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Premium
#1572
Iconic Manly Beach- a Sydney experience not to be missed + easy access to city.
Apartment • Manly NSW Australia
Exchange types accepted
Hospitality Description: We have a sofa bed in our spare bedroom in our house which we could make available.
Statistics
Listed February 2019
Views 10557
General Overview
Living in Manly truly feels like being on a holiday every day. It's a place where the relaxed coastal lifestyle meets vibrant community energy — and we feel incredibly lucky to call it home.
Here are just a few of the things we love most:
🌊 The Beaches
From the iconic surf at Manly Beach to the calm waters of Shelly and Fairlight, we’re spoiled for choice. Whether it’s swimming, surfing, snorkelling or simply sunbathing with a good book, there’s a beach to suit every mood — and all just a short stroll from home.
🌅 Sunrises and Sunsets
Watching the sun rise over the ocean at the end of our street is a magical way to start the day. And the sunsets over Manly Harbour? Just breathtaking.
☕ Café Culture
We’re serious about our coffee in Manly, and you'll find some of Sydney’s best right here. Morning walks often end with a visit to a local café — most open before 7am — where you’ll find great coffee, friendly faces, and a laid-back vibe.
🚶 Walkability
Everything is within easy walking distance — no car needed. Beaches, shops, restaurants, parks, markets, and public transport are all just minutes away. It’s easy, flat, and perfect for strolling or cycling.
🚤 That Ferry Ride
The 20-minute ferry ride into Sydney CBD is spectacular. With views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and sometimes even dolphins or whales, it’s easily one of the most scenic commutes in the world.
🌿 Nature and Outdoor Living
There are endless ways to enjoy the outdoors — coastal walks, bike rides, kayaking, paddleboarding, or just people-watching on the promenade. There’s always something happening, but it never feels too busy.
🎨 Community and Culture
Manly has a creative, welcoming spirit. Between the weekend markets, live music, art galleries, and community events, there’s always something new to experience — whether you’re here for a weekend or a while.
🛍️ Local Shopping & Markets
Fresh food lovers will adore Harris Farm Markets, just a few minutes away, offering incredible produce, seafood, meats, and more. Plus, you’ll find boutique shops, larger shopping centres, and quirky local finds throughout the area.
🍽️ Dining by the Sea
From fish and chips on the beach to world-class dining with ocean views, there’s something for every taste and budget. Many places are family-friendly, and the atmosphere is always relaxed and welcoming.
💛 That Aussie Beach Town Vibe
Manly has that quintessential Australian charm — a mix of surf culture, nature, good food, and friendly faces. It’s a place where locals say hello on their morning walks, and where every day holds something new to enjoy.
Graham and I look forward to welcoming you to our home in beautiful Manly, Sydney.
The Space
Graham and I look forward to your stay in our relaxed first floor coastal-styled 2 B/R apartment situated in a lovely tree-lined street- only a 4 minute paved walk to world famous Manly Beach!
The apartment is light-filled with lovely afternoon sea breezes, and when the surf is up you can hear the ocean. If you like the sounds of nature and are up early, you can hear the sounds of native birds, but with double- glazed windows you may need to open your front door or windows to enjoy.
Our fully-equipped apartment is in a great location and suits families and couples seeking a peaceful and comfortable getaway in Manly. We are fortunate to be located away from the party areas, yet close enough to walk along the beach promenade into the cafes, restaurants, bars and shopping zone.
Our apartment features two queen-sized bedrooms with quality mattresses and linens, wardrobes, A/C, dimmer light, luggage rack, heating, ensuring a comfortable stay for everyone in your group. The bathroom has a spacious shower with great water pressure and hot water, while the lounge room has a sofa bed, reclining leather armchair, Smart TV, DVD's, Wii games, Play Station 3, board and card games, and plenty of great books to enjoy.
The fully equipped kitchen has a dishwasher, oven, microwave, kettle, coffee pod machine, and full-sized fridge/freezer, as well as a dining area for up to five guests. We recommend a max of 4 guests. Our apartment also features a study desk, making it ideal for remote work.
If you're traveling with an infant, we have everything you need, including a travel cot, high chair, baby bath, and nappies.
Our supplied Sydney and Manly guidebooks, brochures and books are yours to use during your stay as are the beach chairs, umbrella and beach towels.
