Manly – just one of Sydney’s special Northern beaches

Choosing a place to stay in Sydney's Northern Beaches can be overwhelming - there are so many great beaches along this stretch of the Pacific coast in New South Wales that you might not know where to begin. There are 18 great resorts in total, each boasting plenty of activities and a wide range of excellent holiday accommodation, from budget apartments to luxury holiday villas.

Manly is one such excellent Northern Beach resort in Sydney. If you've taken the plunge and decided to come, then you're in for a real treat in this laid back and much loved holiday destination.

Choose from well presented holiday houses in Manly beach, serviced apartments or self-contained accommodation for extra privacy. Manly is perfect for those who love the great outdoors and adventure activities, as well as those who love the quiet life by the beach.

If you want holiday accommodation in Manly that will add to your holiday experience rather than just being a place to sleep at night then check out the deals on holiday houses and villas in Manly.

These spacious lets will often come complete with a terrace or garden, which will offer you the perfect opportunity to have a barbecue in the evening after a hard day at the beach. Now, with your holiday accommodation sorted it's time to check out the amazing things to do in Manly Beach…..

Things to do in Manly Beach

Manly Beach is a favourite haunt amongst locals and visitors alike, who flock to the resort to try their hand at the wide range of sporting and outdoor activities available. Try your hand at water sports, golf, tennis, volleyball, cycling, walking and many more activities.

You're sure to be exhausted in the evenings after a day in Manly, so make sure you choose holiday accommodation that offers privacy and relaxation in the evenings, such as the holiday villas or self-contained accommodation in the Manly area.

Manly is buzzing throughout the year, even in the cooler months when the crowds recede and the holiday homes on the beach are largely empty. If you're staying in a family friendly accommodation in the winter and want to get the kids out of the house for the day then take them to Oceanworld or North Head Sanctuary.

Throughout the year there are festivals - jazz, film, comedy - and beach activities on offer - volleyball, swimming, water sports. You'll never be short of something to do in Manly, whether you are here on a romantic break or a family holiday with the kids. In the evenings, before retiring to your holiday home, make sure you check out the beautiful sunset and the wonderful restaurants in Manly

When to visit Manly

Manly is a great year round holiday destination. However, the resort really comes alive in the summer months. You may have to fight to find holiday accommodation that hasn't been booked up for weeks on end in the peak season, and child friendly holiday villas are particularly hard to find as these fill up quickly. However, if you start to look for your holiday home early enough you should be able to find a great deal on accommodation in Manly.

If the heat of the summer and the crowds are too much for you, then Manly is equally beautiful in the winter months. The temperature rarely dips below 14 degrees, and you'll be able to take advantage of the great scenery by going on walks and hikes that you may have found impossible in the summer heat. Holiday accommodation is also cheaper in the winter and you'll have a great choice of holiday villas or serviced apartments in Manly from which to choose.

A good compromise between the summer heat and the winter calm is to holiday in the 'shoulder' months of Spring and Autumn. Although the resorts get a bit busier out of winter you will still find a good range of holiday rentals on offer, and some great deals on budget accommodation. Just be sure to avoid the school holidays if possible, as holiday homes and villas get booked up well in advance on popular dates .