Let the founding father of Manly take you on a tour that will give you a glimpse into the past as he reminisces about his experiences developing the area. This is the perfect walking tour for visitors and locals alike who want to know more about Manly's hidden history.
How many are playing?
Unlock · A$35.99Live in Manly? The Annual Pass is how locals play · A$109.99/yr. See the Annual Pass →
Places you will visit
12
It will take you
66-96 mins
You will walk
3810 steps
Total distance
2.9 km
A note from Cathy Natasha Anakaria Ellis
“Cathy loves stepping back into the past and discovering new things about old places. She is currently working on a debut historical fiction novel set during the Australian gold rush. When she’s not writing, she’s exercising or solving puzzles, which is why she loves Questo.”
What you'll actually do
Download the Questo app and unlock the quest. Walk to Manly wharf whenever you like · no guide, no group, no time slot.
Solve 12 puzzles hidden in the streets around you. Each one you crack unlocks the next location.
Finish at Steyne Court and see where you land on the Manly leaderboard.
Highlights
Who founded Manly as a tourist destination
Visit some hidden gems that even some locals have missed!
Discover the hot potato club
See the Manly kangaroo
Learn about some of the many amusements Manly has had over the years
Bring your crew
Race to the finish.
Everyone plays on their own phone · race solo, as a couple, or with a crew of any size. First to solve every clue takes the crown.
Adventure
Your pace, no timer
Escape
Beat the clock
Plays offline at your own pace · live group races need a connection.
Final leaderboard
Landmarks & Hidden Gems Included
St Andrews Presbyterian Church
Manly Oval
Manly wharf
The mission: Your story in Manly
You were thinking of going surfing or maybe snorkelling, when a mysterious friendly old man approaches you thinking that you are here for the walking tour.
He seems to know an awful lot about the history of Manly and its historic sites.
HISTORY AND CULTURE IN MANLY
Explore Manly through
Manly: Sydney's Playground is a self-guided story walk in Manly, designed for travelers who want history and local culture. Its story centers on.
The route starts at Manly wharf and finishes at Steyne Court over 2.9 km, with 12 challenge locations. The page specifically identifies St Andrews Presbyterian Church, Manly Oval and Manly wharf along the experience. Practical fit: 2.9 km route; Typical duration: 81 minutes; 12 location-based challenges; Playable in English.
Choose this for a self-guided story and puzzle route. Choose a guided walking tour when live commentary and asking a guide questions matter more. Playable languages: English.
Good to know before you play
- Varied terrain/elevation, may not be suitable for those with limited mobility
- Family friendly
- Route open 24/7 but better during daylight hours
- We recommend not playing at night
Tips & Recommendations
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You will be walking throughout the city, so comfortable footwear is essential for enjoying the experience.
Charge Your Phone
Make sure your smartphone is at least 60% charged. The quest runs through the Questo app, and you will be using it throughout.
Check the Weather
This is an outdoor activity. Bring an umbrella or sunscreen depending on the forecast.
Bring a Camera
You will discover photogenic locations and hidden gems perfect for capturing memories.
Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially during warmer months or longer quests.
Play with Friends
Quests are more fun with friends or family. Each player who wants to play on their own phone needs their own access.
Ratings and Reviews
24 ratings
Steven Lewis
Maggie
Adam Liaw
tam
lpuffer123
Beat the best: Top Manly explorers
Compare Questo vs. Guided Walking Tours
Flexibility
Regular Guided Tours
Fixed schedules & no pausing
Questo
Start, pause, and resume anytime
Privacy
Regular Guided Tours
Crowds of up to 30 strangers
Questo
Private experience for your group only
Pricing
Regular Guided Tours
$30-$40 per person
Questo
Transparent pricing shown before checkout
Availability
Regular Guided Tours
Requires advance booking
Questo
Instant access 24/7/365
Experience
Regular Guided Tours
Passive listening to a guide
Questo
Active gamification; you solve the mystery
| Feature | Regular Guided Tours | Questo |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | Fixed schedules & no pausing | Start, pause, and resume anytime |
| Privacy | Crowds of up to 30 strangers | Private experience for your group only |
| Pricing | $30-$40 per person | Transparent pricing shown before checkout |
| Availability | Requires advance booking | Instant access 24/7/365 |
| Experience | Passive listening to a guide | Active gamification; you solve the mystery |
