Manly Beach Among World’s 25 Best – But Locals Have Different Preferences

Manly Beach, alongside Bondi Beach, have secured positions in TripAdvisor’s annual Travellers’ Choice Awards for the world’s 25 best beaches in 2025, representing Australia’s only entries on the prestigious list.



Manly Beach ranked 15th globally, down from seventh place in 2024. According to TripAdvisor data, international visitors appreciate Manly for its gentle waves suitable for surfing, designated lifeguarded swimming areas, and the coastal walkway offering extensive views. The beach’s proximity to dining and shopping options was also noted in traveller reviews.

The travel site described Manly as “at the centre of everything – literally,” though it should be noted the beach is located a 20-minute ferry ride from Sydney’s central business district. During peak periods, the beach experiences significant crowds, limiting available space.

Photo Credit: Tripadvisor

Alternative beaches in the Manly area include Shelly Beach and Delwood Beach, which offer similar amenities with typically lower visitor numbers.

TripAdvisor rankings are based on the quantity and quality of traveller reviews submitted over a 12-month period. The methodology prioritises visitor experiences rather than local usage patterns, which may explain why these highly touristed beaches ranked while other Australian beaches did not appear on the list.

Australia features over 10,000 beaches along its 37,000-kilometer coastline, offering numerous alternatives to these two internationally recognised destinations.



The complete TripAdvisor list of the world’s top 25 beaches for 2025 is available on their website.

Published 2-March-2025

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