Manly ferry
Across the harbour.
Kgbo — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Maksym Kozlenko — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Hpeterswald — CC BY-SA 3.0
A long Pacific beach in the suburb of Manly, north of Sydney Harbour, lined with tall Norfolk Island pines and one of Sydneysiders' favourite beaches, but the pleasure starts before you arrive, with the famous ferry ride. The ferry crosses the harbour from Circular Quay in about half an hour, passing the Opera House and bridge behind it, waterfront mansions and the rocky heads where the harbour meets the ocean, one of the world's most beautiful public transport rides. From the ferry wharf the pedestrian Corso, with cafés and shops, runs to the beach. To the south a short walk leads to little sheltered Shelly Beach, a calm marine reserve good for snorkelling among fish. The beach is free and the ferry costs a normal public transport fare. Swim between the lifeguards' flags; it makes a full family day out.
Across the harbour.
Calm snorkelling.
Cafés and shops.
Manly, Sydney's Northern Beaches
About half an hour, passing the Opera House and the harbour heads.