Top 10 Things to Do in Manly on a Budget

Manly is one of Sydney’s best spots for backpackers — a place where you can live the beach life without blowing your budget.  Just a 30-minute ferry ride from the CBD, it’s got surf, sand, nightlife, and plenty of adventures that don’t cost the earth. If you’re staying at Boardrider Backpackers, you’re right in the heart of it all. Here are the 10 best things to do in Manly to make your trip unforgettable.

1. Learn to Surf at Manly Beach

No trip to Manly Beach is complete without catching a wave. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, Manly Surf School has lessons and board hire to get you started.

2. Dive Into Manly’s Water Adventures

Manly’s coastline is basically an open-air adventure park. Try sunrise paddle board yoga with Flow Mocean, snorkel at Shelly Beach, swim at South Steyne, or hire a kayak from Manly Kayak Centre and explore hidden coves. Whether you’re after zen, adventure or just a salty swim, there’s something for every mood.

3. Take a Bike Tour Around Manly (or to The Rocks!)

Join Sydney Harbour Bike Tours and pedal Manly’s headlands, or take it further into the city to explore The Rocks and Circular Quay. It’s active, affordable and way better than catching a bus.

4. Walk the Manly to Shelly Coastal Path

The Manly to Shelly Walk is short, free and stunning. Hugging the ocean with dramatic cliff views and crashing waves, it’s perfect for a lazy afternoon stroll or golden-hour photo shoot.

5. Eat, Drink & People-Watch on The Corso

The Corso is backpacker central. By day, grab cheap eats like acai bowls, pizza by the slice, or sushi rolls. By night, it transforms into a buzzing strip of pubs and bars where you can score happy-hour drinks and make new mates.

6.  Sunset & Nightlife at Manly Wharf

Manly Wharf isn’t just a ferry stop — it’s the gateway to nightlife. Grab fish and chips by the water, or settle in for a cocktail with harbour views. At night, the wharf comes alive with bars and restaurants — and the best part? Boardrider is right in the middle of the action.

7. Markets & Local Finds

Manly’s got plenty of market vibes. Wander the weekend Manly Markets on Sydney Road for artisan crafts, vintage clothes and street eats. Or hop on the ferry and hit The Rocks Markets in the CBD for handmade jewellery, local art and food stalls — all with the Harbour Bridge as your backdrop.

8. Views from Hickson Road Reserve

Take a stroll or bike ride down to Hickson Road Reserve near The Rocks. It’s one of the best spots in Sydney for picnics and photos, with unbeatable views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Pack some snacks and make a day of it.

9. Catch the Manly Ferry into Sydney

Cheap, cheerful, and iconic — the Manly Ferry is your front-row seat to Sydney Harbour. The 30-minute trip to Circular Quay offers million-dollar views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge for just a few bucks.

10.  Live Like a Local at Boardrider

Sometimes the best memories are made without leaving the hostel. From rooftop BBQs and BYO drinks at sunset to meeting new mates in the lounge, Boardrider makes Manly feel like home. Add in free brekkie, surfboard hire and Wi-Fi, and you’ve got the perfect base to explore it all.

Why Backpackers Love Manly

Manly has it all — waves, walks, cheap eats, nightlife, and markets — without the Sydney price tag. Stay at Boardrider Backpackers and you’re right in the middle of the action, with the beach out front and the city just a ferry ride away.