One Sydney beach makes TripAdvisor’s top 25 in the world

A single Australian beach has managed to crack TripAdvisor’s top 25 beaches in the world, sparking mixed reactions.

Manly, on Sydney’s northern beaches, came seventh on the list compiled from millions of beachgoers worldwide.

Portugal’s Praia da Falésia in Olhos de Agua took first place, followed by Spiaggia dei Congili in Italy and Spain’s La Concha beach.

Australia’s most iconic beach, Bondi, was a notable omission, as was Broome’s Cable Beach, which ranked third on the same list this time last year.

Manly scored points for its wheelchair and pushchair accessibility, clean water and proximity to cafes, shops and ferry services to Circular Quay.

Manly (pictured) scored points from beachgoers for its accessibility and clean water

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‘Manly Beach is literally in the center of everything. “It is just a short drive from Sydney’s CBD and surrounded by shops, cafes and more,” the consensus read.

‘Go for a swim or surf in the warm water (there’s a swimming net and lifeguards on duty), or take a dip in the saltwater pool. Then take a walk along the long beach path and enjoy the panoramic views.’

Local federal Warringah MP Zali Steggall was not surprised.

‘TThe world knows what we have always known,” Ms. Steggall told the Guardian.

It comes as the list caused a divided response on Reddit, where not everyone agreed with Manly’s high ranking

“Manly isn’t even the best beach in Manly,” one person commented.

‘Quiet please. Let the tourists stay within the boundaries of Manly Beach,” a second added.

Some complained that the list was compiled solely based on tourist reviews. One wondered how a beach in Iceland ended up in the top 15.

“The fact that a beach in Iceland is on the list, where it is probably 0 degrees all year round, makes me think this list is a bit rubbish,” read one comment.

Those who reviewed Iceland’s Reynisfjara beach thought it was ‘all drama’ and ‘good for a cold day’, although swimming was not recommended.

Portugal’s Praia da Falésia in Olhos de Agua was named the best in the world for 2024

Other commentators praised Manly.

‘I think I’m in the minority here, but I love Manly. Every time I go there I am tickled pink and leave with a big grin on my face,” one user wrote.

“The water there is so clean you can almost drink from it,” another added.

Others agreed it was better than Bondi.

Another reviewer described Manly’s golden, soft sands as a ‘luxury’, compared to the ‘relative mediocrity’ of European beaches.

‘The best thing about most Australian beaches is that they are relatively undeveloped and accessible to everyone. I was shocked when I went to Europe and there are areas you have to pay for,” said another.

Tourism Australia named Victoria’s Squeaky Beach Australia’s best, as Manly and all of Sydney’s beaches all failed to make the top 10.

Manly was the only Australian beach to make it into the top 25 of the world’s best beaches