Sydney itinerary: Meandering in Manly

The north side's answer to the Bondi to Coogee has multiple access points and great views. The scenic walkway is also split into smaller strolls of between 600m and 2km, all of varying walking grades. Or you can commit to the whole hog, arriving at Manly ready to demolish the buzzy food and drink options making Manly a destination suburb no matter the season.

Papi Chulo serves their brisket on brown paper – just like in the Texas meat markets – is rich and fatty, served in big thick slices. Go for a double serve of the accompanying pillowy little white rolls and order up a James Squire One Fifty Lashes pale ale to temper the protein. And if that lot hasn’t got you sliding under the table begging for mercy, order a choc-chip cookie, all warmed through so the choc bits are slightly melted. It arrives covered in malted vanilla ice cream, butterscotch sauce and shards of macadamia nut brittle.

This mammoth establishment has a shiny pirate-themed rum and cider bar up on the top floor, with spectacular views out over the breakers from the balcony and a stage at one end for live bands. They've given the bistro a spit and polish to use the hotel’s enviable location looking out onto Manly Beach to maximum effect so grab a booth, order up some fish and chips and pair it with a James Squires One Fifty Lashes pale ale for the ultimate seaside refresher.

Built in 1828, the station was the prison – and burial place – of scores of unfortunate souls, who were quarantined here for a minimum of 30 days if their ship was suspected of carrying an infectious disease such as smallpox, bubonic plague or influenza. Now the station is a top attraction for ghoulish tourists who are led through its black streets, old fumigation rooms, shower blocks and cemetery by a guide with a kerosene lamp. Several visitors claim to have seen the resident ghosts.