Manly Beach was voted 7th Best Beach in the World in TripAdviser’s 2024 annual Travellers’ Choice Awards, announced on 22 February.
The influential website Tripadviser.com, which informs international travellers about hotels and accommodation, transport and dining options, and recommends interesting places to visit, has just posted their annual Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best 2024.
The five categories were Destinations, Hotels, Restaurants, Things To Do and Beaches, with Manly Beach gracing the latter.
TripAdvisor explain, “The Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best title celebrates the highest level of excellence in travel. It’s awarded to those who receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the TripAdvisor community over a 12-month period. Out of our 8 million listings, fewer than 1% achieve this milestone.”
So what was it about Manly that international travellers raved about?
TripAdviser declares, “Manly Beach is at the centre of everything—literally. Just a quick ride from the Sydney CBD, it’s surrounded by shops, cafes, and more. Go swimming or surfing in the warm waters (there’s a netted area for swimming plus lifeguards on duty), or take a dip in the saltwater pool. Then, go for a stroll along the long beach walkway and take in the panoramic views.”
Furthermore, TripAdviser thoroughly recommends, “SHOP …..in the sunshine with over 200 stores to explore. Discover funky boutiques in hidden lane ways, wander through the weekend outdoor markets or splurge on a whole new wardrobe on The Corso. At every turn, it’s sheer shopping pleasure to satisfy everyone.
“TASTE …..an amazing array of flavours in over 100 cafes, restaurants, bars and eateries. Whether it’s a lingering lunch of classy dining, a sumptuous seafood selection for dinner, fast and fresh takeaway or a walk along the beach front with an ice cream in hand. Any time of day or night, you’ll find a taste to tempt.”
And that’s not all. In ebullient plaudits the distinguished guide continues, “LIVE …..life and discover your hidden talents. Get active with surfing, sailing, scuba diving… and everything in between! Take a dip at the beach, or try your hand at beach volleyball. And when relaxation is on the agenda, treat yourself to a hotel stay or enjoy some pampering at one of our many salons. The perfect place for adventure or to relax and explore.
“FEEL ….. the sand between your toes after a long day at work. Absorb the geography and the nature that makes Manly special. Nestled between the harbour and the ocean, over 40 beaches and walkways give an escape to the daily grind. Just cast out a fishing line, pack a picnic basket, or bask in the sun. Relax in your favourite spot and soak up the serenity.”
No faint praise!!
And what other beaches topped the distinguished list?
First place among the world’s best beaches was Praia da Falésia in Portugal, described as “known for its dramatic cliffs, golden sands, and sparkling blue waters.”
For Manly to receive accolades alongside the next five – Spiaggia dei Conigli (Lampedusa, Italy), La Concha Beach (Donostia, Spain), Ka’anapali Beach (Maui, Hawaii), Grace Bay Beach (Turks and Caicos), and Anse Lazio (Praslin Island, Syechelles) – is a prestigious honour, placing it among an elite group of world champions!
Northern Beaches Council cheered the win, announcing it as “Australia’s best beach? The world votes Manly,” referring to it as the national champion. Because, let’s face it, if you’re the seventh best on the planet, then obviously you’re head and shoulders above the other contenders on this small island continent we call Australia.
How many beaches on Australia’s coastline?
To put Manly Beach’s win into context, there are an estimated 10,000 beaches spread along Australia’s vast coastline. These are washed by the waters from three oceans (clockwise from north): Pacific, Southern and Indian; subdivided into four seas: Arafura, Coral, Tasman and Timor.
As to the approximate length of Australia’s coastline: different calculations can be found from various sources. These range from 25,760 kilometres on Wikipedia (which quotes the CIA World Factbook as their source!) to 36,735 km on Australia for Everyone website.
Geoscience Australia, the Australian Government website (arguably a more credible source than Wikipedia and the CIA), states, “The Australian coastline extends approximately 34 000 kilometres (excluding all small offshore islands) and includes more than 1000 estuaries.”
So, for our beloved Manly Beach to be capped at Numero Uno in Australia is no small honour.
It appears the whole of Manly’s ocean-side seafront, including Cabbage Tree Bay, were benefactors of the world’s love, because neighbouring Shelly Beach joined the esteemed selection of runners-up in TripAdviser’s national awards.
Northern Beaches Council revealed, “Shelley (sic) Beach also made it in the top 20 Australian beaches, beating Coogee Beach, Perth’s Scarborough Beach and Byron Bay.”
Sydney itself didn’t abseil into TripAdvisor’s top 25 travel destinations. But who cares! Because when you have around 70 surf beaches and over 30 harbour coves, and one of those wins the prestigious 7th Best Beach in the World accolade, it’s an occasion to celebrate, and not to be sneezed at.