We are lucky to have an on-site car space for your entire stay, so you can park your car and enjoy your holiday without any worries or extra expense. Parking in Manly is hard to find and our guests love that they can leave their car safely onsite, and not have to worry about parking.
We can't wait to welcome you to our Manly apartment and are happy to answer any questions.
Guest Access
-One external stair case to your first floor apartment as seen in the photo. Once inside there are no steps.
- The spacious apartment is yours to enjoy:)
We will send you your check in information and check-in code prior to your arrival. You can arrive anytime after 3pm, and depart around 10am if we have other guests staying which is usually the case. Otherwise we can be more flexible with these times.
Notes
**Our apartment and gardens are strictly NO smoking, no parties, and no extra guests staying after the exchange is finalised.
🧼 Cleaning Options
Because we usually have guests arriving the same day, we ask kindly that you choose one of the following two options for cleaning at the end of your stay:
Option 1: DIY Clean – No Fee
If you’d prefer to skip the cleaning fee, that’s absolutely fine — we just ask that the apartment is left as you found it, ready for the next guests.
This includes:
Changing and remaking the beds with fresh linen
Ironing pillowcases and new quilt covers
Giving the floors a mop and tidy-up, clean inside/outside of oven, fridge, microwave, glass showerscreen, taps etc
Option 2: Pack & Go – $A180 Cleaning Fee
If you’d prefer not to worry about the cleaning other than the usual exchange home clean, or have an early flight, we can arrange for our cleaners to take care of everything, including a deep clean and linen change.
Just leave $A180 in the apartment, or let us know if you’d like to pay by bank transfer.
We will waive this fee, should you also have a cleaning fee, but please leave as you found it.
We really appreciate your understanding, as this apartment is also part of our income — and a clean, well-prepared home helps us keep offering this special spot to guests from around the world.
🕰️ Check-in & Check-out Times
As this is a busy rental with frequent back-to-back bookings, we do need to stick to set times:
Check-in: Anytime after 3pm
Check-out: Anytime before 10am
Thanks so much for understanding — this helps us ensure everything is ready for each new guest.
LAUNDRY:
We know that laundry is a necessary chore during your stay, so we want to make it as easy as possible for you. While there are no laundry facilities in the apartment, there are laundromats within easy walking distance, and some are just a short 1 minute bus ride away. In case you need to wait for your laundry, there are plenty of great cafes and beaches nearby. We've also provided an iron and drying rack (under the second bed) in your apartment for your convenience. Our guests have found this all seamless and easy.
Features
Dishwasher
Oven
Microwave
Coffee machine
Fridge
Iron
Hair dryer
Heating
Air conditioning
TV
WiFi
First aid kit
Smoke alarms
Fire extinguisher
Bed sheets
Towels
Workspace
Toys
Travel Styles
Long term
Weekend
Adventure
Budget
Family
Romantic
Sport and leisure
Foodie
Relaxing
City
Beach
Water
Culture
Hiking
Cycling
Last minute
Good public transport
Golf
House Rules
Suitable for infants under 2
Suitable for children ages 2-12
Pets not allowed
No smoking
Allergens
Cat free
Dog free
Smoke free
Dates of Availability
Click on availability periods to see exchange types and descriptions.
Available
Neighbourhood
One of the things we truly love about our location is how incredibly close we are to everything – beaches, bays, the harbour, and even the heart of Sydney. You can be in the CBD in just 20 minutes via one of the most stunning ferry rides you’ll ever take! There are also plenty of bus routes nearby that take you directly into the city, to Chatswood, or north along the breathtaking coastline all the way to Palm Beach.
Living here means every day feels like a little adventure. The sunrises at the end of our street are absolutely magical, and the sunsets over Manly Harbour are a daily highlight. One of my favourite rituals is a morning walk along the beach or bayside, followed by a coffee – and trust me, we have some of the best coffee spots you’ll find anywhere! Whether you're exploring the coastline or soaking up the café culture, there’s always something new to discover. And the best part? Many of the local cafés and restaurants open before 7am for the early morning coffee!
Our neighbours are great, friendly and helpful should you need any help. The street is in the quiter more relaxed areas of Manly, yet just a short paved walk along the promenade to a wonderful variety of Manly shops, bars and restaurants.
