When it comes to soaking in the sun, enjoying a picnic, and treating yourself to some ice cream, few places in Sydney rival the beauty and breezy vibes of Manly and Bondi.
These two iconic Sydney beaches both offer visitors an awesome day out, but you can put your own spin on enjoying the great outdoors and something Sydney does really well: ice-cream!
Common ground with Messina in Manly and Bondi
Messina is an iconic ice creamery, and the best part? You can indulge in their delicious offerings at both Manly and Bondi! Whether you’re strolling by the beach or enjoying a sunset, you’re never far from a scoop of Messina.
Gelatissimo is another popular local gem that serves up over 40 unique flavours in both Manly and Bondi. It’s the perfect spot for those seeking variety and a refreshing treat by the sea.
Manly Dam and Anita Gelato
Start your day in Manly with a picnic at Manly Dam (aka Manly Warringah Memorial Park), which feels like it’s miles away from the busy epicentre of town.
This peaceful oasis offers several picnic areas, making it perfect for groups to spread out and enjoy the fresh air and stunning water and bushland views. Whether you’re here for a casual lunch or an afternoon of relaxation, the park’s tranquil surroundings are ideal for a laidback outing immersed in nature.
Pack some produce from the supermarket, or if it’s the weekend, head to Manly Markets and fill a bag with some of the best produce from New South Wales and beyond.
After some time spent by the dam, head into town and treat yourself to something sweet at Anita Gelato Manly, where the creamy, rich gelato steals the spotlight. It’s a world famous gelato chain serving handmade gelato, frozen yoghurt and milkshakes.
There’s a staggering rotating list of 150 flavours, with the black forest being a standout. Its a rum-flavoured gelato with caramelised hazelnuts, swirled with mixed berry jam and hazelnut chocolate. Or for something truly Aussie, try the pavlova and mixed berries.
Shelly Beach and Royal Copenhagen treats
For a sheltered waterfront picnic spot, head to Shelly Beach in Cabbage Tree Bay, just a short stroll from the heart of Manly. It is a protected marine reserve with depths of 12 metres, so it’s a hotspot for snorkelling and scuba diving.
It’s also perfect for a swim, and after a picnic on the beach with family or friends, you can take a walk around the bush tracks that wind along the famous headland.
Once you’ve soaked up some sun, indulge in Royal Copenhagen’s traditional ice cream. Famous for its timeless in-house-made flavours, this beloved establishment has been serving up ice cream for decades, making it a must-visit spot for anyone craving a classic frozen treat with a local touch.
Each serving comes in a signature fresh waffle cone or a sundae cup, and with your purchase, you can top, drizzle, and sprinkle as you please at its free self-serve toppings bar.
Sweet treat in hand, make your way to East Esplanade Reserve, a picturesque park on the harbour. With sweeping views of the water, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a sunset picnic meal while sipping your favorite beverage and taking in the breathtaking scenery.
Bondi’s Biddigal Reserve, and Ben & Jerry’s
Bondi Beach offers equally stunning picnic spots, but it has a more urban vibe, compared to Manly’s seaside village feel.
Start your day at Biddigal Reserve (North Bondi’s Grassy Knoll) – a beautiful open space with panoramic views right across Bondi Beach.
Settle into one of the picnic tables or pick a spot on the grass to enjoy a home-packed or cafe-bought meal, surrounded by one of Sydney’s most iconic views.
For those keen to grill up a meal by the ocean to the sound of waves, there are BBQs along the beach for everyone to use.
A short walk from the reserve, you’ll find Ben & Jerry’s Bondi, the perfect stop for a post-picnic treat. Known worldwide for its chunky, flavour-packed ice cream, this Bondi location offers all the fan favorites, from Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough to Phish Food.
Whether you’re craving a classic scoop or a fully loaded sundae, this beloved brand delivers the ultimate indulgence right by this famous beach.
Bronte Beach and Pompei’s Bondi
To walk off some of those ice creamy calories, head to Bronte Park on Bronte Beach – a family-friendly spot with ample picnic areas, playgrounds, and free BBQ facilities. It’s a great choice for those looking for a mix of outdoor fun and relaxation in a vibrant community atmosphere.
Wrap up your Bondi adventure with a sweet treat at Pompei’s Bondi, where authentic Italian-style gelato brings a taste of Italy’s sun-drenched streets to the beach.
Start by selecting your favourite gelato flavour, then coat it in a rich milk or dark chocolate shell, and finish with a topping of dry-roasted organic almonds, milk chocolate pearls, or indulgent salted caramel pearls.
With its classic desserts and nostalgic flavours, Pompei’s offers the perfect ending to a sun-soaked day by the sea.
For one last breathtaking view, take a short walk to Marks Park, a scenic clifftop reserve along the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk.
This elevated spot provides some of the best ocean views in Sydney, making it an ideal place to unwind after a day of picnicking and sweet treats.
If you’re visiting in spring, don’t miss Sculpture by the Sea – an annual outdoor exhibition that transforms the park into an open-air gallery of contemporary art.
Want some more ice creamy ideas? Also check out our other recommendations for Manly and Bondi Beach.
