Manly Beach

Manly Beach is a major ocean beach in the suburb of Manly within the Northern Beaches Council area of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Facing the Pacific Ocean between Queenscliff and North Steyne, it is known for its long stretch of golden sand, consistent surf breaks and Norfolk Island pines along the promenade. Developed as a seaside resort since the 19th century, it is a key recreational hub for swimming, surfing and coastal walking, linked to central Sydney by the Manly Ferry.

Visitors can expect a wide sandy ocean beach with a paved promenade lined with Norfolk Island pines, cafes and shops connecting to The Corso. The beach is patrolled by surf lifesavers with flagged swimming areas, surf breaks for beginners and experienced surfers, and clear views of the Pacific Ocean. The foreshore offers walking and cycling paths, ocean pools at Queenscliff and North Steyne, and easy access to Shelly Beach and North Head via coastal walks.

Named by Governor Arthur Phillip in 1788 for the confident bearing of the local Kay-ye-my people of the Gayamaygal clan. Developed as a seaside resort from the 1850s after Henry Gilbert Smith promoted Manly, with regular steam ferry services from Sydney established in the mid-19th century. The beach became one of Australia's earliest surfing locations in the early 20th century and has long been a centre for surf lifesaving.

Manly Beach is culturally significant as an iconic Sydney beach and surf culture centre, traditionally part of Gayamaygal Country. It is a major recreational and social gathering place for locals and visitors, associated with Australian beach culture, surf lifesaving traditions and coastal leisure, and forms the gateway to the Manly to Spit and North Head coastal walks.