Beaches, bars, and bronzed Aussies galore

Word to the wise: Skip the bus and take a 30-minute ferry to Manly from Circular Quay.

Noteworthy for: A superb scenic walkway extends 10km from the end of Manly Corso to Spit Bridge in Seaforth, from where you can catch a bus back to the city. Allow three hours each way.

Just 11km north of the CBD, Manly is the hub of Sydney’s Northern Beaches, a string of stunning coastal playgrounds that extend 50km north to Broken Bay.

Situated on a peninsula, Manly offers the best of both worlds – a protected harbour frontage at its southern end and a surf beach to the north-east. Linking the two, pedestrian-only walkway The Corso is lined with surf shops and houses a burgeoning bar scene that comes alive after dark. On each waterfront, you’ll find some of the city’s best cafes and restaurants.

Have a dip at the permanently-packed main beach, or take a 15-minute stroll along the eco sculpture trail towards picturesque Shelly Beach, perhaps pausing for a lazy lunch at scenic seaside restaurant The Bower en route.