5 great day trips from Sydney

Manly's tree-lined promenade is renowned, but the beaches are its top draw. Manly Beach is 1.5 kilometers long and popular with surfers. If you'd prefer somewhere more secluded, nearby Shelly Beach is a good bet, according to local Kerstin Höfner, founder of mymanlyblog.com.

"The water here is shallow, so it's perfect for beginners or if you haven't snorkeled before," explains Höfner. "It's got easy beach access, shallow water and is sheltered."