Sadly it’s our last day in Manly, and it is scary how fast the first part of our Australia trip has flown by. It’s been a work-week for both of us – Aaron has been going to his firm’s office in the CBD while I’ve been working in our apartment and a coffee shop next door every day. And even though we’ve needed to spend most of each day in front of our computers, we’ve still managed to see quite a lot around this part of Sydney. Below are some of our favorite things in Manly:

– The main Manly Beach (Queenscliff, North Steyne, and South Steyne) is fantastic, but there are other less crowded and equally beautiful beaches nearby. Take an easy walk or jog to tranquil Shelly Beach, or hike on over to the gorgeous Freshwater (“Freshie”) and Curl Curl Beaches.

The walk to Shelly Beach

Freshie from above

Boardwalk to Curl Curl

– Living next door to Foundry FiftyThree this week has been quite fortunate for me and my budding coffee snobbery. The ambience reminds me of a super cool coffee shop in Silverlake or the Mission, but because it’s full of Australians it’s obviously so much better. I can only speak to their cold drip coffee, but it’s served in a beaker and tastes wonderful. I highly recommend their avo toast, as well.

Work work work

– The best dinner we ate this week was at Hugo’s Manly, right on the wharf. Recently honored as “The Best Pizza Restaurant in Australia 2014,” we were certainly impressed and did not leave hungry. Excellent pizzas, fresh pastas, and complimentary limoncello at the end of the meal. Even on a rainy Wednesday night the restaurant was quite full, so the wait could be awhile if you go with a larger group.

Dinner at Hugo’s Manly

– Grab drinks at both Manly Wine and 4 Pines Brewing Company. They couldn’t be more different as far as bars go, but I absolutely loved them both. Manly Wine is a stylish-yet-casual bar and restaurant right across the street from the beach. It looks like something straight out of a lifestyle blog – chevron prints, bunting, quirky decor elements that somehow blend into a whimsical cohesive style. Super friendly servers, good wine recs, and a killer location for people-watching.

Wine and a snack at Manly Wine

4 Pines, on the other hand, is a modern microbrewery on the wharf-side that the Manly locals are very fond of. While I did see a few ladies sipping wine, the vast majority of the patrons were there for the handcrafted beer that’s made right on site. I personally enjoyed their kolsch and pale ale, but they also have five other varieties that I didn’t get around to tasting. If you visit Sydney with a beer-lover, 4 Pines is a must-see.

I miss you already, Manly!

We’re heading to Melbourne for the weekend and then staying in Bondi Beach next week, but Aaron is already thinking about changing our plans so we can spend more time in Manly. (Yes, we really like it that much!) If you’re planning a trip to Sydney, definitely look into staying out here in the northern beach suburbs as opposed to where most tourists stay in near Darling Harbour and Circular Quay. I already can’t wait to come back!