Team vs team
Use your own phones and join a team. Any teammate’s answer advances everyone. Beat the other teams on the leaderboard.
City exploration game
Manly: Sydney's Playground
4.08Player rating
A DIFFERENT WAY TO SEE THE CITY
Play at your pace · usually 81 min 2.9 km Manly App-guided
Play in
English
The experience
About this quest
As one of Sydney's top tourist destinations people have been flocking to Manly on the ferry since the 1800s to experience the sun, surf and laidback lifestyle, but have you ever stopped to ask how Manly became a tourist hotspot?
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.
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.
Is this for you?
Who it's for
Day-trippers off the Sydney ferry, curious locals and families with school-age children get a relaxed 2.9 km history walk, about an hour and a half, from Manly Wharf past old churches and along The Corso, narrated by the founding father who developed the town. If anyone in your group struggles with slopes and uneven ground, or you would rather question a live guide, pick something else.
What makes this quest special
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
From people who played this quest
Good times. In their words.
4.08 / 5
24 player ratings
Selected player reviews. Original words and ratings.
Most relevant starts with detailed five-star reviews. All ratings remain available.
From your phone to the streets
A walk that turns into an adventure.
- 1
Open the app. You’re on your way.
Choose your pass, then open your quest in the Questo app. It guides you from the starting point.
- 2
Get outside. Follow your curiosity.
Discover real places and their stories on foot. Stop for a coffee or a photo, then pick up where you left off.
- 3
Crack a clue. Share a little victory.
Look around for answers, solve puzzles and enjoy the “we got it!” moments.
CHOOSE YOUR PASS
How many are playing?
Get this questNo booking slot · play any dayFull refund until you start playing
BRING YOUR WHOLE GROUP
One city. Rival teams. Great stories together.
A school trip, a team day or friends out together. Turn your next outing into a little friendly competition.
Everyone for themselves
One player per phone. Solve clues on your own and race for the top spot on the final leaderboard.
Can a team share one phone?
Yes. Play together on one phone per team, or use your own phones and join the same team in the app. We recommend your own phones so everyone can take part.
Your walk, at a glance
Manly
A · Start
Manly Wharf, Manly NSW 2095, Australia
B · Finish
7 S Steyne, Manly NSW 2095, Australia
Start and finish only. Discover the stops as you play.
Along the way
Landmarks & Hidden Gems Included
The people behind the adventure
Created by Cathy Natasha Anakaria Ellis.
A route that brings places and playful storytelling together.
Made by Cathy Natasha Anakaria Ellis
WHAT MAKES A QUEST DIFFERENT
Your adventure, with a playful twist.
1 / 4
Experience
- This quest
- Discover places through stories and clues in the app
- Guided walking tour
- Hear stories and ask a guide questions
2 / 4
Pace
- This quest
- Pause for a photo, a café or a longer look
- Guided walking tour
- Usually follows the guide’s schedule
3 / 4
Company
- This quest
- Explore with your own people or on your own
- Guided walking tour
- Private and shared group tours are available
4 / 4
Guidance
- This quest
- Directions and challenges in the Questo app
- Guided walking tour
- Live interpretation from a guide
Features and terms vary by experience. Check the details before booking.
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
A little clarity before you go
Frequently asked questions
What will I see in Manly on this walk?
The route runs from Manly Wharf through Gilbert Park and past Manly Oval, St Andrews Presbyterian Church, Henry Gilbert's Kangaroo and the Kangaroo Lane Mural. It continues to The People's Palace, Manly Congregational Church, the Pacific Point Building, Manly Corso and Rialto Square, finishing at Steyne Court.
Does the route pass St Andrews Presbyterian Church?
Yes. St Andrews Presbyterian Church is the fourth stop, reached after Gilbert Park and Manly Oval. Later on the route you also pass Manly Congregational Church, so the walk takes in two of the town's older churches along with its heritage buildings.
Where does the walk start and finish, and how long does it take?
It starts at Manly Wharf, handy if you arrive on the ferry, and finishes at Steyne Court in the town centre, not back at the wharf. The route is 2.9 km and most players take around an hour and a half, including walking and puzzles.
Is it suitable for families, and can we play as a group?
It is tagged family friendly, and one ticket covers the whole group playing together. The route has varied terrain and some elevation, so it may not suit those with limited mobility, and children should be happy walking about 2.9 km.
Do we need to book a time, and can we pause?
No booking or meeting time is needed. You start whenever you like and can pause and continue later. The route is open 24/7, but it is better in daylight and playing at night is not recommended.
Keep exploring
Every quest. One year.
Explore the annual passGive them a story
A day out, gifted.
Explore Questo giftsHISTORY 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.
