Getting to Manly by ferry
There are two public ways to reach Manly from Circular Quay. The F1 is the public ferry line. The fast ferry to Manly is a separate service on the Opal network with the same single-journey fare and the same Opal benefits as the F1. It takes about 20 minutes daily and runs from Circular Quay Wharf 2 to Manly Wharf 2. Check the F1 timetable for the current journey time before you go.
You can also reach Manly on a Sydney harbour cruise. The express sightseeing trip runs about 65 to 80 minutes to Manly with short stops, and the hop-on-hop-off route has a Manly stop. Both are cruise tickets, not Opal fares. For public fares and daily caps, see our Sydney ferries guide.
Manly Cove or Manly Beach
Two beaches, two different settings.
Manly Cove
Manly Cove is the harbour side, right by the ferry wharf. It is unpatrolled, so there are no lifeguards. It is a calm spot to sit, but do not assume the supervision of the ocean beach applies here.
Manly Beach
Manly Beach is on the ocean side and is the surf and swimming beach. It is patrolled all year. Swim between the red and yellow flags.
Swimming after rain
Water quality drops after heavy rain. In estuaries and other harbour waters, avoid swimming for up to 3 days afterwards. On ocean beaches, wait at least 1 day.
Our Sydney Harbour beaches guide compares the harbour beaches, including the netting and patrol rules.
Our pick: kayak at Manly
Our take: once you arrive by ferry, this tour starts a short walk from the wharf.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in Australian dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Manly tours and harbour cruises
Harbour cruises that stop at Manly, whale trips and day tours, with live prices and availability.
The Manly Scenic Walkway and North Head
Two walks, two different lengths.
The Manly Scenic Walkway runs from Manly to Spit Bridge and is about 10 km one way. Allow 3 to 4.5 hours, depending on your pace and stops. The route passes protected natural and heritage sites. Dogs are not allowed in the national park, and a separate route exists for dogs.
North Head is a separate trip, not part of the walkway. The lookouts Burragula (Yiningma) and the Fairfax walk are the usual spots. There is a vehicle fee of A$5 a day. The gate is open from 06:00 to 20:30 during daylight saving time and from 06:00 to 18:00 otherwise. Our Sydney Harbour walks guide has more routes.
Whale trips from Manly
A seasonal boat trip through the Heads.
Whales migrate along the NSW coast from May to November. In 2026 an open-sea whale safari departs from Manly, Rose Bay and Circular Quay. The trip takes 1.5 to 2 hours. The minimum age is 12 and passengers must be taller than 1.3 m. Health and pregnancy exclusions apply.
The route goes through the Heads into the Tasman Sea, so it is not a calm harbour cruise. A sighting cannot be guaranteed. NSW rules ask boats and paddle craft to stay at least 100 m from whales and 300 m from calves. For other boats and the lookouts, see our whale watching guide.
What a day in Manly costs
Ferry fares and caps in 2026.
A public ferry journey costs an adult A$7.35 or A$9.20 with Opal, depending on the distance. On Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays an adult pays at most A$9.65 a day across the Opal network, and from Monday to Thursday the cap is A$19.30. Use the same card or phone for every trip so the cap works. The beaches and the walkway cost nothing to enter.
A cruise is priced differently. The express sightseeing trip to Manly is A$37 for adults and A$26 for children aged 4 to 15, valid from 1 April 2026. Wharf numbers can change, so look at the sign at the wharf before you board.
Staying in Manly
What the location means for your plans.
Manly has a ferry terminal and a separate ocean beach. If you stay here, trips to the city or the airport need an extra ferry leg. Check the last departure on the timetable before an evening in the city, because this page cannot promise a last ferry. See where to stay on the harbour for the other areas.
Manly: frequently asked questions
How long does the ferry to Manly take?
The fast ferry takes about 20 minutes. Check the F1 timetable for the current journey time of the public ferry before you go.
Is the fast ferry more expensive than the F1?
No. It is an Opal network service with the same single-journey fare and the same Opal benefits as the F1.
Can I swim at Manly Cove?
Manly Cove is unpatrolled, so there are no lifeguards. Manly Beach on the ocean side is patrolled all year, and you swim between the red and yellow flags.
How long is the walk from Manly to Spit Bridge?
It is about 10 km one way. Allow 3 to 4.5 hours, depending on your pace.
What does North Head cost to visit?
North Head is a separate trip from the walkway. The vehicle fee is A$5 a day, and the gate is open from 06:00 to 20:30 during daylight saving time and from 06:00 to 18:00 otherwise.