Above all else, Manly is a bloody good beach town. Fringed by countless secluded swimming spots, epic surf breaks and long stretches of golden sand, Manly is made for, and shaped by its proximity to the Pacific. For some incredible, and absolutely free things to do while you’re in Manly Town, you can’t go past the beach.

Go to Queenscliff, North and South Steyne. Want to swim without any waves bothering you at all? You can’t go past the Hawaiian-like paradise of Shelly Beach or the secret seclusion of Collins Flat. Want to feel like a real life mermaid, no matter the time of day? Jump into the Fairy Bower pool and feel all your woes melt away.

If you want to keep on beaching, do the classic Manly to Spit coastal walk. Rugged, with stunning ocean views, you’ll get to walk past ancient Indigenous rock carvings, wander through the bush, and then dip into pristine beaches along the way. If you want to end with snacks, start at the Spit, and end at Manly – otherwise, views will be reward enough.

Manly is all about wellness – which calls for one thing, and one thing only: the humble day spa. Whether it’s a massage, facial or sauna you’re after, this town has you covered in spades.

Hit up Akasha Integrative Health (Unit 8/7 West Promenade) for an affordable sauna, massage and ice-bath experience – it’s $149 for a 45 minute massage and 50 minute private sauna and ice bath session, which feels pretty good. They’ve got an oxygen chamber on-site too for all those who really like to tap the wellness button.

SahSin Massage Therapy (9 Whistler St) have been massaging Manly’s residents for years. With a massive massage menu on tap, they’ve got all your aches and pains under control.

If you love a bit of new-age wellness to help you unwind you could book yourself a session at Rimba Sweet Infrared Sauna (212 Pittwater Rd), where infrared light heat warms your body to help you sweat out your toxins.

Aqua Vitae Day Spa is good for a solid (yet luxurious) facial. From detoxing skin treatments to anti-ageing rejuvenation numbers, this is a one-stop shop for your skin.

If you’re seeking some serenity head to Manly Dam (112 King St) to commune with nature over a picnic or a bush walk.

You can book a game of beach volleyball on the North Steyne segment of Manly beach where nets are set up for daily tournaments.

Dive Centre Manly runs Snorkel Safaris of three popular spots in the area, and they take visitors on underwater adventures every day (10 Belgrave St).

On both weekend days Sydney Road is home to the Manly Marketplace, an open air market selling knick knacks, snacks, local art, jewellery, candles, hats and grocery items.

If you purchase a skateboard from Henrietta Skate (Shop 2, 49-53 North Steyne) they throw in a free lesson so you can get a handle on your board before letting loose on the lovely flat track that runs along the beach.

Add some adventure to your day with a four-hour paddle and hike organised by Manly Kayak Centre (Manly Wharf, East Esplanade). Tours visit the historical, and possibly haunted, buildings at the old Quarantine Station.

Hire a beach cruiser from Manly Bike Tours for $22 per hour and take a leisurely cycle along Cabbage Tree Bay cycle path. Each bike is fitted with a pocket bag for your essentials (phone, lock) and there’s a laminated map attached to the handlebars.