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Best Things to do in Manly

Updated: Jan 13, 2026

The charming bayside suburb of Manly, with its stunning boat harbour, is home to waterfront restaurants and cafes, as well as an overwater bar, seafood eateries, open fire restaurant, seafront markets, beautiful walks, free movies in the park and more. Here's 18 of the best things to do, including a motel with stunning water views, perfect for a weekend stay:

Manly Boathouse

This stunning white seafront restaurant and bar features a chic beach resort-inspired interior with views of Manly harbour and the bay

The Arsonist

A dark moodily-lit restaurant and luxe bar where food is cooked over a fire-pit

Shucks Bar

Shucks Bar is providing a fresh seafood experience, one of the 10% of Australian restaurants that serves freshly shucked oysters

Manly Farmers Markets

Water view from Jan Powers Farmers Market Manly

Wandering around this market by the sea at Manly is an idyllic way to spend Saturday mornings and a magical start to any weekend

Cafe La Mer

Cafe La Mer's alfresco deck offers a true waterfront dining experience for breakfast, morning tea or lunch

Manly Municipal Pool

Nestled on the foreshore, Manly Pool is a bright little patch of blue comprising a 25 m covered pool

Cambridge Lane Espresso

Cambridge Lane Espresso is a charming coffee nook tucked down a laneway off Cambridge Parade

Wynnum to Manly

This scenic seafront walk or ride of around 10km return packs a lot of variety into its length

Groundhog Social

Groundhog Social is a bright and airy cafe perched in prime position on the Esplanade in Manly

The Mad Hatters Bookshop

This cute little bookshop by the bay is a wonderland of delightful surprises and has big and little kids alike completely enchanted

Marina Cove Motel

Manly Marina Cove Motel is a modern, boutique motel, located next to the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron on Moreton Bay

Lota-Manly Walk

This picturesque walk leads from the sleepy bayside village of Lota to stunning Manly Marina

Bluebottle Cocktail & Tapas Bar

A neighbourhood bar made for Manly locals to enjoy inventive cocktails, live music and delicious tapas

Banter Coffee House

Banter Coffee House is an absolute gem of a café tucked away in Manly West - the go-to for the best food and coffee on the bayside

Hide Green Cafe

The Hide Green Cafe in Manly West has leafy feature walls, fruit & vegetable inspired artworks, and a health-conscious menu

The dog-friendly bayside market, which has been running for 30 years, is the place to find novel and eclectic wares including arts & craft, fashion, gifts and more.

Exterior of the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Bistro

Brisbane's premier sailing club offers waterfront dining from its restaurant Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Bistro

Movies In The Park

Enjoy a great night out for free at Manly’s monthly Movies in the Park

Looking to discover more hidden gems of Brisbane, check out our Guide to Brisbane Suburbs HERE! Happy exploring!

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Jul 25 - 26

Aerial view of James Street Food & Wine Trail

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Jul 26

Peaks To Points Festival 2026

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Night Feast

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Jul 29 - Aug 23

International Cake Show Australia

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Jul 31 - Aug 2

GreazeFest 2026

GreazeFest is back for 3 huge days of music, cars and kulture!

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International Cake Show Workshops & Mini Classes

For anyone with an interest in baking or decorating

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Ashton's Great Australian Circus

Step inside the big top as Ashton's The Great Australian Circus returns

Jul 31 - Aug 9

GreazeFest 2026

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MUST DO

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THIS WEEKEND

Top Things to Do July 24-26

James St Food & Wine Trail returns, QAGOMA's Drawing Festival begins, a vibrant arts trail on the Sunshine Coast, a must-visit new patisserie and a new Sicilian-style family trattoria

This Weekend July 24-26

COMING UP

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DINING DESTINATION

Sipping and Snacking on King St

King Street has become one of Brisbane's premier dining destinations, serving up everything from award-winning restaurants and global flavours to casual eats, cocktails and decadent desserts

Sipping and Snacking on King St

BEST OF BRISBANE

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Best Of Brisbane

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A Spectacular Barbra Streisand Tribute Hits QPAC