Sydney · MANLY TOURS
Sydney gives you more good options than free days. Here are 13 manly tours that justify the time, priced and timed so the decision takes minutes.
Set out from Manly on a full-day, self-guided ride covering up to 12.5 miles of bike paths and off-road trails. Visit North Head, Q Station, Shelly Beach and Manly Beach at your own pace. A bike, helmet, lock and locker are included; there is no local guide, but staff can explain where to ride.
“This was a great way to see the Manly Beach area. They provided breakfast staff was held our stuff so we didn’t have to take it all with us.”
Join a group of up to eight for a 30-minute nature walk and one hour of guided snorkeling at Shelly Beach in Manly. Your guide supplies the mask, fins and wetsuit, leads a swim check, and helps you spot marine life in Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. Guides have included Sam, Christina, Julie and Raf.
“The guide is knowledgeable about the area and the marine life. He is friendly and patient with people. You could always rent your own equipment but you would be missing out on the educational piece. I highly recommend his tours!”
Set out from Manly with a guide for a relaxed 150-minute paddle to Collins Flat, Store, and Quarantine beaches. You’ll pass caves, rock formations, and small waterfalls, hear about local history, and stop for juice and snacks. No kayaking experience is needed, but you must be able to swim 100 metres.
“Really enjoyable experience. Loved the paddling, scenery and the history imparted.”
Spend 150 minutes exploring Manly’s coast with an English-speaking guide and a group of no more than eight. Start with a headland walk and safety briefing, then snorkel for about an hour in protected Cabbage Tree Bay. Wetsuits and gear are included. You need to swim 150 meters unassisted and be able to float and tread water.
“Great activity. The running is so smooth and everyone of us enjoyed it. It's just unlucky that the weather was a little bit bad.”
Set out from Manly Yacht Club at 10:30am for a relaxed, 2.5-hour guided paddle to about three beaches, including Collins Flat, Quarantine and Store. Your guide supplies kayaks, drybags, snacks and hot drinks. No previous kayaking experience is required, but wind and choppy water can make paddling harder.
“Easy trip to navigate and the guide took us to the beautiful beaches with an incredible history. The harbor was busy but we were safe. It was a very enjoyable day!”
From Manly Yacht Club, join an experienced English-speaking crew for 2.5 hours on Sydney Harbour. You can help set the sails and steer, with instruction if you want it. The route may pass the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, waterfront homes, and beaches, depending on weather. Groups are limited to four people.
“excellent tour, we went on a very windy day and our guide was excellent guiding us through the details of sailing into a strong windy day”
This four-hour Bonza tour pairs a Sydney Harbour ferry ride with a guided cycle around Manly Beach and North Head, then returns by ferry at sunset. You’ll ride with a local guide, such as Jay or Dylan, and see harbour landmarks, coastal cliffs and city views. A significant hill makes an electric bike worth asking about.
“We had an amazing time. Jay our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly so we learned so much. The bikes were absolutely fantastic. Definitely upgrade to electric. We were able to see so much. Maybe a short stop for one drink before getting on the ferry back!! Thank you.”
Set out from Manly with an English-speaking guide for a gentle kayak trip along the shoreline to Store Beach. You’ll get a safety briefing, equipment and time to relax, visit the museum or cafe, or paddle around the cove. A speedboat tows the kayaks back, with an option to stay longer and return later by kayak.
“Had so much fun here. Our guide was amazing- so much patience and very friendly. Thanks a lot team.”
From Manly, join a captain and a group of up to four for a hands-on Sydney Harbour sailing taster. Get a short lesson, help set the sails and steer, and cruise along the northern coastline. Instructors Onur and Izzy have been praised for clear, patient teaching, though the captain may vary.
“Our Instructor Onur was very good, patient and did a great job of explaining things.”
From Manly Cove, paddle with a local guide past Fairlight and North Harbour Reserve to Reef Beach, where you can swim and walk to the Arabanoo lookout at Dobroyd Head. The 90-minute trip includes kayaks, safety gear and a basic lesson. Guides have included Nick and Steph; the tour runs on weekends and requires six participants.
“It was amazing, a great experience. The guide Nick was very helpful, knowledgeable and had a lot of fun facts during the trip. I would recommend this experience. Thank you for a great day.”
Set out from Sydney at 8:00 am in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with guide Ben Barry. Cross the Harbour Bridge, stop at coastal lookouts and beaches, and take a walk at North Head or Long Reef. Your route can be tailored to your interests, with an optional ferry ride from Manly to Circular Quay.
“We had a great time and Ben was a wonderful tour guide! The beaches and scenic lookouts that he took us to were beautiful! We highly recommend this private tour!”
Hire a stable, soft-board SUP from Manly Kayak Centre and set your own pace on North Harbour. In two hours, you can linger by the moored yachts or use the supplied map to paddle farther toward four beaches and water-only sights. Basic instruction is available, but you must be able to swim 150 metres.
Spend about six hours exploring Sydney’s northern beaches and harbour views with a private guide. Visit Georges Head, Balmoral, Manly and Shelley Beach, Curl Curl, North Head and Barangaroo Reserve, with lunch included and pickup offered. Anne-Maree is one named guide; her carefully paced days have been praised for good planning and a fun feel.
“Incredible views of some of the beautiful northern beaches of Sydney. Our tour guide Anne-Maree was knowledgeable and paced our tour perfectly. She planned our day expertly and made it fun and memorable. Great lunch too!”
Pick a deck, a cliff edge or a cellar door.
