The Surf Window

Manly Beach

New South Wales, Australia

Beach breakBeginner

Sydney's northern beach break institution, a wide, sandy beach at the end of the iconic ferry route, beginner-to-intermediate waves in one of Australia's most beautiful urban surf settings.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalE (90°)
WindowNNE–SSE (30°–150°)
Size3-6ft

Wind

NW

Offshore

Tide

Any

LowMidHigh

Season

March–August

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Both

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Slow, rolling, forgiving waves, fun and accessible

Length

50–100m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Beginner–Intermediate
  • •Why: Sandy bottom, consistent small waves, and a sheltered position make it one of Sydney's most beginner-friendly beaches.

Hazards

  • •Rips at the south end near the rocks
  • •Crowded, very popular year-round
  • •Ferry wash from the Manly Ferry can create confusing chop in the line-up

Local Tips

  • •Take the Manly Ferry from Circular Quay, one of the world's great harbour commutes, and you arrive directly at the beach.
  • •The south end of the beach near Fairy Bower tends to hold better shape on SE swells.

Location

Map showing the location of Manly Beach in New South Wales, Australia

-33.7989, 151.2965