Our 2BR apartment is relaxed contemporary coastal styled, and situated in a friendly safe coastal neighbourhood. Our neighbours are great and easy going.
We’re so fortunate to live in a place where everything you need is just a short walk away! Public transport is super convenient — the ferry is an easy, flat 15–20 minute walk from our apartment (a lovely stroll along the beach promenade), and buses are just 3 minutes walk away. You’ll also find cafes, beaches, parks, playgrounds, and fantastic fresh food and grocery shopping just 4 minutes away at the much-loved Harris Farm Markets, known for its top-quality fruit, vegetables, seafood, meats, and more.
Manly is all about outdoor living and adventure. Whether you’re into relaxing coastal walks or thrilling water sports, there’s something for everyone. You can go whale watching (May to November), take surf lessons, or hire a bike, kayak, paddleboard (SUP), snorkel gear, surfboard, or wetsuit right nearby. Explore the scenic bike paths or take a leisurely stroll along the beach promenade, just moments from our front door.
And if you're in the mood for something different, try out a rugby league football game to watch our team- Manly Sea Eagles play, then visit the breweries nearby for a fun night! Also we have a local Escape Room, recommend a visit to the free Manly Art Gallery, or browse the weekend art and craft markets in The Corso. In the evenings, enjoy live music, discover great shopping, and sample an incredible variety of cafes, bars, iconic pubs, and restaurants — from relaxed local spots to fine dining with beautiful water views.
If you’d like to explore Sydney city (which we highly recommend!), it’s a breeze. Either enjoy the scenic 15–20 minute walk to Manly Wharf, or jump on a bus just around the corner. From the wharf, you can take a direct ferry or bus to iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Circular Quay.
Here are some of the highlights:
🚉 Easy access to public transport (ferry + buses)
🌳 Safe, quiet, and friendly tree-lined street
🚶♂️ Flat walk to everything – no hills!
🛒 Harris Farm Market (4 mins away) for fresh groceries
🎬 Large shopping & cinema complex (5 mins by bus)
🐋 Whale watching tours (May–November)
🏄♂️ Surf lessons + gear hire (surfboards, SUPs, kayaks, etc.)
🚴♀️ Beautiful bike paths
🧩 Escape Room
🎨 Manly Art Gallery
🎪 Weekend art & craft markets
🎶 Live music
🍽️ Wide variety of cafes, bars, pubs, and restaurants — from casual eats to high-end dining with stunning views
⛴️ Easy walk or bus ride to Manly Wharf, then direct ferry or bus to Sydney’s top attractions
To recap:
Whether it’s sipping a morning coffee after a beach walk, hiring a kayak for a paddle in the bay, or people-watching along the promenade, Manly offers the perfect balance of relaxed beach life and easy access to vibrant city culture. The white sandy beaches (surf and bay) are just a 5-minute flat stroll from our apartment — no car needed.
This is truly one of Australia’s must-see destinations, and we’re excited to share it with you. Manly is magical year-round, and there’s something here for everyone.
Come and enjoy the best of both worlds — the relaxed Aussie beach lifestyle and direct access to all that Sydney has to offer. We can’t wait to welcome you!
Warmly,
Jane & Graham
Getting to my home
From the domestic or international airport in Sydney, you can get to our place by:
1. Uber or Taxi ( easiest - moderately priced depending on time of day)
2. Airport train takes you into the city. Get off at Circular Quay train station. Then catch the ferry directly to Manly. Have your camera ready! Catch taxi ( short ride of a few minutes), or Uber to our property. There are also buses - numbers 199, 166 or 167 ( located at a bus stand to the left as you walk out from the ferry terminal) that take you within a few minutes walk of our place.
3. Catch B- line bus ( yellow double decker buses) from Wynyard Station directly to Manly Vale then a Uber for a short 5 minute trip to our property. Uber's are reliable and plentiful.
Nearest airport
Sydney International airport
Getting Around
Stay connected and explore the city with ease during your visit to Manly! We highly recommend downloading the free app 'Triplite View' to access live and up-to-date timetables for ferries, trains, and buses. Don't forget to purchase an Opal card for convenient and hassle-free use of public transport. You can also tap your credit card on AND off which may be easier.
