Manly Beach

New South Wales, Sydney

Manly has long been a popular day trip for Sydney residents and tourists who enjoy the iconic ferry ride across Sydney Harbour, along with spending the day out shopping or relaxing on the sand or under the shade of the big Nolfolk Island Pines. The best spot for beginner surfers is often from the southern end of the beach through to in front of the volleyball courts where surfers of all levels can be seen enjoying catching waves on most days. The surf here does get busy, especially on weekends and before and after school / work hours, so remember to always practise Surfing Etiquette.

Wave Type
Best for beginners during small swells, when gentle rights and lefts can be found, along with good sandbars for practising in the whitewater during mid to low tides. Wave quality is dependent on sandbar formation and surf conditions, and rips are normally present along the length of the beach.

The southern end of Manly offers good shelter from south winds and moderate south swells but the surf does get messy and challenging during north winds and swells. So, if the waves are too big from a north to east swell or even too small from a south swell, Freshwater, Long Reef and Bondi Beach are often better options.  
 
Good Wind Direction
Best on South to North West winds.

Good Swell Direction For Fun Beginner Waves
Small North East to East swells and moderate South East to South swells.

Hazards
- Rocks and the pipe that juts out to sea.
- Rip Currents
- Marine life

Have fun surfing Manly Beach by practising surfing etiquette and surf safety.

Access
Parking is located on the beachfront and side streets.

Lifeguard Patrolled
The southern end of Manly (South Steyne) is patrolled daily all year round - always swim between the red and yellow flags.

Beginners & kids are best to surf at beaches when Lifeguards are on patrol or with a friend who has decades of surfing experience.

Amenities
Located at Manly and North Steyne Surf Life Saving Clubs and in front of the Corso shopping precinct under the Pantry Restaurant.

Closest Shops
Cafés, restaurants, take aways, supermarkets, boutiques and surf shops abound in the Manly CBD and on the streets behind the length of the beach.

Photos of Manly Beach

More on Surfing Sydney

Sydney Surf & Weather Report

Sydney Overview

Surf Lessons

Nearby Surf Spots for Beginners & Kids

Collaroy Beach 10km

Long Reef - Dee Why Beach 9km

Freshwater Beach 2km

Bondi Beach 23km