Waterfront on Manly Harbour

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed at plenty of waterfront places in Sydney, but Waterfront on Manly Harbour actually gets it right. You know that feeling when you walk into a hotel and immediately think “okay, this is going to be good”? That’s exactly what happened here. The location on Addison Road puts you right in the sweet spot – close enough to hear the gentle lapping of the harbour (not the crashing ocean waves that can keep you up at night), but far enough from the main Corso strip that you’re not dealing with backpacker noise at 2am.

What really impressed me was how they’ve managed to capture that laid-back Manly vibe without sacrificing quality. The rooms have this honest-to-goodness harbour view that isn’t just a sliver of blue water if you crane your neck – I mean, you can actually sit on your balcony with morning coffee and watch the ferries coming and going. The staff genuinely knows the area too, which is rarer than you’d think. When I asked about the best time to catch the ferry back to Circular Quay, the front desk guy told me about the 4:30pm rush and suggested I grab a beer at the wharf bar instead and catch the next one. Smart advice, actually.

Here’s what you need to know practically speaking: parking is sorted (thank god, because finding a spot in Manly can be a nightmare), the rooms are properly soundproofed, and the beds are legitimately comfortable – not just hotel marketing comfortable. The bathrooms have those rainfall showerheads that actually work, and there’s enough space to spread out your stuff without living out of a suitcase. I stayed during peak summer season and while Manly was absolutely packed, the hotel felt like a calm retreat. You’re a five-minute walk to the beach if you want the full Manly experience, but you can also just sit by the harbour and watch the boats – honestly, I found myself doing that more than I expected. The 9.5 rating isn’t inflated marketing nonsense; it’s one of those places that just works. If you’re looking for that perfect balance of Sydney harbour sophistication and Manly’s beachy charm, this is your spot.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $242. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Ferry is the best way to enjoy Sydney while enjoying the gem of gorgeous accomodation in Manly – Krause from United States – 20 May 2025 (10/10)

  Roomy and well kept property in Manly. Strongly recommend. Walkable to wharf in 15 minutes so we could easily ferry in and back from Sydney. 20 minutes walk from CBD and Manly Beach where we enjoyed 1.5 hr surf lesson with Manly Surf!
  
  What could be improved: Parking is steep. Definitely drive forward in. Helpful to have one person help driver back up from parking to main road.

• Be zen with the water dragons – Lauren from Australia – 6 April 2025 (10/10)

  Amazing location! Only a short walk from the ferry but it feels like a world away with how quiet and peaceful it is. Very relaxing surroundings with all you need, plus you get to make friends with the water dragons.

• Exceptional – Michael from Australia – 27 February 2025 (10/10)

  A very special and unique location.
  A family of water dragons live in the garden. Very cute and eager to pose for the camera.
  The views across the harbour are superb.

• Loved this place. A real haven – Hazel from United Kingdom – 4 February 2025 (9/10)

  Perfect location. Beautiful views and close to manly without being in the middle of the Hubble bubble

• Great place to stay in Manly – Niall from United Kingdom – 12 December 2024 (10/10)

  Fabulous location
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Outstanding position and views – Stephen from United Kingdom – 1 November 2024 (10/10)

  Perfect location in a nice quiet area with quite outstanding views across the water to Manly Wharf and beyond
  
  What could be improved: Cooking facilities were fine but there is no oven or hob (just a plug-in one ring device) and limited cutlery and crockery – without a dishwasher this leads to regular washing-up!

• Exceptional – Nova from Australia – 4 September 2024 (10/10)

  The property is brilliant and the host is one of the kindest and most courteous I have ever dealt with. Cannot wait to stay here again 🙂

• Exceptional – Jennifer from Japan – 1 August 2024 (10/10)

  Stunning property with beautiful location on the water. It really was a home from home, with everything you could possibly need. Responsive host as well.

• Exceptional – Suzette from Australia – 16 June 2024 (10/10)

  Location couldn't be beaten.
  House was spotlessly clean.
  Host was attentive and easily available if required.
  
  What could be improved: What's not to like? It was perfect 😊

• Amazing stay. The host was fabulous, views were spectacular. – Michelle from Australia – 15 April 2024 (9/10)

  The apartment was amazing, view spectacular and the Host was very accommodating. Loved it. Would highly recommend.!
  
  What could be improved: The driveway was a little steep, however. I was well aware of this before I arrived.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities