If you’re looking for great kid-friendly options for Manly accommodation, do check out this list of Manly holiday apartments and apartment hotels.
Having a whole apartment works so well for families and can be much more economical than staying in one of the (excellent but more expensive) Manly beach hotels. Not only do you have more space in an apartment, but there’s also always a kitchen and probably a laundry included too and this cuts down the food and dining costs hugely. Also you can wash all the clothes whilst away- just what you want!
Research and Book Apartments in Manly
You’ll see a range of the options below and then some of the Manly Apartment Hotels which can also work well.
Save Money on Manly Holiday Apartments
Airbnb is terrific for doing research but not always the cheapest option. If a property is managed by an agent you can usually save money by booking direct with the agent, quite a bit of money. It’s always worth checking.
You can als look further afield. Properties a little bit west in Manly Vale and on the next beaches north at Freshwater and Curl Curl are a bit cheaper.
The easiest way to save money is to avoid peak season like Easter, Christmas, New Year and early January. Prices rocket skywards at these times.
Winter, from June – August, is the most economical time of year. You can still have warm sunny days and can swim at the beaches all through winter. If you come from northern Europe it will feel like your summer!
Manly Apartment Hotels
Manly also has several apartment hotels which are worth checking out too.
Quest Manly
54A West Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095
Quest Manly is on the Sydney Harbour side of Manly and in a magnificent position directly opposite the ferry wharf. If you intend to whizz in and out to the city then this side of Manly is a great choice. There are still swimming beaches on this side, the sheltered East Esplanade Beach is opposite the hotel and there are wonderful sea pools and small beaches just a short walk away, as well as the ocean beaches, also a short walk away.
Quest Manly offers studio apartments sleeping up to three people and has one bedroom apartments which sleep four people, on beds and sofa beds. There is also a two-bedroom apartment available.
All rooms and apartments have either a kitchen or a kitchenette, a laundry and their own balcony. Free wifi is available. Quest Manly has its own gym with sauna. There is paid parking available under the building.
Quest Manly is surrounded by cafes, restaurants and bars, the Four Pines brewery and bar is just a few minutes walk away.
Check prices on Booking.com click here.
Manly Paradise Motel + Apartments
Manly Paradise Motel and Apartments are on the Manly oceanfront, right opposite the beautiful surf beach here. At the Manly Paradise Apartments, you will find a big variety of rooms and apartments. ,
Small families might find a double room is big enough, but larger families will prefer the two- or three-bedroom apartments, which can sleep up to six persons. The apartments all have kitchens and laundries and some even have two bathrooms.
At the Manly Paradise Apartments, there is a compact pool up on the roof plus an area to sunbathe too . The apartments have private balconies overlooking the beach and there are cafes and restaurants right alongside the apartment. The Corso is a few steps away and you can walk along smooth paths for miles along the beaches here.
Try Hotels Combined, to check the best Manly Paradise Motel prices here.
Or if you prefer Booking.com click here to check for your dates.
If you prefer to stay at one of the excellent beach hotels in Manly, check out our favourites here.
Have you ever heard of Q Station Manly, the old quarantine station? It is a wonderful place to visit and also has very unique accommodation, well worth a look.
I hope this article has given you a good idea of all the Manly apartment options you have.
We have lived near Manly for over 20 years and love it dearly. We are painfully aware how expensive Manly accommodation can be, but we really do recommend this area as it is SO GOOD for kids… and all the family.
Why is Manly a Perfect Family Friendly Holiday Destination?
Situated just a short ferry ride away from Sydney’s bustling city centre, Manly provides an idyllic family-friendly holiday destination for travellers seeking a blend of relaxation, adventure, and entertainment. With its pristine beaches, vast range of outdoor activities, rich cultural heritage, and a thriving dining scene, Manly is the quintessential Australian coastal paradise, perfect for families looking to create unforgettable memories.
1. Stunning Beaches and Coastal Attractions
Manly boasts some of the most beautiful and diverse beaches in New South Wales. Its main beach, Manly Beach, is a mecca for both surfers and sunbathers. Families can enjoy the gentle waves and golden sands of this iconic beach, while more adventurous spirits can sign up for surfing lessons at one of the many surf schools in the area.
For those seeking a more tranquil experience, Shelly Beach is an excellent option. This sheltered cove offers crystal clear waters and a serene atmosphere, ideal for swimming, snorkelling or simply soaking in the picturesque surroundings. The Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, located adjacent to Shelly Beach, is a haven for marine life and offers an exceptional snorkelling and scuba diving experience for all ages.
2. Rich Cultural and Historical Experiences
Manly is steeped in history and offers visitors a chance to explore and appreciate the area’s rich cultural heritage. The Manly Art Gallery and Museum is a must-visit attraction for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike. It hosts an extensive collection of Australian art and regularly features exhibitions showcasing local talent. The museum also tells the story of Manly’s development and offers insights into the region’s Indigenous culture and European settlement history.
For a unique experience of Indigenous history and culture, the Manly Indigenous Heritage Walking Tours allow families to learn about the area’s original custodians, the Guringai people. Expert guides provide fascinating insights into Aboriginal history, bush tucker, and traditional customs, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Manly coastline.
3. Outdoor Activities for the Whole Family
Manly offers an abundance of outdoor activities that cater to family members of all ages and abilities. The Manly to Spit Bridge Walk, for instance, is a 10-kilometre scenic track that takes you along the coastline, offering stunning panoramic views and an opportunity to spot native wildlife. This walk is suitable for families with older children or those seeking a moderate level of physical activity.
Another popular activity in Manly is bike riding. Families can rent bicycles and explore the scenic North Head Sanctuary, which offers a combination of paved and off-road tracks, providing an enjoyable and leisurely ride through the area’s unique flora and fauna.
4. Family-friendly Dining and Shopping
Manly’s thriving culinary scene ensures that families will never be short of delicious dining options. The area offers a variety of restaurants, cafes and takeaway joints to suit all budgets and preferences, including numerous family-friendly establishments that cater to the needs of younger patrons.
The Corso, Manly’s pedestrian shopping precinct, is home to an eclectic mix of boutique shops, surf stores, and souvenir outlets. Families can take a leisurely stroll, indulging in some retail therapy, or relax and watch the world go by at one of the many outdoor cafes.
5. Convenient Access and Accommodation
One of the key reasons Manly is an ideal family holiday destination is its ease of access. The scenic Manly Ferry transports visitors from Sydney’s Circular Quay to Manly Wharf in just 30 minutes, making it a stress-free and enjoyable journey. Additionally, Manly offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences, ranging from hotels and apartments to caravan parks and holiday rentals.
PS This post contains some affiliate links meaning that, if you buy an item using the link, a small commission is paid to support Hello Sydney Kids, at no cost to you. Read my full disclosure policy here.