Top Things To Do In Manyana
Manyana is a peaceful coastal village in Shoalhaven, on the NSW South Coast, known for its natural beaches, relaxed atmosphere and slower pace of life.
Unlike larger coastal destinations with busy shopping areas, nightlife and packed attractions, Manyana attracts visitors who want a simpler beach escape. Days here are often spent swimming at the beach, walking along the coastline, surfing, fishing or relaxing with family in a comfortable holiday home surrounded by nature.
1. Spend a beach day at Manyana Beach
Manyana Beach is one of the most popular places to visit, offering a peaceful coastal escape surrounded by natural scenery, sandy shoreline and ocean views.
Things to do at Manyana Beach
Visitors can enjoy a range of coastal activities, including:
- Surfing: The northern end of Manyana Beach, near the Manyana reef area, is a popular surfing location known for quality waves suitable for experienced surfers. Guests should plan ahead and bring their own gear or arrange rentals before arriving, as surf equipment hire is limited in Manyana.
- Beach walks: The wide sandy shoreline provides a scenic setting for a peaceful coastal walk, sunrise viewing or sunset relaxation.
- Explore rock pools: At low tide, visitors can explore rock pools around the northern end of the beach and enjoy the natural coastal landscape.
- Relax with family: The open beach area provides space for families to enjoy a slower-paced day by the ocean.
Things to know before visiting Manyana Beach
- No Lifeguard Patrols: Manyana Beach is an unpatrolled beach with no regular Surf Life Saving service. Exercise extreme caution when swimming.
- Basic Facilities: Public restrooms with an outdoor shower and a playground is available at the northern beach park.
- Shops Nearby: For food, ice, or general supplies, head to the nearby Cunjurong Point General Store or drive into Milton / Ulladulla (15–20 minutes away).
2. Visit Lake Conjola
Lake Conjola is a peaceful coastal lake located near Manyana in the Shoalhaven region of the NSW South Coast, offering a different experience from the area’s ocean beaches. Surrounded by natural landscapes, calm waterways and native bushland, it is a popular destination for visitors looking to enjoy water activities and a relaxed outdoor escape.
Things to do at Lake Conjola
Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor experiences, including:
- Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP): The calm waters make Lake Conjola a paradise for paddling. A popular route is paddling from the main lake towards the Conjola Entrance, where the turquoise lagoon meets the sea.
- Fishing: The lake is renowned for fishing, with common catches including bream, flathead, and whiting. Visitors can fish from the shoreline, jetties, or hire a small tinnie (boat).
- Swimming and Wading: The shallow, sheltered waters near the shore offer a safe alternative to ocean waves, making it exceptionally family-friendly.
- Wildlife and Nature Spotting: It is very common to see wild eastern grey kangaroos resting on the grassy shores near the lake. The area is also home to pelicans, black swans, and various coastal bird species.
- Bushwalking and Cycling: Surrounding trails within Conjola National Park offer scenic routes through coastal forests and wildflowers.
- Picnicking and Relaxing: Grassy foreshores provide shady spots to set up a picnic blanket, unwind, and enjoy the tranquil views.
Things to know before visiting Lake Conjola
- Price: Free of charge
- Parking: Public parking is available near the main foreshore parks and boat ramps, but spots fill up quickly during peak summer periods.
- Food & Groceries: As a small coastal village, Manyana offers a quieter escape with no shops or dining options compared with larger towns. Guests staying in Manyana should consider stocking up on groceries and holiday essentials before arrival, as the Bendalong General Store only has the basic items..
Most South Coast Holidays properties provide self-contained facilities including kitchens, refrigerators, ovens, BBQ areas and outdoor dining spaces, allowing families and groups to enjoy flexible meals at their own pace. For additional groceries, cafes and dining options, guests can visit nearby Milton or Ulladulla, located approximately 15–20 minutes away.
3. Explore nature around Manyana
Nestled between lush coastal bushland and the Pacific Ocean on the NSW South Coast, Manyana is a quiet haven for nature lovers. Beyond its pristine sands, the surrounding area offers protected national parks, scenic headlands, native wildlife encounters, and untouched coastal ecosystems waiting to be explored.
