This is one of the best beaches in Sydney with a relaxed and happening vibe year round. It's a mecca for surfers, people who enjoy walking, and who appreciate a good beach when they see it. The trip to Manly by ferry is spectacular. It's a 30min ride through the harbour and past impressive scenery.

Once off the ferry, you can turn  left and head for Manly Oceanworld, a large aquarium. Or follow the crowds to the beach for a swim, to sunbathe, or take a surfing lesson. Manly Surf School - Ph: (02) 9977 6977 www.manlysurfschool.com

Locals use the promenade for exercise. To the left, the promenade takes you to Queenscliff Beach and to Manly Lagoon. And to the right, it will take you all the way to Shelly Beach, a protected beach popular with scuba divers and parents with children.

Beach views:

Once you reach Shelly Beach, continue walking up the hill to the car park. From here you get great views of the north shore beaches. The path to the left takes you past good viewing spots through a treed dirt path and back down to the beach. If you have kids, this is an easy walk for them to do.

From the car park, the path to the right takes you on a small dirt track uphill. Once up the top, the dirt track will give the option of turning left or right. If you turn left, it'll take you to a couple of great lookout spots and great views of Sydney’s northern beaches.

If you turn right, it'll take you through a hole in an old blue stone wall and on to a billabong where, when there is enough water, you can sit quietly and listen to the frogs.

If you continue along the path, it will lead you to some old battlements where ammunition was stored at a time when Sydney thought it might come under attack. The battlements are accessed by a wooden boardwalk.

Continuing along the path will take you to a road, turn right and walk down to the International College of Tourism and Hotel Management (formerly St Patrick's College). It's a very impressive building that was once a convent. It is where Nicole Kidman got married to Keith Urban. Cut through the grounds to make your way back down to the beach, via Manly's streets.

Kids will enjoy walking through the hole in the wall, and checking out the secret ammunition storage shelters.

North Head:
If you drive to Manly Beach (via Military Rd if coming from the city or lower north shore), visit North Head for expansive and breathtaking Sydney Harbour views. To reach North Head, drive up Darley Rd past the Manly hospital and turn left at the roundabout.

GETTING THERE

Ferry: Manly ferry or Jetcat from Circular Quay. The ferry trip is 30 minutes each way. The Jetcat is 15 minutes each way. Jetcat tix are more expensive.

Bus: Take bus route 171 from Stand C on East Esplanade (to the left of Manly Wharf), to the City - Wynyard.

Drive: If you are coming from the city, you will need to cross the Harbour Bridge or go through the tunnel. Take the Manly turn off. This will take you along Military Rd. This will take you over the Spit Bridge. Once over the bridge, get in the right lane, turn right at Sydney Rd. This will take you straight down to Manly.

For further information on directions: go to www.whereis.com/whereis/directions.do