6 Best Places to Paddle Board in Manly, AUS

Welcome to Manly, where the sun kisses the sea.

Eager to discover the best places to paddleboard in Manly, Australia?

Embrace the waves, as we explore Manly’s picturesque spots perfect for paddleboarding adventures.

Let’s dive in and conquer the waters together. Are you ready to ride?

Map

Planning Your Paddle in Manly

Season figures are averages of the daily maximum temperature in the ERA5 climate archive for 2019 to 2024, rental counts come from OpenStreetMap. Every spot below can carry its own rules on top of these.

Season: average daily highs stay above 15 °C right through the year, so there is no closed season. January is the warmest month, averaging 26 °C.
Rules and licences: Australia regulates paddling state by state. In New South Wales a lifejacket on a stand-up paddleboard is recommended rather than legally required, and so is a leg rope. The mandatory-wear rules that do exist for paddle craft are written for canoes and kayaks.
Rentals nearby: OpenStreetMap lists 5 places within 25 km that hire out boards, kayaks or canoes, among them Sydney Harbour Kayaks, Sydney by Kayak Eco Hub and Jamieson Park Paddle. Call ahead, opening times outside the main season are short.

Where to Paddle Board in Manly

Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!

#1 Manly Cove

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍 Access Point: Manly Wharf (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm and protected, gentle ocean breezes
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, seabirds, occasional dolphins
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Sydney Harbour, views of the city skyline
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, adhere to local regulations

Manly Cove is a calm and protected bay, situated right next to the Manly Wharf. The warm and tranquil waters make it a popular spot for beginners and experienced paddleboarders alike.

Enjoy the stunning views of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline while riding the gentle waves.

#2 Shelly Beach

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍 Access Point: Shelly Beach (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, protected waters, gentle ocean breezes
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, rays, small sharks, sea turtles
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, sandstone cliffs
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be mindful of marine life, avoid entering protected areas

Shelly Beach is a small, sheltered beach located in the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. The clear, calm waters make it perfect for paddleboarding and exploring the vibrant marine life.

The picturesque surroundings are dotted with sandstone cliffs, providing a stunning backdrop for your paddleboarding adventures.

#3 North Harbour

🏖️ Location Type: Bay
📍 Access Point: Clontarf Reserve or Fairlight Beach (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, protected from strong winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, seahorses, rays, occasional dolphins
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Manly coastline, views of the harbor
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect marine life

North Harbour is a sheltered bay located between Clontarf Reserve and Fairlight Beach. The calm, protected waters are ideal for both beginners and experienced paddleboarders.

As you paddle along the Manly coastline, enjoy views of the harbor and diverse marine life such as seahorses and rays.

#4 Q Station Beach

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍 Access Point: Q Station (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, mild ocean swell
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, seabirds, occasional dolphins
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: North Head, Sydney Harbour National Park
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of rocks and swim zones, follow local regulations

Q Station Beach is nestled within the historic Quarantine Station in Manly’s North Head.

The calm waters provide a serene paddleboarding experience, surrounded by the lush greenery of Sydney Harbour National Park. Paddlers can enjoy views of the imposing North Head while encountering diverse marine life.

#5 Little Manly Beach

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍 Access Point: Little Manly Beach (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm and protected waters, mild ocean swell
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, seabirds, occasional dolphins
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Manly Beach, Sydney skyline
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Adhere to local regulations, watch for boat traffic

Little Manly Beach is a hidden gem tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Manly’s main beach. The calm, protected waters create the perfect environment for a leisurely paddleboarding session.

As you glide through the waves, enjoy the picturesque views of Manly Beach and the distant Sydney skyline.

#6 Collins Flat Beach

🏖️ Location Type: Bay
📍 Access Point: Collins Flat Beach (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, protected from strong winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, seabirds, fairy penguins
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Manly Beach, surrounding bushland
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of rocks and swim zones, follow local regulations

Collins Flat Beach is a secluded and peaceful bay tucked away from the crowds. The calm waters make it an ideal spot for paddleboarding while soaking in the tranquil surroundings.

Keep an eye out for the local fairy penguins, which are often spotted near the beach.

Manly gives you harbour on one side and ocean on the other. For the same split elsewhere, try Point Walter in Perth, Mornington in Victoria and Mackay up in Queensland.

What to Take With You

Whatever the water here looks like, the same short list comes along. Each box below shows the model that currently sits at number one in our own test of that category.

Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Vest

Life jacket

Check price

Typefoam, paddle cut
ApprovalUSCG and Transport Canada

Rules differ from state to state and from country to country, but on open water this is the piece that gets checked, and the one that counts when the wind turns while you are still a long way out.

Every model we tested: 10 Best Life Vests for Paddle Boarding

NRS Quick-Release SUP Leash

Waist leash

Check price

Cordcoiled, stretches to 9 ft
Swivelstwo in-line

A leash keeps the board within reach after a fall, and a board that drifts off is the start of most rescues. On moving water use a quick release belt rather than an ankle cuff.

Every model we tested: The 9 Best SUP Waist Leashes

Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch

Phone case