Manly, QLD 4179

I live locally and work across the bayside every day, and Manly consistently stands out for a very specific reason — it feels established, coastal and confident in what it is.

Manly isn’t trying to reinvent itself. It’s a genuine marina-side suburb with a strong identity, a loyal local base and long-term appeal that goes well beyond short-term market cycles.

Manly revolves around the water.

The marina, the harbour, the esplanade and the weekend markets all shape daily life here. Early mornings are full of walkers, runners and dog owners along the waterfront. Afternoons tend to shift towards sailing activity, cafés and families enjoying the open space.

There’s a noticeable difference between Manly and some neighbouring suburbs. Manly feels slightly more polished and lifestyle-driven. It attracts professionals, established families and downsizers who specifically want a marina precinct rather than just “near the bay”.

The village atmosphere along Cambridge Parade and around the harbour gives it structure. You’ve got restaurants, wine bars, coffee spots and boutique retail all within walking distance of the water.

Community and Demographic Feel

From what I see both personally and professionally, Manly attracts:

Established professionals

Boat owners and sailing enthusiasts

Downsizers leaving larger family homes

Families wanting schooling and lifestyle balance

There’s a level of pride in ownership here. Homes are generally well maintained, renovations are thoughtful, and streets present well.

It feels stable.

That stability is something buyers often comment on when comparing Manly to other coastal suburbs.

Property Profile

Manly offers a broader mix of property than many people expect.

You’ll find:

Character Queenslanders on elevated streets

Post-war homes with renovation scope

Quality modern builds

Townhouses and boutique apartments near the harbour

Premium homes with water views or marina proximity

Water proximity and walkability drive value here. Being able to walk to the marina, cafés and train station carries a premium.

Unlike some inner-city suburbs, overdevelopment hasn’t dominated the landscape. There is density near the waterfront, but the suburb still feels open and residential.

Transport and Accessibility

Manly Station sits on the Cleveland line, making commuting into Brisbane CBD practical for professionals. Driving access via the Gateway Motorway is also straightforward, which supports airport access and travel north or south.

This connectivity is important. Buyers can enjoy a coastal lifestyle without feeling isolated from employment hubs.

Schools and Long-Term Livability

Manly State School has a strong local reputation, and families often position themselves within preferred pockets to secure access. There are also quality private schooling options nearby in the broader bayside and eastern Brisbane corridor.

The suburb works long term. That’s a big part of its appeal.

It suits young families growing into the area, and it suits downsizers wanting to stay local without compromising lifestyle.

Considerations

Manly does come at a price point premium compared to some surrounding bayside suburbs.

Waterfront and marina proximity drive competition. Entry-level opportunities can be tighter, and properties close to Cambridge Parade or with views often attract strong buyer interest.

Weekend activity around the marina can bring traffic and foot traffic, particularly during events or market days. For many buyers, that energy is part of the appeal — but it’s worth understanding street-by-street differences.

My Perspective as a Local Buyer’s Agent

Manly is not a speculative suburb. It’s a fundamentals suburb with lifestyle upside.

Limited true waterfront supply, strong owner-occupier demand and an established reputation continue to underpin long-term performance. Buyers here are typically buying for lifestyle first, investment second — and that emotional attachment supports value resilience.

After living and working bayside for years, I see Manly as one of Brisbane’s most complete coastal suburbs.

It offers water access, community, schooling, transport and dining in one compact, walkable pocket.

For buyers wanting a marina lifestyle within Brisbane — not the Gold Coast, not the Sunshine Coast — Manly remains one of the strongest bayside plays available.

Manly is a great place to live, great schools, great dining and beautiful parks and playgrounds along the Esplanade.
Located 13 kms from Brisbane CBD, Manly is handy to the domestic & international airports and is home to some of the best Marinas in the country.

I moved here 2 years ago from the Sunshine Coast and love it. So much easier to commute to the city for work and my neighbours are great.
I also love the restaurants and cafes, such as the Arsonist, the Manly Boathouse, Tide on the Jetty, Shucks Bar.

Beautiful suburb with lots happening, farmers markets, events, cafes, restaurants but has a relaxing bayside feel. It is really nice strolling alongside the water after a workday. Also it is quite accessible to the city, 40 minutes by train in the morning.

Shopping centres, parkside esplanade, boat harbour, life by the water, what more could you want?
Thanks!
Steve Mac | House and Land Expert

Property within the Manly suburb is highly sought after, which in turn brings excellent resale value. This suburb has a quaint shopping village with coffee shops, small eateries, retail shops and a hotel. The suburb can be hilly in areas which offers homes with panoramic views across Waterloo Bay and the wider Moreton Bay area. Manly is home to one of Queenslands oldest sailing clubs formed in the late 1800's. The marina is one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.

Spectacular natural beauty meets sassy caf culture in this coastal-lovers haven. A must be place for any aspiring or seasoned boat lover, Manly is home to the largest boat harbour facility in the southern hemisphere.
The allure of the island views and protected parklands together with an all-together relaxed yet somehow vibrant lifestyle makes Manlys appeal more compelling than ever.
Housing options range from multi-million dollar Bayview living to quaint post-war builds, modern apartments, lowset brick buildings, modern units and stunning Queenslanders. There really is an option for everyone.
The city is a mere 30 minute hop and skip on the train if the notion compels you to visit however, Manly has all the facilities one could need, including the ever popular farmers markets on the foreshore every second week together with many other local businesses, shops and restaurants.

Manly is a beautiful suburb. I grew up in Wynnum and loved to visit Manly. There are lots of really cool boutique cafe's and the suburb is getting super trendy. There are markets on Sundays and Farmer's Markets every 2nd Saturday. I learned to sail at RQYS which offers lessons every Saturday and it's really beautiful out on the bay. There are heaps of nice walking and biking tracks around so it's great if you lead an active lifestyle. Manly is really expensive, I would move there if I could :(

Manly's north east facing aspect, village shopping centre, parkside esplanade and boat harbour provides the perfect setting for enjoying the good life near the water. It's a clean and friendly village with all the conveniences of the best that cities offer. It's a great place to enjoy life.

The beauty of the bay, great cafes and food, plenty of bike and jogging paths, quiet during the week and full of life on the weekend. And unlike Bulimba, you will find born and bred Brisbane locals here (yes, it took me a few months mum, but I finally found some after moving to Manly - and no I don't believe they are actually an endangered species anymore).

Hi all,

Manly wow what can I say, after living there for a couple of years I think the best word I could use to describe this fantastic area would be "Trendy".

Great restraunts, and a beautiful esplanade.

Manly is an uncut diamond. Highly valuable but lacking in the killer punch that is presentation. Manly needs development in the village area similar to what has been achieved in Bulimba. More entertainment options will bring more visitors, more visitors means the desirability of the area is enhanced. Increased desirability increases revenue for local businessess and property values.
Development in Manly will make the diamond of the bay shine.