from any place I have been to. And IT IS HAUNTED! ;) I had a pleasure of participating in an amazing ghost tour: I learnt a lot about the history of the station - VERY interesting - and I got chills hearing stories about ghost appearances and residual energy imprint haunting in different locations across the Q Station. Walking around such an unusual place in the dark and with just a few lanterns is scary enough but doing so with a black ghost lady as a guide is definitely the next level! And I am pretty sure I saw something in the showers that wasn't supposed to be there! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for anyone looking for more excitement in their lives! By the way, they also great run history tours for those who prefer stay away from the paranormal ;)
3. Norwegian Church in Sydney
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
4. Manly Freshwater Parish
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
5. North Head
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 387 reviews
Reviewed By Mairwen1
North Head is a national park area, sitting high above Manly and Shelly beaches. You can easily combine Manly Beach and North Head in a a day trip and you get the best of Australian sand, surf and bushland. Highlights at North Head include bushland walking trails, whale-watching sites, native wildlife, panoramic views of the harbour, military relics and the old historic quarantine centre. It is free to enter. You can walk from Manly Beach up to North Head but it’s steep and you need to allow about an hour. I’ve not done this yet but, I’d like to go back and do it another time. Instead we drove to North Head and did a few of the bush walking trails around the headland. If you have 1 – 2 hours, you will easily have time for more than one walking trail. They are well sign-posted although I’d recommend stopping by the Information Centre first and picking up a free map or guide. They are pretty helpful in there. The Fairfax Trail is the best one for panoramic views and whale-watching. It only takes 30 minutes. The Memorial Walk is the best one for seeing native bushland. It has beautiful native wildflowers (acacia, banksia, boronia, wattle). Depending on how much noise you make and whether you thud your way through the bush, you may also see native wildlife like kookaburras or the normally shy echidna. I found the Memorial Walk to be very moving. The red brick pavers are engraved with the names of those who served in different wars and there is excellent historical information, set in sandstone blocks with old photos. The Bella Vista Café is a nice spot to finish. The outdoor seating has wonderful harbour views. We finished here. GETTING THERE: From the Manly ferry wharf, catch the 135 bus (stand C) which will take you right into the North Head sanctuary, stopping by the visitor centre and Bella Vista cafe. Bus 135 is pre-pay only so you will need an Opal card, otherwise you will be stuck. If driving, It is only a flat $5 parking fee for the day (must be the most reasonable parking fee in Sydney).
6. St Matthew's on the Corso
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By kimc636 - Sydney, Australia
I got married at St Matthews's on the Corso over 34 years ago and it was amazing then and a little different but even when I was in there last week it is still just awesome to be in and look around the church the parish and service is wonderful. Do yourself a favor and definitely visit.
7. The Corso
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By Rokiii - Sydney, Australia
Lots to do there, lots of pubs, cafes and a good marketplace on the weekend. Right between the Manly Ferry and the main surf beach
8. Australia's Memorial Walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
