Manly Beach is the southern end of a spectacular, vast crescent of sandy beach. The northern end is called Queenscliff Beach and North Steyne Beach is in the middle.

Manly is a world famous surf beach, which is just another way of saying that it is not the one most suitable for your precious younger children. It is vital to only use the area between the flags.

One can always just enjoy the views at Manly Beach, the surfers, travellers and all, and then walk down the path along the seafront to the more child-friendly Shelly Beach.

On sunny summer days it is possible to hire umbrellas, deckchairs, boogie boards and surfboards on Manly beach.

• Cafes: Many along South Steyne, kiosk at surf lifesaving club.
• Toilets: Toilets, change and shower block at the Tourist Information Centre, with parents’ room and disabled toilet. The same are found at the surf lifesaving club at the very southern end of the beach.
• Shade: Plenty on the beach in the afternoon from the famous pine trees, plus shade on the reserve.
• Playground: Small play area just north of the Tourist Information Centre on the promenade.
• Ocean pool: Fairy Bower is a lovely pool just a short walk away along Marine Parade which leads to Shelly Beach. There’s no shade at Fairy Bower.
• Shark net: No
• Mum’s report: The buzz of this beach is great, we always enjoy a spot of people watching. Accessibility by ferry is a huge plus and makes it part of a day out, along with the small play area in the Corso.
• Extra: Oceanworld Manly is close. A long stroller walk along the promenade here is always a treat, it’s also good for bikes and trikes.
• Parking: Two-hour street parking on South Steyne and surrounding streets, plus carpark on Central Avenue
• Nearest ferry: Manly Wharf is a 10 minute walk away
• Bus stop nearby: Yes

For more thorough reviews on Sydney’s Best Beaches for Kids, check out the guide written by Seana Smith (web link below). Seana blogs at Sydney Kids Food + Travel: http://www.seanasmith.com/

• Family/Kid-friendly
• Outdoor
• Parks/Gardens/Reserves
• Recreation/Leisure
• Special Needs

• Free
• $10
• $20
• $30
• $50
• $100
• $100+

• Phone n/a