Tour overview

Tucked along the southern shores of Moreton Bay, just 30 minutes east of Brisbane’s CBD, Manly is a charming coastal suburb known for its scenic waterfront, vibrant marina, and relaxed seaside atmosphere. With a unique blend of community warmth, outdoor lifestyle, and nautical charm, Manly stands out as one of Brisbane’s most beloved bayside destinations.

At the heart of Manly is the Manly Boat Harbour — one of the largest marinas in the Southern Hemisphere. Fringed by palm trees, cafés, and weekend markets, the harbour serves as both a practical hub for boating enthusiasts and a picturesque spot for visitors to stroll along the esplanade, enjoy fish and chips by the water, or watch the sun set over the masts of docked yachts. It’s also a gateway to Moreton Bay, with frequent sailing events and easy access to nearby islands.

Manly’s village-style charm is matched by a strong sense of community and a lively calendar of events. Every first and third Saturday of the month, the Manly Creative Markets bring the esplanade to life with handmade goods, live music, fresh produce, and artisan food. The suburb also hosts festivals, twilight concerts, and local art exhibitions, reinforcing its creative and inclusive spirit.

For those who love the outdoors, Manly offers scenic walking and cycling trails along the Bayside Parklands, as well as access to kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and sailing. Families are drawn to the area for its safe swimming spots, shady picnic areas, and excellent local schools. With its peaceful coastal vibe, Manly offers a genuine seaside escape without ever leaving the city.

Whether you’re visiting for the day or seeking a slower, salt-kissed lifestyle, Manly captures the heart with its beauty, simplicity, and strong community feel — a true coastal gem in Brisbane’s backyard.

Manly, Queensland: Brisbane’s Bayside Escape

Just half an hour from Brisbane’s CBD, Manly is a bayside suburb that feels worlds away from the rush of city life. With its breezy coastal charm, vibrant marina culture, and friendly village atmosphere, Manly is often described as Brisbane’s best-kept seaside secret. Whether you’re visiting for a day, a weekend, or settling in for good, Manly offers a lifestyle shaped by the water — relaxed, scenic, and full of character.

The Heart of the Harbour

The beating heart of Manly is its spectacular Manly Boat Harbour — one of the largest boat harbours in the Southern Hemisphere. Flanked by sleek yachts, colourful sailing boats, and seaside cafés, the harbour is both a working marina and a beautiful public space where locals and visitors gather. You can enjoy a peaceful morning walk along the esplanade, watch the boats drift in and out with the tide, or set sail yourself for an adventure across Moreton Bay to destinations like Peel Island or North Stradbroke.

The harbour is also home to the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, a hub for sailing events and competitions, and a cornerstone of the suburb’s strong boating culture. With sailing schools, water sports, and charter services operating year-round, Manly is a haven for anyone who loves the sea.

Markets, Culture, and Community

Manly’s village centre is a delightful mix of art, coffee, and community spirit. The tree-lined streets are dotted with cosy cafés, boutique shops, gelato bars, and relaxed eateries that look out over the water. On weekends, the suburb comes alive with the Manly Creative Markets — held every Sunday along the esplanade — showcasing handmade goods, live music, fresh produce, and delicious street food. These markets have become a cultural fixture and a favourite Sunday ritual for many Brisbane locals.

Throughout the year, Manly hosts an exciting calendar of events, including outdoor cinema nights, twilight concerts, and the Manly Harbour Village Halloween Street Party, which draws thousands with its family-friendly festivities. Art galleries, community exhibitions, and pop-up creative events add colour and vibrancy to the suburb’s growing cultural scene.

Nature, Recreation, and Seaside Living

Manly is more than just a beautiful place to visit — it’s a destination built for outdoor living. Families love the safe, shaded playgrounds and picnic areas along the Bayside Parklands, while fitness enthusiasts enjoy the network of walking and cycling tracks stretching along the waterfront and connecting to neighbouring Wynnum and Lota. Whether it’s a morning jog by the bay, paddleboarding on calm waters, or simply enjoying the salty breeze, Manly makes it easy to live well outdoors.

The suburb is also home to the Manly Swimming Pool, excellent schools, and sailing clubs for all ages — making it an ideal location for families seeking a coastal lifestyle with strong community ties. Nearby Wynnum Mangrove Boardwalk and Lota Creek Reserve offer opportunities to explore diverse coastal ecosystems and spot local wildlife.

A Lifestyle to Settle Into

Manly has become a sought-after location not just for weekenders, but for those looking to make a permanent sea-change. With its village atmosphere, excellent local amenities, and proximity to Brisbane, it appeals to a wide range of residents — from young families and retirees to creatives, professionals, and sea lovers. Housing options range from classic Queenslanders and renovated cottages to stylish waterfront apartments that offer breathtaking bay views.

The suburb is well-connected via train (Manly Station on the Cleveland line), making commuting to Brisbane easy, while maintaining a lifestyle that feels grounded, slow-paced, and community-focused. It’s one of the rare places where you can start your day with a coffee by the marina, work in the city, and come home in time for a walk along the jetty at sunset.

Manly: Where the Ocean Meets the Everyday

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day by the bay, an inspiring creative community, or a place to call home by the sea, Manly delivers it all with warmth, charm, and waterfront beauty. It’s a place that invites you to breathe deeper, slow down, and enjoy the small moments — like pelicans gliding across the harbour or music drifting from the markets.