For a truly unforgettable experience, hop on the famous Sydney ferry and take in the breathtaking views of the Opera House, Circular Quay, and Harbour Bridge. You can also choose the privately owned Fast Ferry (MFF) for a quicker ride. Buses (numbers 199, 196 and 197) run regularly and there's even an express service into the city. Plus, the bus stops are just a flat 4-minute stroll away at both ends of our street.
If you prefer to stay local, Manly Wharf offers a variety of bars and restaurants such as Hugo's, The Pavilion, and Manly Skiff Club. And with free parking available in the B-Line parking station at Manly Vale, you can take an express B-Line bus right into the city in approx 30 minutes. You also have the option to rent a car, and drive and explore the beautiful coast all the way up to Palm Beach where Home and Away is filmed.
No matter what your preferred mode of transportation is, you'll have plenty of options to choose from. However, with so much to do and see right here in Manly, you may find yourself not wanting to leave at all! So go ahead, spoil yourself with endless choices of exciting activities and breathtaking sights.
We are just a 4 minute walk to a beautiful white sand surf beach with cafes, shops and restaurants everywhere. You can walk, bus or catch ferry. It’s up to you. I swim almost every day at the beach and walk along the beautiful boulevard at the beach. Additionally, Uber and taxis are safe and readily available.
Map of Approximate Location
People Like Us Local Guide
Happy to catch up for a drink or coffee ( great coffee!) in Manly where I can answer your questions and give you recommendations and directions. Manly is a must when you come to Sydney- you will love it:)
Feedback
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We stayed with Jane Woods and Graham in March 2025. To say it was a memorable experience is an understatement. They are incredibly welcoming, their place is one of the most well appointed I've ever stayed at (and I've lived out of some fancy hotels/Airbnbs over the years!), and location is perfect - 4 min walk to beach, market, and 10 min bus ride to Manly Wharf that takes you right into Sydney CBD. Seize this opportunity while you can 🏃♂️ -
We had a great time in Manly with our boys staying in Jane and Graham's house. The location was perfect for all the nearby beaches, and the apartment itself was clean, nice and quiet, and had everything we needed. I particularly liked the well-stocked bookcase, which had plenty of local interest material. The tasteful and artful decorations (especially the print of a friendly koala we woke up to find gazing at us each morning) made this apartment feel like home for the 5 days we spent there. -
Jane and Graham’s apartment in Manly is brilliantly located just a small walk from the beach, lagoon and shops. (And excellent coffee van) We had a great week there. The trip into the city was easy too with a nice walk to the wharf and express bus to Wynyard. Manly is such a buzzing place. The accommodation was functional and clean. We loved our stay. Thank you for having us. -
Jane and Graham’s apartment was the first of several home exchanges in Australia over a nine-week trip, and we loved starting our trip in Manly. It offered great proximity to the beach, restaurants, stores, parks, and other attractions. The beach has a wonderful promenade and ferry to downtown Sydney is a 23-minute walk away along an inlet. We found it easy to go everywhere on foot and the neighborhood is really lovely. Their apartment is beautiful and comfortable, and if you want to cook your own meals, you can walk to two supermarkets and a local bottle shop.. With so many eateries in the area, it’s tempting to dine out frequently while you’re there. Manly is lively and there’s always something going on. We loved being in Manly and look forward to hosting Jane and Graham at our home in Spain. -
We loved our stay in this beautiful apartment. Clean, modern coastal decoration, comfortable and homely, with everything you could possibly need. A five minute walk to the beach, and to the park area. Manly is a fantastic place to stay with easy access to Sydney city via a beautiful ferry ride, but with its own character and a wealth of good restaurants and beautiful walks. We look forward to welcoming you both to our home next year, and hope you have as a good a holiday as you have had. -
Jane’s home in Manly was beautiful renovated and thoughtful in having everything necessary for a comfortable stay . It is ideally located with walking distance to manly beach cafes and restaurants yet a quiet street . Jane was very attentive to our needs .thoroughly recommend -
Comfortable, cosy apartment exactly as described. We are a couple so we took full advantage of the ferries over to the CBD every day to enjoy all the festivals, art galleries and theatre. However Manly is a lovely part of Sydney in its own right and the apartment is very children friendly. Sydney is always a great city to visit. Highly recommended. -
