Manly is a wonderful place to visit and it still retains its old world charm. If you are coming from the city, the best way to get there is by ferry from Circular Quay. When you exit the ferry, walk straight across the road and east along the Corso to the beach front.  You will pass a multitude of shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs. At the far end of the Corso, cross the street to the promenade  overlooking the beach, which stretches 1.5 kilometres from Queenscliff in the north to Manly in the south.  
 
Walk south past Manly Surf Club and proceed along the coastal walk towards Shelley Beach and Fairy Bower Headland. On the way is an ocean pool where you can enjoy a swim. At the end is Shelley Beach which has a lovely cafe. From there you can walk up to the headland and follow the pathway around.  On a day with large waves you will have a fantastic view of surfers riding waves in front of the cliffs at Fairy Bower.
 
Walk back down to Bower Lane, just past the ocean pool. Go left into Bower Street and take a zig-zag route: right at College Street, right at Reddall Street and left into Addison Road. While walking to Stuart Street take time to admire the many fine homes, some of which date back to the early 20th century. Go left down Stuart Street until you reach Little Manly Beach to your right. This is a delightful part of Manly with a view down the harbour to the city. There is also a small kiosk where you can have a meal or hot and cold drinks.  Take the path to Little Manly Point, which was the site of the gas works which served the Manly area from 1917 to 1964.
 
Walk  back down Stuart Street to East Esplanade then on to the ferry wharf for your return to the city. This walk is approximately 5 kilometres.