The Perfect Manly Experience
Tucked along the sparkling shores of Moreton Bay, Manly is Brisbane’s hidden coastal gem. With its laid-back atmosphere, beautiful esplanades and vibrant village feel, it offers everything you need for a day of adventure, relaxation and indulgence.
Picture a sun-soaked morning by the water, a breezy afternoon of exploration and a stunning sunset enjoyed with a waterfront dinner at Manly Boathouse. Whether you’re a local or visiting from afar, Manly offers the ultimate bayside escape.
Morning: Start Your Day with Coffee & Bayside Views
Ease into your day with a fresh brew and a buttery pastry from the Manly Boathouse Patisserie. Positioned at the front of Manly Boathouse, the Patisserie is part of The Patio – a casual drop-in dining space featuring white picnic tables and large share tables shaded by striking French navy and white striped umbrellas. It’s an inviting setting for families, friends and early-morning solo explorers.
Enjoy your coffee and house-made pastries from 6am, with the waterfront just steps away. Try a flaky croissant, something from our Brioche menu or a classic flat white as you watch the world wake up.
If you’re an early riser, arrive in time for the magical Moreton Bay sunrise. Wander along the Wynnum-Manly Esplanade and watch the sky shift through pastel pinks and golds. Early mornings often bring calm waters and glimpses of local wildlife, from pelicans to playful dolphins just offshore with plenty of pampered pooches enjoying their morning stretch.
Mid-Morning: Explore Moreton Bay & Water Activities
Once you’re energised, it’s time to get out on the water. For sailing enthusiasts, Manly Boat Harbour is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere and offers countless options. Hire a boat from local operators or join a Moreton Bay sailing tour to explore the bay’s sheltered waters.
For a more hands-on adventure, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard from Manly Harbour and paddle through the calm, inviting waters. Beginners are welcome and it’s a beautiful way to see the coastline from a different perspective.
If you’re visiting on a weekend, don’t miss the vibrant Manly Harbour Village Markets. Browse boutique stalls brimming with handmade crafts, local produce, jewellery and art. Live music, the aroma of freshly baked goods and colourful displays make it a lively mid-morning stop.
Lunchtime: Casual Bites & Local Favourites
After a morning on the bay, it’s time to refuel. Head to Manly Boathouse’s Fish and Chippery, located at The Patio, for classic fish and chips, freshly made and ready to enjoy. Choose to take your meal away for a relaxed picnic lunch at George Clayton Park, which offers shady spots and plenty of open space to spread out, or stay and soak up the atmosphere under the striking navy and white striped umbrellas at The Patio.
The Patio Bar offers a range of casual drinks, including wines, beers, and cocktails, perfect for a leisurely lunch by the water. With white picnic tables and long share tables welcoming families and groups, it’s a wonderful place to linger a little longer. Stay just a bit longer and you might find yourself enticed by the Gelato Bar, offering an irresistible array of flavours – a perfect sweet treat to round off your lunch before heading out for more adventures.
Families might prefer the Wynnum Wading Pool, a heritage-listed tidal pool with grassy picnic areas and a playground nearby. It’s a wonderful place for kids to splash and play while adults relax and enjoy the sea breeze.
Afternoon: Coastal Walks, Wildlife & Scenic Spots
The afternoon is all about exploring the coast. Take a leisurely walk or rent a bike to follow the Wynnum-Manly Foreshore Trail – a scenic, flat path hugging the bay, offering uninterrupted ocean views. Cool off with a dip at Pandanus Beach, a small, sheltered swimming spot popular with locals. Just around the corner, Wynnum Wading Pool remains a family favourite for a splash or a lazy sunbathe.
For wildlife enthusiasts, a visit to Moreton Bay Marine Park is a must. Unlike a traditional park, Moreton Bay Marine Park is one of the largest estuarine bays in Australia and is unique for its blend of tropical and temperate marine species. The best way to experience its magic is from the shoreline, along the walking trails, or by getting out on the water. If you’re lucky, you might spot dolphins playing in the shallows, turtles surfacing for air, or even seabirds fishing along the bay.
For photographers, Instagrammers and those chasing panoramic views, Darling Point offers one of the best vantage points to admire the bay, the islands and the abundant marine life from above.
Pre-Dinner Sunset Drinks
As the day winds down, head back to Manly Boathouse for pre-dinner drinks. Choose a seat on the outdoor deck, where you can sip on a signature cocktail or enjoy a crisp wine from their extensive list.
If you’re feeling a little peckish before dinner, the Bar Snack Menu is a wonderful way to amuse your palate. Snack on marinated green Sicilian olives or enjoy the crowd-favourite popcorn fried chicken with tonkatsu sauce – the perfect light bites to accompany your drink as you settle into the evening.
The relaxed yet refined atmosphere, combined with spectacular sunset views, creates an unforgettable prelude to your evening. Feel the soft sea breeze, listen to the gentle lapping of the tide, and watch the sky turn brilliant shades of gold, peach and crimson.
Sunset in Manly typically begins around 5.15 pm to 6.00 pm depending on the season, so be sure to arrive early enough to enjoy the full transformation of the skies. This time of day is not only perfect for sunsets but also for some of the best people-watching opportunities, as the waterfront comes alive with locals and visitors soaking up the beauty of the bay.
The Grand Finale: Dinner at Manly Boathouse
Transition seamlessly into a sunset dinner at Manly Boathouse, a venue renowned for blending relaxed coastal elegance with a premium dining experience.
Immerse yourself in the experience of The Restaurant, a culinary haven open for lunch and dinner, boasting unparalleled waterfront views of Manly Harbour and Moreton Bay. Come see for yourself why every table is the best seat in the house.
Step into the restaurant’s inviting interior, adorned with a stunning neutral palette that incorporates elements of rattan, teak and cane. As you enter, a sense of relaxation washes over you, instantly transporting you to a holiday retreat.
The menu showcases the best of coastal Queensland produce. Start with fresh natural or Kilpatrick oysters, prawn and sesame toast with yuzu mayonnaise, or a Mooloolaba prawn tostada topped with guacamole and jalapeño salsa. For something more refined, opt for the kingfish sashimi with white soy ponzu or grilled ocean king prawns with café de Paris butter.
Mains include crowd favourites like the sand crab linguine with shellfish bisque, barramundi with white beans and smoked cherry tomatoes or slow-cooked Junee lamb shoulder finished with sea salt and lemon oil. From the wood fire grill, feast on butterflied free-range chicken, a pork tomahawk with apple and tamarind sauce or a perfectly seared wagyu sirloin.
The drinks menu is just as impressive, offering an extensive range of wines from Australia and around the world, French champagne, signature cocktail, mocktail and all your favourite aperitifs and beers. Whether you’re pairing a crisp white with your seafood or celebrating with a glass of bubbles, there’s something for every taste.
With uninterrupted waterfront views from every table and stylish, coastal-inspired décor, dinner at Manly Boathouse is the ultimate way to end your perfect day.
How to Get There & Final Tips
Manly is easily accessible by car, with plenty of parking available around William Gunn Jetty, Cambridge Parade, and near the Esplanade. Alternatively, hop on the Cleveland line train and disembark at Manly Station, just a short stroll from the waterfront.
The best time to visit is late afternoon to catch the sunset. Book your dinner reservation for around 5.30–6.00 pm to enjoy the full spectacle as the sun dips below the horizon.
Booking ahead is essential, especially for weekend evenings and sunset seating, when the views and atmosphere are at their most magical.
Ready to plan your perfect day in Manly, Brisbane? Start your adventure on the bay and finish it with an unforgettable dinner at Manly Boathouse. Book your table here and experience the best of bayside.