There’s a lot to love about Watsons Bay. It’s got lovely beaches, marvellous views and delicious seafood. Located on the South Head peninsula in Sydney’s east, it’s a delightful day out. Australia’s oldest fishing village is home to waterfront restaurants, great walking trails and a harbourside park perfect for family picnics.
Adult
A$ 8.50
Child (4-15)
A$26
A$ 6.00
Enjoy the wonderful delights of Manly, from iconic Manly Beach and breathtaking views from North Head to delicious waterside places to eat and fun family activities. Begin your discovery with a ferry ride from Circular Quay across sparkling Sydney Harbour, one of the world’s great natural harbours.
Our fast ferry service from Circular Quay to Manly is only 18 minutes. At Manly Wharf you’ll find charming bars, cafes and restaurants.
Timetable
Service Notification
The Bay 2 Beach Express service has been suspended over winter and may return in November / December 2025.
The Bay 2 Beach Express service has been suspended over winter and may return in November / December 2025.
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Double Bay Watsons Bay Manly Watsons Bay Double Bay 10:35 10:50 11:08 11:25 11:37 11:50 12:06 12:34 12:51 – – 12:51 13:09 13:27 13:39 14:13 14:28 14:47 15:04 – – 15:04 15:33 15:50 16:02 16:05 16:21 16:39 16:57 – – 16:57 17:14 17:31 17:43
Fares Info
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Single ticket fares between Manly and one destination from the list below can be purchased online or onboard the vessel.
Destination Adult Child Watsons Bay
$8.50 $6.00 Double Bay
$9.50 $7.00
Connecting the harbourside wharf to the famous ocean beach is the Corso, a pedestrian mall dotted with surf shops, boutiques and classic pubs. There are also surf shops and an enticing range of bars, cafes and restaurants adjacent to the beach, where the first world surfing contest was held in 1964.
On the tree-lined promenade are picnic tables. The white sandy beach is a popular place to learn to surf, with Manly Surf School and Manly Surf Guide offering lessons. You can take a scenic walk south to lovely Fairy Bower Pool and pretty Shelly Beach, where you can enjoy a family barbecue in a park.
There are exciting tours too, including snorkelling and diving in Cabbage Tree Bay, an aquatic reserve with more than 160 species of colourful fish. You can hire a bicycle from Manly Bike Tours and Hire and explore hidden harbour coves and beaches, such as Little Manly Cove and Collins Flat Beach.
Other marvellous things to do include exploring ancient Aboriginal rock engravings at Grotto Point and exhilarating harbour walks, including the 10km Manly to Spit Bridge. The Manly Jazz festival attracts thousands of fans every October long weekend.
You can browse handmade designs at Manly Arts and Craft Market on weekends. Manly is perfect for a short getaway or longer sojourn, with accommodation options to suit various budgets. You can even stay at Q Station, a heritage-listed former quarantine station with magnificent harbour views.