Manly Wharf Hotel Sydney
Iconic waterfront hotel on Sydney Harbour, offering stunning views and a popular prawn pizza. Accessible via a scenic ferry ride.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, better service
Manly Wharf Hotel Sydney
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better service
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic waterfront hotel on Sydney Harbour, offering stunning views and a popular prawn pizza. Accessible via a scenic ferry ride.
"The location is great, but they just cannot handle the numbers when it gets busy."
🎯 Ferry is the way to go
Take the ferry from Circular Quay for amazing views! It's a scenic and popular way to reach Manly .
🍕 Try the Prawn Pizza
Many rave about the thin and crispy prawn pizza – it's a standout dish on the menu .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Waterfront Views
Outdoor seating area
Savor cocktails and meals with breathtaking views of the harbor and passing ferries. A truly picturesque Sydney experience .
Prawn Pizza
Restaurant menu
A highly recommended thin and crispy pizza, praised for its delicious flavor and perfect crust. A must-try menu item .
Ferry Journey
Sydney Harbour
The ferry ride to Manly offers iconic Sydney Harbour vistas, making the trip itself a memorable part of the visit .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Ferry Ride
Manage Expectations for Busy Times
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Ferry is the way to go
Take the ferry from Circular Quay for amazing views! It's a scenic and popular way to reach Manly.
🍕 Try the Prawn Pizza
Many rave about the thin and crispy prawn pizza – it's a standout dish on the menu.
💰 Be mindful of prices
Food can be expensive, especially seafood platters. Consider it for drinks and lighter bites.
⏳ Avoid peak busy times
Service can be slow when it's crowded. Weekdays might offer a smoother experience.
Visiting Sydney from the US for only a few days - need help knowing how to maximize our time!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Ferry is the way to go
Take the ferry from Circular Quay for amazing views! It's a scenic and popular way to reach Manly.
🍕 Try the Prawn Pizza
Many rave about the thin and crispy prawn pizza – it's a standout dish on the menu.
💰 Be mindful of prices
Food can be expensive, especially seafood platters. Consider it for drinks and lighter bites.
⏳ Avoid peak busy times
Service can be slow when it's crowded. Weekdays might offer a smoother experience.
🍹 Bottomless Brunch Caution
Reviews suggest potential delays and issues with drink service for bottomless packages.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Manly Wharf Hotel shines with its unbeatable waterfront location and scenic ferry access, offering stunning harbor views and a popular prawn pizza. However, diners should be aware that during busy periods, service can be slow, and some menu items are considered expensive for their portion size, leading to mixed dining experiences.
"Messed up first delivery of our order. Got that sorted and the waiter noted one meal was still missing. Said he was onto it. We had to chase up after another hour of waiting. Everyone else had finished their meals by then - so spoiled a family lunch. They said they would get it out asap. Another 30 minutes later - meal still didn’t arrive. Followed up again and it was sitting in the counter stone cold. Stuff happens - but when it is a special occasion and you are paying good coin, you expect mistakes to be rectified pretty quick. Expensive and disappointing. Overpriced and average food. Location great but they just cannot handle the numbers when it gets busy. Lots of better alternatives in Manly."
Ren McG
"My first visit to Manly Wharf Hotel for lunch. The food is really expensive for what you get. I ordered seafood platter to share with a friend and there was so little on the plate I thought they had made a mistake - $120 for the platter which was little more than an entree for 2 people. We also ordered the sticky date pudding. One of the puddings arrived at the table with no sauce so sent it back and when it came back to the table it had literally a dribble of sauce on it. The pudding was so dense and dry I left it. I think The Manly Wharf Hotel is probably a nice place for drinks but there are many other places in Manly that offer far nicer meals and are better value. One saving grace was the staff were really nice."
Janet Crawford
"E ordering extremely over priced food. System error meant i double ordered and paid twice, staff said "too bad" and quick light lunch turned into $280!!"
Gregory THOMAS
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most scenic and recommended way is to take a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Wharf. The hotel is located right on the wharf, making it easily accessible upon arrival. Driving is also an option, but parking can be challenging and expensive in Manly.
