Manly vs Palm Beach: Which End of the Peninsula Is Better for Your Next Holiday?
When it comes to planning a beachside escape on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, two destinations consistently rise to the top—Manly and Palm Beach. While they share the same stretch of coastline, these two iconic suburbs offer completely different holiday vibes, experiences, and attractions. So which end of the peninsula should you choose? The short answer: it depends on the style of holiday you’re dreaming of.
Whether you’re craving buzzing surf culture, laid-back luxury, family-friendly fun, or untouched natural beauty, both Manly and Palm Beach deliver in their own unique ways. Here’s a full breakdown to help you decide where to book your next stay with Beach Stays.
Manly: Vibrant, Social & Full of Energy
If you love a holiday packed with activities, great food, live music, and a never-ending supply of things to do, Manly is your end of the peninsula.
Things to Do in Manly
Surf, Swim & Explore the Beaches
Manly Beach is famous worldwide, and for good reason—consistent waves, long stretches of sand, and plenty of room to spread out. Nearby, the idyllic Shelly Beach offers calm waters perfect for snorkelling, paddleboarding, and relaxing swims.
Walks & Nature Experiences
One of Sydney’s most iconic walks, the Manly to Spit Bridge Coastal Walk, begins here. Think sparkling harbours, secluded beaches, rainforest pockets and panoramic views. For something shorter, wander the loop around Cabbage Tree Bay Marine Reserve.
Adventure Activities
Hire a bike, go kayaking in the harbour, take surf lessons or enjoy a scenic ferry ride to Circular Quay. Manly is made for active travellers.
Dining in Manly: Where Foodies Thrive
Manly is a hub for great dining, with everything from beachfront cafés to modern restaurants and cocktail bars. Some favourites include:
- The Boathouse Shelly Beach – laid-back dining with iconic water views
- Hugos Manly – famous for their pizzas and unbeatable sunset cocktails
- Banana Blossom – fresh, healthy bowls perfect after a swim
- Sunset Sabi – a local favourite for Japanese fusion
- Busta – Italian classics with a neighbourhood feel
Coffee, gelato, wine bars, rooftop cocktails—you’ll find it all in Manly.
Who Is Manly Best For?
Manly is perfectly suited for:
- Families looking for convenience and entertainment
- Couples who enjoy vibrant nightlife and dining
- Groups wanting a lively holiday base
- Travellers without a car—everything is walkable
Manly offers a classic Australian beach holiday with all the extras. If you like having lots of options within steps of your accommodation, Manly is calling.
Palm Beach: Serene, Luxurious & Surrounded by Nature
At the northern tip of the peninsula sits Palm Beach, the jewel of the Northern Beaches. Elegant, spacious and undeniably beautiful, “Palmy” feels like its own world.
Things to Do in Palm Beach
Discover Beaches & Bushland
With Pittwater on one side and the ocean on the other, Palm Beach offers calm bays, pristine surf, and dramatic headlands. The Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk is a must-do, offering sweeping views across the national park and nearby waterways.
On-Water Experiences
Kayak on Pittwater, hire a boat, book a seaplane flight or spend a day at nearby beaches like Whale Beach and Avalon. Palm Beach is paradise for ocean lovers.
Relax & Unwind
Unlike Manly, Palm Beach is quieter and slower paced—perfect for those wanting a luxury, restorative escape. Long walks, sunset picnics, reading by the water, long lunches…it’s a holiday made for unwinding.
Dining in Palm Beach: Fresh, Coastal & Upscale
Palm Beach may be more relaxed, but it’s home to some of the most memorable dining experiences on the peninsula:
- The Joey Palm Beach – a lively all-day venue offering fresh, coastal flavours, cocktails, and a relaxed yet stylish atmosphere right in the heart of Palm Beach.
- The Corner Palm Beach – a vibrant café and casual dining spot by The Boathouse Group, perfect for breakfast, brunch or a laid-back lunch just steps from the sand.
- Barrenjoey House – stylish dining with a relaxed coastal energy.
- Dunes Palm Beach – refined dining surrounded by greenery, great for long lunches and elegant dinners.
- Jonah’s Whale Beach – one of Australia’s premier clifftop restaurants offering luxurious fine dining with sweeping ocean views.
The food scene here is premium but unpretentious—ideal for long lunches, date nights, and relaxed coastal dining.
Who Is Palm Beach Best For?
Palm Beach is perfect for:
- Couples looking for a romantic escape
- Families wanting space, quiet & nature
- Travellers seeking an elevated, luxury holiday
- Anyone celebrating a special occasion
If you love natural beauty, exclusive beach vibes and a slower pace, Palm Beach is hard to beat.
The beauty of the Northern Beaches is that you truly can’t go wrong—both destinations are incredible, just in different ways.
Why Stay With Beach Stays?
No matter which end of the peninsula inspires you, Beach Stays has a premium collection of holiday homes, apartments, and luxury stays to suit your getaway. From chic beachside apartments in Manly to spacious, high-end homes in Palm Beach and Whale Beach, you can choose the setting and style that suits your perfect holiday.
- Families love our fully equipped homes with room to spread out
- Couples enjoy our romantic, private escapes
- Groups appreciate our premium amenities and unbeatable locations
Stay local. Stay coastal. Stay with Beach Stays.
Final Verdict: Manly or Palm Beach?
If you want energy, entertainment, and endless food options—Manly is your spot.
If you crave tranquility, luxury, and breathtaking natural beauty—Palm Beach wins every time.
Either way, you’re in for a memorable Northern Beaches getaway.
Ready to book your next escape? Explore our premium Manly and Palm Beach holiday homes with Beach Stays today.