- Duration
- 1 day: 30-min ferry + ~9 km on foot (≈ 7 h 24 min: moving and stop time only)
- Who it suits
- Everyone
- Transport
- ferry, walk
- Start
- Circular Quay, Wharf 3
- Finish
- Sunset ferry back
- Pace
- moderate pace
- Best time
- May–November for whale migration; December–March for swimming
- Budget per adult
- Opal or contactless bank card; daily cap A$9.65 on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, A$19.30 Monday to ThursdayPrices as of: July 2026; transport and zoo prices October 2026
Getting there
The Manly ferry from Circular Quay, Wharf 3. A bank card works. Come back on the sunset ferry.
Stops in order
The text version of the route: stops, time at each and the legs between them. Times are estimates, without queues, traffic or swims.
1. Circular Quay, Wharf 3~10 min at the stop
The legendary F1 Manly ferry leaves from here. Half an hour across the harbour past the Opera House. The crossing is half the attraction.
Tip: Stand on the open deck on the right-hand side: the Opera House and bridge stay on your side.
Open on the map ↗↓ ferry · 30 min · 11 km
2. Manly Wharf~15 min at the stop
The gateway to seaside Manly: a food hall, cafes and a calm clear-water cove right at the wharf. Grab a coffee and head down the Corso to the ocean.
Tip: The ferry drops you here. Walk straight through the wharf onto The Corso, toward the beach.
Open on the map ↗↓ walk · 8 min · 0.6 km
3. Manly Beach & The Corso~1 h 30 min at the stop
Kilometres of golden sand and one of the cradles of Australian surfing. Board hire and beginner schools line the promenade.
Tip: Swim between the flags. Food is on The Corso, between the wharf and the sand.
Open on the map ↗↓ walk · 16 min · 1.2 km
4. Shelly Beach & Cabbage Tree Bay~1 h 30 min at the stop
A no-take aquatic reserve since 2002: over 150 fish species, blue gropers and a resident turtle. Sydney's best free snorkelling.
Tip: Bring your own mask: there's hire in Manly, but none at the water's edge. The Boathouse is at the beach, 1 Marine Parade: breakfast and lunch every day 7:00 to 15:00, no bookings. Do not count on dinner.
Open on the map ↗↓ walk · 50 min · 4 km
5. North Head: Fairfax walk~1 h at the stop
An easy 1 km paved loop on the headland at the harbour mouth, fine even for prams. Yiningma lookout faces the ocean and the cliffs to Bluefish Point, Burragula looks back across the water to the city. Whales pass from June to October.
Tip: Free on foot; park entry fees apply at the North Head car parks. The climb from the wharf is noticeable, so with kids a short taxi ride is easier. Check NPWS alerts first: some North Head tracks are periodically closed.
Open on the map ↗↓ walk · 45 min · 3.8 km
6. Sunset ferry back~30 min at the stop
Take an evening sailing home: the sun sets right behind the Harbour Bridge and the city lights come on as the ferry closes in.
Tip: On the ferry back, sit on the right-hand side toward Circular Quay. The Opera House and the bridge stay on your side.
Open on the map ↗
Before you go
- Route times are estimates: walking, driving and a sensible pause at each stop. Add queues, traffic and swims yourself.
- Prices, timetables and trail status change. Check the venue's official site and the state transport app before you go.
- On beaches, swim only between the red and yellow flags. Use sun protection even when it is cloudy.