Just across the peninsula from the world-famous surfing mecca Manly Beach you can find the delicious little harbour beach known as either Little Manly Cove or Little Manly Beach.
There’s no surf on this side so it is terrific for families with young children, very safe. And for adults there are excellent views of yachts, of the many small peninsulas jutting into the Harbour and of multi-million dollar mansions.
Little Manly Beach’s sharkproof swimming enclosure had a complete makeover in 2020, but it doesn’t look too different really. The netting is now made of rope, but the jumping platform and the narrow walkway to it are much the same.
Little Manly Beach has a rocky headland to explore, with dear little rock pools. There’s also great little café/kiosk right at the beach, selling coffees, drinks and takeaway grub. Perfect!
Little Manly Beach (or Cove!)
Stuart Street, Manly 2095
Call cafe on 99777104 9am – 2pm
Beachsafe website info here.
You know a beach is top for tots when there’s a toddler-sized toilet in the change block.
Little Manly Cove has a compact beach below the level of the road and a small reserve between the road and the beach. The swimming enclosure takes up half the beach and its shallow waters are generally awash with babies and toddlers.
There is shade on the sand in the mornings and the rocky ledges on the southern end of the beach are good for exploring. The kiosk can provide food and drink, the views over the eastern suburbs and Mosman are provided gratis.
Cafes: Kiosk/cafe is open daily, read more and see photos here
Toilets: Showers, toilets and changing block by the kiosk
Shade: Some on the beach, a little on the reserve. This is an unusual Sydney beach in that it faces west, so it can be very hot in the afternoon.
Playground: Two swings only but Little Manly Point playground is a walk away, up lots of steps
Shark net: Yes
Mum’s report: Great in the mornings and late afternoons, and small enough to let the children wander freely
Extra: Heaps to do in Manly!, read our full post on Manly here.
Parking: Street parking on Stuart Street and a carpark at Little Manly Point Park. Get there early as parking can be busy.
Nearest ferry: Manly Wharf is a good 20–30 minute walk away with some hilly streets in between
Little Manly Beach map
Can you bear to look at any more photos? Forgive me, it’s just that we have adored this little beach and taken so many photos over the years.
