Some of the best family holidays are the ones that leave plenty of room for the day to unfold. In Manly, mornings can begin barefoot by the ocean, afternoons might lead from hidden coves to harbour walks, and dinner is best followed by gelato on the way home. Surrounded by sea, native bushland and Sydney Harbour, there is a wonderful sense of freedom here, with something to discover at almost every turn.
Day One
Settle into life by Manly Beach
Begin your first morning where Manly does best: by the ocean.
Head down to the sand for an early swim, a walk along the water’s edge or a morning spent building something ambitious in the sand or taking part in a game of beach volleyball with nets just in front of the hotel. Pick up coffee and breakfast from one of our favourite locals, then find a spot overlooking the water and settle into the slower pace of the coast. From the beachfront, wander through The Corso towards Manly Cove for lunch at Felons Seafood. With harbour views and fresh seafood at the heart of the menu, it’s an easy place to linger over lunch together while watching the ferries cross the harbour.
This afternoon might take you to across the waterfront to East Esplanade Reserve. Find a shady spot beneath the trees, leave the children to the sprawling lawns and harbourside play area, and enjoy an afternoon outdoors with the breeze rolling in from the cove.
Day Two
Between bushland and Harbour
There is another side of Manly waiting just beyond the beachfront.
Start the morning with a visit to North Head Sanctuary, a five-minute drive from the hotel, picking up freshly made sandwiches and picnic provisions from local favourite Norma’s Deli on the way.
The one-kilometre Fairfax Walk offers an easy introduction to the landscape, winding through native bushland to expansive views across the ocean and Sydney Harbour. Take your time along the way. There is wildlife to look out for, views worth stopping for and plenty to spark younger imaginations.
As the day draws in, return to Manly for dinner at Cibaria, where the generosity of Italian dining meets the ease of life by the water. Share handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzette and seasonal dishes around the table, before stopping next door for freshly churned gelato.
There are some holiday traditions worth starting.
Day Three
Follow the Coast
Begin the morning slowly over breakfast at Bistro Manly, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the beach beyond. Younger eyes light up at the choices before them, while children are satisfied and the day ahead begins to take shape.
From here, follow the Fairy Bower walkway as it curves around the coastline towards Shelly Beach.
Along the way, the waters of Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve reveal a different side of Manly. Slip beneath the surface together, snorkelling among the marine life below, or simply swim in the calm, sheltered waters.
Shelly Beach is an easy place to spend the rest of the afternoon. Swim in the shallows, settle into a patch of shade beneath the trees, or see just how grand the day’s sandcastle can become.
When lunch calls, The Boathouse Shelly Beach is close by. Take the coastal path home afterwards, perhaps a little more slowly this time.
The moments that they will remember
Family holidays have a way of being remembered through their smallest moments. Three days in Manly is enough to find a rhythm of your own, but only just enough to begin. There will always be another stretch of coastline to follow, another table to discover and another reason to stay a little longer.
Family accommodation in Manly
Luxurious and flexible accommodation options gives families the space to settle in and make themselves at home, with the beach, harbour and the best of Manly within easy reach. Discover our multi-room family accommodation options.
Your third night is on us
Turn three days together into a little more. With Elysium Third, stay three nights and enjoy your third night on us*.
