Get On Your Bike in Manly

Cycling is one of the best ways to see a city. While it may seem daunting to get on your bike amidst the Sydney traffic, consider a cycling tour around the more relaxed beachside suburb of Manly. After all, as the Port Jackson & Manly Steamship Company once famously said, Manly is “seven miles from Sydney, a thousand miles from care”!

Manly has 20 kilometres of cycling paths connecting landmarks like North Head, Shelly Beach, and Manly Lagoon. Manly Bike Tours will take you there on their daily tours.

While Manly may not have the well known tourist attractions of the inner city, there is still plenty for cyclists to see. The tour takes in St Patrick’s College, the magnificent castle-like building that hosted Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s wedding in 2006.

Keep your eyes peeled as you ride around the harbour. You might see dolphins, whales, or the resident colony of penguins!

North Fort Museum and its lookout give riders a glimpse into Manly’s rich military history. It’s also a great spot for ice-cream, a well earned treat after all that bike riding.

The tour veers off the cycling paths to explore Fairfax Walking Track, but it’s worth the effort. This spot gives you some of the best views of the Sydney skyline, so make sure that you pack your camera.

The tour is a great way for those unfamiliar with Manly to become acquainted with this charming beachside community. If you do know your way around though, the tour company is happy to hire bikes so you can do your own exploring.

Trading hours: Two-hour tours run daily from 10:30 am
Location: Tours leave from Manly Bike Tours
Address: 2 West Promenade, Manly
Public transport: Catch a ferry from Wharf 3, Circular Quay to Manly. The tour company is located opposite the bus terminal
Parking: There is plenty of council car parking nearby
Cost: Tours cost $69 and include hire of the bicycle, helmet, light refreshments, guide, and access to North Fort Museum and St Patrick’s Estate
Website: http://www.manlybiketours.com.au

Image source: Stephen Pouliot @ Flickr