It was a pleasure to exchange our dates with Graham and Jane to their unit in beautiful Manly. As soon as I reached out to them they were very responsive in accepting our exchange. We exchanged our house manuals, which was full of everything we needed. We also exchanged our mobile numbers and emails. We invited our best friends along as we were all attending a special 70th birthday at the Q Station. It was great to be able to exchange for three nights, as we travelled for three hours from Jervis Bay and we were well rested for the festivities at lunch time on the Saturday. The unit was as described, perfect for two couples, clean, many additional items for the beach and the location was perfect. We would highly recommend an exchange with Graham and Jane. Regards Vincentia Jervis Bay NSW Baz and Jen -
We loved our weekend away at Jane's stunning Manly home! Jane had thought of every detail - from tea and spices through to an extensive library of books and toys to keep our boys happy all weekend. The location was perfect - far enough from the main drag to be quiet and peaceful, but only a short walk to the beach and all the action. And Jane was brilliant to communicate with the whole way through. We'd highly recommend a swap or stay with Jane. -
We were unable to exchange during this time but sure they would be available if we decided to exchange -
Absolutely. You are welcome anytime. It was so lovely meeting you Sheila and sharing in some local cuisine. You live in a very interesting country for sure. Thanks for all the recommendations:)
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Staying 5 days at Jane and Graham's apartment was wonderful . It's a cosy and comfortable place in beautiful Manly , close to the beach and wit a easy access to the ferry to Sydney . Jane and Graham are great hosts and we spent some time together for a drink . Can't wait to meet again on Sunday! Big hug from willy and Rino -
Jane and Graham’s place was gorgeous! Their apartment is attached to their main house but completely seperate. They’ve decorated it really well and it’s completely new and renovated. Jane has thought of everything and the apartment comes compete with kids (and adult) books, prams, cot etc. The only thing they don’t have is a washing machine but there is a laundry mat not far. The beach is at the end of the street - just a short walk and you can either take a slow walk into Manly centre where the ferry is and lots of shopping! Manly is a great location and is quite an exclusive suburb for Sydney. -
We stayed at Jane's house over Christmas and it is in such a perfect location with the beach, shops and parks a level stroll away. The house is spacious and modern with all the amenities one could hope for. It has a lovely private deck with a BBQ and lots of living spaces. We cared for Jane's old dog as well since he did not want the long drive they were embarking on. I can highly recommend staying here.
Premium
Jane
Hello from sunny Sydney, Australia!
We’re so excited at the thought of welcoming you to our home in beautiful Manly Beach. We're Jane and Graham – a friendly, active, and well-travelled couple who love meeting new people and sharing our little slice of paradise with others.
I’m an educator, and Graham, after many years in finance, now finds great joy in his work in disability support. We have three wonderful young adult children who won’t be travelling with us – they’re off living their own adventures here in Australia and in Mexico City.
We feel incredibly lucky to live in one of Sydney’s most iconic and vibrant beachside neighbourhoods – Manly Beach. It’s a must-visit destination offering the perfect mix of laid-back coastal charm and buzzing holiday energy. Think: world-class surf, beachside cafes, restaurants, a thriving food and wine scene, jazz and music festivals, golf, tennis, scenic hikes, and plenty of local art and culture – including our own Manly Gallery.
One of our favourite parts about living here is how close we are to the heart of Sydney. Just hop on the fast ferry (15 mins) or take the iconic Manly Ferry (30 mins) across the spectacular harbour and you’ll be greeted by stunning views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge as you arrive at Circular Quay. If you’re lucky, you might even spot whales or dolphins along the way! Once in the city, you’ll find world-class dining, vibrant street performers, Aboriginal art galleries, boutique shops, and harbour bars with breathtaking skyline views – not to mention the charm of The Rocks, Sydney’s historic precinct.
After a day of exploring, you can wind down with a glass of wine or a cold beer on the ferry back to Manly, ready to enjoy another evening of beachside dining, live music, and warm ocean breezes.
We’ve been hosting travellers from around the world for over 30 years and have recently embraced the wonderful world of home exchange – an experience we absolutely love.
Travelling group
Partner
Premium
Graham
Jane’s my wife
3 children; Jamie, Laura Sophie
My Desired Destinations
Open to any destination
Can travel at any time
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