Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Manly

"The Royal Botanic Garden has one of the most beautiful locations in Sydney – on the harbour, next to the Opera House, bordering the central business district. For visitors, it’s a stunning location that gives views of the Harbour Bridge and across to the north shore of the city. But it’s also one of the most important botanical institutions in the world with about 9000 species of plants."

"Royal Botanic Gardens Just past the Opera House, you will enter into these beautiful gardens. It’s full of stunning displays and hosts different events each week. It’s the perfect spot to take a break and watch the world go by or choose one of the paths and see some of the beautiful displays."

"Sydney’s tallest structure and the second tallest observation tower in the Southern Hemisphere is also a great spot to take kids. The Sydney Tower Eye – which you might hear locals call Centrepoint Tower, AMP Tower, Westfield Centrepoint Tower or Sydney Skytower rises 309m in the sky, giving visitors a birds-eye view over Sydney. Little ones will enjoy peering out of of the telescopes on the enclosed Sydney Tower Eye Observation Deck while older visitors can step outside as part of the SKYWALK experience (an additional cost)."

"Sydney’s tallest building since 1981, Sydney Tower Eye is an iconic piece of the city’s skyline. At 309 meters (1,014 feet) above the city streets, the tower’s observation deck is one of the tallest in the Southern Hemisphere, second only to Auckland Tower. Visitors can enjoy the enclosed observation deck or take a walk on the wild side with the Skywalk, an open-air, glass-floored boardwalk that circles the walls of the tower and provides staggering views of the city below."

"On the final day, travel up to the top viewing platform of Sydney Tower Eye for the best views of the city – from its perch high above the skyline, you’ll be able to see aerial views of many of the places you’ve already visited from an entirely different vantage point! Suggested Post: Sydney SEA LIFE Aquarium Review"

"Lovely Watsons Bay, east of the city centre and north of Bondi, was once a small fishing village, as evidenced by the heritage cottages that pepper the suburb’s narrow streets (and now cost a fortune). It's a lovely day trip by ferry for an exploration of South Head and a leisurely lunch. While you’re here, tradition demands that you sit in the pub's beer garden at sunset and watch the sun dissolve behind the Harbour Bridge, jutting above Bradley’s Head."

"Established as a military base and fishing settlement in the colony's early years, Watsons Bay is a charming suburb, with a popular waterfront…"

"Walk around Circular Quay – The best place to start your visit is in Circular Quay, the main transport hub of Sydney Harbour and where two of Australia’s most famous landmarks reside; Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Consider taking a 1 hour tour of the Opera House. Otherwise, just wander around and take your “I was here” photo."

"The multi-cultural city has a vibrant and lively flair, and the best places to get a sense of that are Darling Harbour, the Rocks district and Circular Quay. Head to Sydney Tower for a bird’s eye view of the city; you can even walk 250m (820 feet) above the ground on the Observation Deck. Book your tickets in advance for fast-track entry."

"Take in the world famous views from Circular Quay You can't leave Sydney without seeing the best views of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge."

"Shelly Beach is secluded, quaint and one of the go-to getaway Sydney beaches for beachcombers craving some relaxation without any hassle. This is one of the best places to snorkel and scuba dive in Sydney, thanks to its clear, flat water and easy shore-to-sea accessibility. Divers often spot the site’s sunken motorcycle, weedy sea dragons, cuttlefish and even dusky whaler sharks."

"Exotic fish, weedy sea dragons and even a mystical sunken motorcycle reside beneath the turquoise waters of Sydney’s Shelly Beach. This secluded marine reserve is a favourite of snorkelers, scuba divers and day-trippers looking for a tranquil picnic destination due to its calm water and surrounding natural bushland."

"In Manly, walk down the palm tree-lined Corso, hit the promenade on the beach for an ice-cream, walk around to picturesque Shelly Beach, or grab a cold beer at Manly Wharf Hotel. Time your return ferry trip back to the Quay to coincide with sunset behind the harbour bridge."

"Bondi to Bronte walk – a must do when you visit Australia Catch the ferry to Manly – a cheap way to experience beautiful Sydney Harbour with stunning views of the city is to catch the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly and back. In Manly, walk down the palm tree-lined Corso towards the beach for an ice-cream, walk around to picturesque Shelly Beach, or grab a cold beer at Manly Wharf Hotel. Time your return ferry trip back to the Quay to coincide with the sunset behind the harbour bridge."

"Although small in size, the Quarantine Station Museum has big appeal as it shares a lesser-known history of the arrival of European settlers. Inside the Quarantine Station you will learn what new arrivals had to go through before they were free to leave and start their new life. You can choose from a variety of guided tours including a ghost tour or a walking tour that takes in much of the surrounding beautiful bay on Sydney’s North Shore."