Top nature activities to do around Manyana
- Bushwalking in Conjola National Park: Bordering Manyana, this park features walking trails and fire trails winding through coastal banksia forests, eucalyptus stands, and spring wildflowers.
- Green Island & Cunjurong Point Headland: Walk out to Cunjurong Point for panoramic ocean views. At low tide, explore the rock pools near Green Island—a famous local surf break and marine haven where you can spot sea life and seabirds.
- Wildlife & Bird Watching: Eastern grey kangaroos are a common sight grazing along grassy reserves and quiet street verges. Look up into the eucalyptus canopy for black cockatoos, sea eagles, and native parrots.
- Coastal Lookout & Whale Watching: Head to the elevated headlands at Manyana Beach or Inyadda Beach during whale migration season (May to November) to spot whales and dolphins passing off the coast.
- Lake Berringer Exploration: Tucked just behind Manyana, this smaller, tranquil inlet is ideal for quiet kayaking, boating, and peaceful walks along the water’s edge.
Things to know before explore nature
- Limited Mobile Coverage: Phone reception is often weak or non-existent once you step inside Conjola National Park or go down to isolated beaches. Download offline maps (such as the NSW National Parks app or Emergency Plus app) before you go.
- Essential Gear: Carry at least 1.5 to 2 liters of drinking water per person (there are no drinking water taps on trails), a basic first-aid kit (including a snake bite bandage), a torch, and a portable power bank.
- Fire Danger & Park Alerts: Check the NSW National Parks website for temporary trail closures or bushfire danger ratings before heading out, especially during hot summer months.
4. Experience surfing in Manyana
Manyana and its surrounding coastlines are renowned among South Coast locals as a premier surfing destination. Blessed with exposed ocean beaches, shifting sandbars, and reef breaks, the area offers world-class wave setups for surfers of various skill levels—from beginners learning on gentle whitewash to seasoned riders chasing heavy barrels.
Top surf spots around Manyana
- Manyana Beach: Located right in the heart of Manyana village—is known for consistent beach breaks producing both left and right handers, making it a reliable daily spot when other local beaches are flat.
- Green Island (Cunjurong Point): Located about 550m (2-minute drive) from Manyana Beach, followed by a short 10-minute walk from the Cunjurong Point car park. Famous for its high-quality point break over a shallow rock reef, producing long, hollow left-hand waves for experienced surfers during moderate-to-large south swells.
- Inyadda Beach: Located just south of Manyana Beach, offers powerful, peaky beach breaks and reef setups that hold bigger swells and offshore winds.
Things to know before surfing around Manyana
- The Shallow Reef: At low tide, you can actually walk right across to Green Island on the exposed rocks. Surfing it means managing a very shallow rock-and-reef bottom lined with sea urchins.
- Sharks: While seeing dolphins and stingrays is common, the deep channels surrounding Green Island are also known to occasionally attract sharks. So avoid surfing at dawn, dusk, or immediately after heavy rains
- Strong Currents: The area between Cunjurong Point and Green Island can experience strong currents and rips, especially when Lake Conjola is open to the ocean. Always check local conditions before swimming or surfing.
5. Enjoy wellness and relaxation experiences in Manyana
Manyana is not only a destination for beach activities and outdoor adventures. The peaceful coastal atmosphere also makes it a suitable place for visitors looking to slow down, relax and include wellness experiences in their holiday.
Manyana Massage & Finnish Sauna
Address: 31 Manyana Drive, Manyana NSW
Open: 7 days, by appointment only
Contact: 0438 200 104
- Traditional Finnish Sauna: High-heat dry sauna sessions designed to promote deep muscle relaxation, improve circulation, and speed up recovery after a day of water sports.
- Professional Massage Treatments: A variety of customised bodywork services, including Deep Tissue Massage (ideal for post-surf muscle soreness) and soothing Relaxation Massage therapies.
- Tranquil Bamboo Relaxation Garden: A private, leafy outdoor garden setting where guests can rest, enjoy herbal tea, and soak in the fresh ocean air post-treatment.
