Possibly the best known beach to tourists after Bondi Beach, Manly’s long stretch of golden sand is said to have been the location of the first Surf Life Saving Club in the world. It’s certainly known for surfing, and is considered to be the birthplace of Australian surfing – hosting the first World Surfboard Riders Championship in 1964.
Today you’ll find schools of surfers launching into the rips, paddling hard in pink-and-yellow rashies. Some are nippers and others are from the Manly Surf School, one of the best beginners’ surfing schools in Sydney. Swimmers are, as always, advised to swim between the flags. There are walkers, joggers and dog walkers along the West Esplanade, and people used the Manly Pavilion for special events, or a quick drink before sunset.
Manly Beach is lined by tall Norfolk Island pine trees and it’s divided into three sections: Queenscliff, North Steyne, and South Steyne. At North Steyne, the middle part of the beach, you’ll find volleyball nets, surf board hire, plenty of sand to stretch out, plus amenities like showers, restaurants, barbecues and toilets.