Surfing and Scuba Diving at Sydney’s Manly Beach

Situated among the Northern Beaches of Sydney, Manly Beach provides both locals and tourists with unforgettable swimming opportunities!

Sydney’s laidback beach culture is one of its biggest draws. People flock to its pristine shores to kick back and relax in the sun and try out some adventurous beach-based pursuits.

Manly Beach is a hotspot for surfers, and is the home of the Australian Open every year in February. As well as a rich surf culture and beautiful sandy views, there are plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants to enjoy along the promenade and on the beach itself. From there, you can enjoy people watching and experience the sun setting over the horizon.

Things to Do at Manly Beach

The sprawling sands and endless views out across the horizon mean there are plenty of fun pursuits you can do to keep yourself busy while at Manly Beach.

• Sample the Surfing Culture

  To the north of Manly Beach, you’ll find the impressive Queenscliff Headland, where there is an offshore submerged reef (or bombora, as it’s often known), that creates the kind of waves top surfers love. If you stroll further south, there is a quieter stretch of beach known as Shelly Beach that is home to surfing, diving, snorkelling, and more relaxed beach activities.

  Sunbake the Day Away

  Not much for activities? Instead of filling your day with one activity to another, bring a book or even just your phone for an endless day sunbaking the day away as you read and listen to music. People-watching is another great activity to enjoy as you slowly bronze your skin to a perfect summer tan!

• Take a Bike Ride

  The Manly coastline is the ideal place to go for a leisurely cycle. Head north up the shores towards the picturesque expanse of Freshwater Beach and see where the Australian surf culture all began. Both Manly and Freshwater beaches are named under the National Surfing Reserve as important surfing spots in the country.

• Eat Under the Stars

  The beach lifestyle is what draws many visitors to Manly Beach, and its plethora of restaurants and cafes make for an incredible dining scene that’s set against a backdrop of beach views and beautiful sunsets. You can find some of the best coffees in Sydney being served here, as well as eateries that serve mouth-watering dishes of locally-caught fish and other fresh ingredients.

Other Water-Based Activities

Though Manly is predominantly known for its incredible surfing culture, there are plenty of other water-based activities you can do during your time there. You can try stand-up paddleboarding to enjoy the coastline from a different perspective, or take a dive or snorkelling trip to discover the magnificent beauty of the underwater world.

Manly Beach is one of Sydney’s most prized destinations, and the abundance of activities make it that much more fun. From surfing and scuba diving to bike rides and sunset dinners, it’s the perfect place to enjoy the laidback beach lifestyle.