- Peaceful Setting: Designed specifically for privacy, rest, and rejuvenation away from crowded public day spas
At Home Spa & Massage
Address: 3 York Street, Cunjurong Point NSW 2539
Open: Monday – Sunday 9:30am – 8:30pm
Email: athomespa3@gmail.com
Contact: 0467 212 148
- Beach Recovery Massage – A great choice after a day of surfing, swimming or exploring, combining therapeutic massage techniques and assisted stretching to help ease muscle tension and support recovery.
- Head Spa Experiences – Indulge in a luxurious head spa treatment incorporating scalp massage, hair treatments, aromatherapy and relaxing neck and shoulder massage.
- Foot Spa & Reflexology – Give tired feet some attention with relaxing foot treatments designed to soothe soreness, promote relaxation and restore comfort.
- Pregnancy Relaxation Massage – A gentle treatment specifically designed to help mums-to-be relax and ease everyday tension and discomfort.
- Private & Personalised Experience – Enjoy your treatment in a peaceful, private setting where the focus is on your comfort and wellbeing.
6. Choosing the right accommodation to explore Manyana
After exploring beaches, nature and outdoor activities, having comfortable accommodation can make your South Coast holiday even more enjoyable.
South Coast Holidays offers a range of holiday homes in Manyana, providing different accommodation styles for families, couples and groups.
Lookin Good
Lookin Good located in the peaceful seaside village of Manyana, this holiday home is within walking distance of Inyadda Beach, making it a convenient choice for guests who want easy access to swimming, surfing, fishing and coastal walks.
| Feature | Property Details |
| Address | 1 The Lookout, Manyana NSW 2539 |
| Capacity | Sleeps up to 4 guests (2 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom) |
| Indoor Amenities | Free Wi-Fi, slow combustion fireplace, TV & DVD player, washing machine |
| Kitchen | Fully equipped kitchen with complete cooking facilities |
| Outdoor Amenities | Undercover outdoor area with patio dining, gas BBQ, private yard |
| Parking | Free on-premises parking |
| Ideal For | Couples, small families, surfers, and fishing enthusiasts |
Top nearby attractions
- Inyadda Beach: 300m, Short walk – Easily accessible on foot for morning swims, surfing, fishing and coastal walks.
- Manyana Beach: 800m – A popular local beach for surfing, beach walks, sunrise views and exploring rock pools at low tide.
- Bendalong Store & Cafe: 3.7km – A convenient stop for coffee, takeaway food, fuel and everyday essentials.
- Lake Conjola: 27km – Enjoy calm waterways ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing and family-friendly water activities.
- Local Recreation Facilities: Nearby – Access to tennis courts, basketball courts, soccer fields and a skate park (bring your own equipment).
Why choose Lookin Good?
- Close to the beach: Enjoy easy access to Inyadda Beach and nearby coastal activities without needing to drive.
- Comfortable all-year stay: Relax outdoors on the covered BBQ area during warmer months or enjoy the indoor fireplace during cooler evenings.
- Modern essentials: Free WiFi, a fully equipped kitchen and comfortable living spaces provide everything needed for a relaxed South Coast getaway.
Sea-Renity
Sea-Renity is a spacious, modern 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom luxury beach house offering panoramic ocean and mountain views towards Green Island.
| Feature | Property Details |
| Address | 16 The Rampart, Manyana NSW 2539 |
| Capacity | Sleeps up to 8 guests (5 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, 2 Car spaces) |
| Bedding Layout | • Bedrooms 1–4: Queen Bed x 1 in each room• Bedroom 5: Single Bed x 2 |
| Indoor Amenities | Free Wi-Fi, games room (arcade games & pool table), ceiling fans, gas heating on both levels, TV, internal laundry |
| Kitchen & Coffee | Fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, Sunbeam espresso machine & Espressotoria pod machine |
| Outdoor Amenities | Undercover alfresco balcony with gas BBQ, ocean & mountain views, backyard |
| Parking & Storage | Internal garage access via roller door (ideal for storing surfboards & bikes), free parking |
| House Rules | No pets allowed, non-smoking, strictly no parties, events, or bucks/hens nights |
Top nearby attractions
- Manyana Beach & Green Island: Approx. 1 km – Enjoy beach days, surfing, coastal walks and exploring the natural surroundings along the coastline.
