There are more boats than people in the friendly harborside village of Manly. This hub for most local ferry services serves as the best base for exploring the islands of Moreton Bay, and it’s a quiet place to return to after a long day of fishing, sailing, or scuba diving. If you prefer not to stay in a city, Manly is also a perfect base for exploring the streets of Brisbane.
Transportation. From Brisbane, take Citytrain to the Manly stop on the Cleveland line (35-40min. from Roma St., daily at least every 30min., $3.20).
Orientation And Practical Information. With your back to the train station, take the second left turn at the “Boat Harbour” sign to reach Cambridge Parade, the main thoroughfare. Cambridge Pde. heads toward the harbor and the Esplanade, which runs along the water. The Tourist Information Centre, 43A Cambridge Pde., is across from the Manly Hotel. (☎07 3348 3524. Open M-F 9am-5pm, Sa-Su 10am-3pm.) There is a Bank of Queensland with a 24hr. ATM located in the Manly Harbour Village shopping center on the corner of Cambridge Pde. and the Esplanade. (Open M-Th 9:30am-4pm, F 9:30am-5pm.) The post office, 222 Stratton Terr., is also in the shopping center. (☎07 3396 2735. Open M-F 9am-5pm, Sa 9am-noon.) Postal Code: 4179.
Accommodations And Food. Moreton Bay Backpackers , 45 Cambridge Pde., is located across from Manly Hotel and is the only hostel in Manly. If you don’t mind a little dust, this place offers a number of low-budget perks such as excursions to the islands and DVD rentals. You also get a free drink at the High Tide Bar and Grill (see below) upon check-in. (☎1800 800 157; www.moretonbaylodge.com.au. Free airport and train pickup. Key and linen deposit $20. 6- to 8-bed dorms $22; ensuite singles $55; ensuite doubles $70. 7th night free. Reception, inside High Tide Bar and Grill, open 24hr. in summer; in winter M-Th and Su 8:30am-8pm, F-Sa 8:30am-10pm. MC/V.) The clean Manly Hotel that serves food all day. Beer garden outside is packed every night. (☎07 3249 5999; www.manlyhotel.com. Th and Su karaoke, F-Su live music, W jam session. Restaurant open daily 7am-9pm; bars open M-Th 10am-midnight, F-Sa 10am-2am, Su 11am-9:30pm. Hotel singles $65-110; doubles $80-125.)
Fish Cafe , 461 The Esplanade, at the intersection with Cambridge Pde., is great for quick seafood. The cod and chips ($7.50) and the fish cake panini burger ($6.50) are both delicious. Takeaway recommended; the place is crowded, and dining in is expensive. (☎07 3893 0195; www.fishcafe.com.au. Open daily 8-10:45am and 11am-8:30pm.) Across from Moreton Bay Backpackers is High Tide Bar and Grill , offering large meals priced around $12 and nightly backpacker specials around $5. There is an IGA supermarket in the Manly Harbour Village shopping center. (☎07 3396 1980. Open daily 6am-10pm.)
Sights. Spot wildlife with Manly Eco Cruises, which runs several family-oriented daytrips around Moreton Bay Marine Park. The trip includes boomnet rides (which allows you to sit in a large open net and be dragged behind a boat), a tropical-themed lunch, short canoe rides, and commentary on the bay. (☎07 3396 9400; www.manlyecocruises.com. Daytrips M-Sa 9am-3pm $109. Su breakfast cruise 8:30-10:30am $35. Book ahead.)
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