Absolutely! The ferry journey offers stunning panoramic views of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge. It's a quintessential Sydney experience and a beautiful way to start your visit to Manly.
Ferry services to Manly typically run frequently throughout the day and into the evening. It's best to check the official Transport for NSW website for the most up-to-date timetable, as schedules can vary.
While buses do service Manly, the ferry is by far the most popular and visually rewarding method of transport from the city. Once in Manly, the hotel is a short walk from the bus stops.
Yes, there are several parking stations near Manly Wharf, but they can be quite expensive, especially for extended stays. The ferry is often a more cost-effective and enjoyable option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It's highly recommended to book a table, especially for lunch or dinner, or if you're visiting on a weekend or during peak times. This helps avoid disappointment and long waits.
Manly Wharf Hotel is generally open daily, with extended hours for food service and drinks. It's advisable to check their official website for the most current opening and closing times, as these can change.
No, there is no entry fee to access Manly Wharf Hotel. It operates as a hotel and restaurant, and you only pay for food and drinks consumed.
During relevant periods, the hotel has implemented COVID-19 protocols such as temperature checks and sign-ins, demonstrating a commitment to safety.
While specific pet policies can vary, many waterfront venues in Manly are dog-friendly in outdoor areas. It's best to contact the hotel directly to confirm their current policy on pets.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The hotel offers a diverse menu with popular items including pizzas, seafood, and pub-style meals. The prawn pizza is frequently highlighted as a must-try.
Reviews indicate that the food, particularly seafood platters, can be quite expensive for the portion size. It's often suggested as a good spot for drinks with a view rather than a budget-friendly meal.
The thin and crispy prawn pizza is a standout dish that receives consistent praise. Many also enjoy the pizzas in general.
While specific menus can change, most pubs and restaurants in Sydney offer vegetarian options, often including salads and pasta dishes. It's recommended to check the current menu online or ask staff.
Based on reviews, the 'Bottomless' package has had issues with delayed drink service and not adhering to the advertised time limits, leading to disappointment for some patrons.
📸 📸 Photography
The prime photo opportunities are the stunning waterfront views, especially during sunset. Capturing the ferries arriving and departing also makes for dynamic shots.
Golden hour, just before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photos of the harbor and the hotel's exterior. Evenings with city lights twinkling across the water are also magical.
Yes, you can take photos inside the hotel, but be mindful of other patrons and any specific photography policies they might have. The interior decor and ambiance can also be photogenic.
From the ferry, you can capture iconic Sydney Harbour landmarks like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, as well as the coastline and other boats on the water.
Photos taken from the outdoor seating area, looking out towards the harbor, are very popular. Shots that include the ferries in motion add a sense of activity and place.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Manly Ferry Experience
Ensure you choose a seat on the right side of the ferry when departing from Circular Quay for the best views of the city skyline. The journey typically takes around 30 minutes, providing ample time to soak in the scenery and capture stunning photographs. Upon arrival at Manly Wharf, the hotel is immediately accessible, making it a seamless transition from the scenic voyage to your dining or drinking experience.
Navigating Dining and Service
While the staff are generally described as nice and obliging, the operational challenges during peak times are a recurring theme in reviews. Some patrons have also reported issues with specific packages, such as the 'Bottomless' brunch, experiencing significant delays in drink service and not receiving the full advertised duration. For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting on a weekday afternoon when the crowds are thinner, or focus on enjoying the drinks and the ambiance rather than expecting swift, flawless meal service during busy periods.
Menu Highlights and Value
However, it's worth noting that some reviews suggest that certain items, particularly seafood platters, are considered overpriced for the portion sizes offered. While the quality of the food is generally acceptable, the perceived value for money can be a point of contention for some diners. For those prioritizing the waterfront experience and a casual drink, the hotel excels. If a substantial and value-driven meal is your primary goal, exploring other dining options in Manly might be beneficial, as some reviews suggest better alternatives exist for dining value.
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