Wharf 3, Circular Quay. You've got a seat on the outside deck, the wind is doing terrible things to your hair, and the Opera House is sliding past on your right. Tourists pay good money for harbour cruises. This one's a commuter ferry.
Getting there
Ferries leave Circular Quay for Manly every 10 to 15 minutes. The regular ferry takes about 30 minutes, and the fast ferry about 18. Take the regular one. That's the whole point.
Once you're there
Manly Beach is a five-minute walk through the village from the wharf. Turn right at the beach and follow the oceanside path to Shelly Beach, inside the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. Bring goggles, because the snorkelling here is the real deal.
Feeling energetic? Hire a bike, or take the 161 bus, up to North Head. The Fairfax Walk circuit sits on cliffs about 90 metres above the harbour entrance. It's breathtaking, literally, if you cycled.
Our tip
Time the ride home for sunset. You sail back towards the Bridge and the Opera House as the sky goes pink, which is about as Sydney as it gets.