- Lake Berringer: Approx. 2.4 km – A peaceful spot for kayaking, fishing, birdwatching and relaxing by the water.
- Backshot Cave: Approx. 4.3 km – Explore this natural coastal feature and enjoy the unique landscape of the South Coast.
- Lake Conjola Bowling Club: Approx. 26.4 km – A local venue offering casual dining and a relaxed atmosphere.
Why choose Sea-Renity?
- Perfect for families and groups: With 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms across two levels, Sea-Renity offers plenty of space for larger families or groups travelling together.
- Entertainment for all ages: The dedicated games room with a pool table and arcade machine provides extra fun when relaxing at home.
- Great for outdoor holidays: The secure garage provides convenient storage for surfboards, bikes and outdoor equipment after exploring the South Coast.
Souira Beach House
Souira Beach House is a spacious, light-filled 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom holiday retreat designed for large family gatherings or groups.
| Feature | Property Details |
| Address | 13 The Battlement, Manyana NSW 2539 |
| Capacity | Sleeps up to 10 guests (4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms, 2 Car spaces) |
| Bedding Layout | • Upstairs: Bedroom 1 (Queen), Bedroom 2 (Double), Bedroom 3 (King Single + Trundle)• Downstairs: Bedroom 4 (2 x King Single Bunk Beds with TV & Lounge area) |
| Indoor Amenities | Free Wi-Fi, Netflix, indoor enclosed fireplace, Breville ground coffee machine, ceiling fans, washing machine |
| Outdoor Amenities | Fully fenced large backyard, outdoor fire pit, lower deck & upstairs balcony with ocean glimpses, outdoor shower, gas BBQ |
| Pet & House Rules | Pet-Friendly, self check-in (key safe), garage and spa are strictly not available for guest use |
Top nearby attractions
- Inyadda Beach, New South Wales, Australia: Approx. 1.2 km away – Enjoy a peaceful coastal escape with opportunities for swimming, surfing, fishing, beach walks and exploring the natural surroundings.
- Manyana War Memorial: Approx. 28 km away – Discover a local heritage landmark and learn more about the history and community of the South Coast region.
- Pattimores Lagoon: Approx. 27.5 km away – Explore a tranquil natural waterway, ideal for enjoying the surrounding scenery, birdwatching and a relaxed outdoor experience.
- Manyana Playground: Approx. 900m away – A convenient family-friendly spot where children can enjoy outdoor play during your coastal holiday.
Why choose Souira Beach House?
- Spacious home for families and groups: Sleeping up to 10 guests across two levels, Souira Beach House provides plenty of space for extended families or groups travelling together, including a separate kids’/teen retreat with a TV and lounge area.
- Pet-friendly accommodation: A fully fenced backyard allows guests to enjoy a holiday with their four-legged companions.
- Outdoor spaces for every season: Relax on the sunny deck in the morning, enjoy BBQ meals outdoors in the afternoon, or gather around the fire pit in the evening.
7. Frequently asked questions about Manyana
Is Manyana good for a family holiday?
Yes. Manyana is suitable for families wanting a relaxed coastal escape with beaches, outdoor activities and private holiday homes.
What are the best things to do in Manyana?
Popular activities include:
- Visiting Manyana Beach
- Exploring Bendalong
- Surfing
- Fishing
- Visiting Cunjurong Point and Lake Conjola
- Enjoying nature walks
Should I stay in Manyana or Bendalong?
Both areas are close together and can easily be explored during the same trip.
Manyana is ideal for visitors who prefer a quieter village atmosphere, while Bendalong offers additional beaches and coastal locations to discover.
When is the best time of year to visit?
The ideal months to visit are September to November (spring) and March to April (autumn). These windows offer comfortable daytime temperatures and steady weather.
Are there shops and restaurants in Manyana?
Manyana is mostly a quiet, residential village. There are no supermarkets or commercial strips. Basic groceries, fuel, and daily essentials can be bought at the small general stores in neighboring Bendalong or Cunjurong Point.
