Little Manly Cove: Sydney's Best Harbour Pools for Kids

Just across the peninsula from world famous surfing mecca Manly Beach, Little Manly Cove is on the Harbour and a completely different beach.

There’s no surf, the views are all of yachts, of the many small peninsulas jutting into the Harbour, and of multi-million dollar mansions.

There’s a netted area, the bollards are fabulous for leaping into the water from, there’s a rocky headland to explore and – best of all – a great little café right at the beach, selling coffees, drinks and takeaway grub. Perfect!

Little Manly Cove

Stuart Street, Manly 2095

Liosk/cafe Facebook page here.

Beachsafe website info here.

You know a beach is top for tots when there’s a toddler-sized toilet in the change block.

Little Manly Cove has a compact beach below the level of the road and a small reserve between the road and the beach. The swimming enclosure takes up half the beach and its shallow waters are generally awash with babies and toddlers.

There is shade on the sand in the mornings and the rocky ledges on the southern end of the beach are good for exploring. The kiosk can provide food and drink, the views over the eastern suburbs and Mosman are provided gratis.

Cafes: Kiosk is open daily

Toilets: Showers, toilets and changing block by the kiosk

Shade: Some on the beach, a little on the reserve. This is an unusual Sydney beach in that it faces west, so it can be very hot in the afternoon.

Playground: Two swings only but Little Manly Point playground is a walk away, up lots of steps

Shark net: Yes

Mum’s report: Great in the mornings and late afternoons, and small enough to let the children wander freely

Extra: Heaps to do in Manly!

Map reference: Gregory’s 288 G13, Sydway 259 F9, UBD 198 C13 See Google map below.

Parking: Street parking on Stuart Street and a carpark at Little Manly Point Park

Nearest ferry: Manly Wharf is a good 20–30 minute walk away with some hilly streets in between

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 Are you a harbour beach family or an ocean beach family?

Or do you not care so long as there’s a cafe or kiosk right there?!