Manly Wormhole Review

By FitNews On Nov 10, 2026

Want to see the sea, feel the wind, and take some photos that really come out nice? Manly Wormhole is worth going to once. It’s a short tunnel through the rocks at Queenscliff, at the north end of Manly.

It’s free, and local fishermen dug it back in 1908 as a shortcut between the beaches. It’s not too hard, but it has a bit of an adventure feeling. Good for a half-day trip: sea views, a bit of a walk and photos, all in one go.

Where It Is

Put Queenscliff Beach, Queenscliff rock pool or Manly Wormhole into the map and it will take you there. In Google Maps, search “Manly Wormhole”.

Getting There

Driving is more convenient, and you can find street parking nearby.

From the city you can also take a ferry to Manly and walk over. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

The Walk

Walk along the beach all the way to the end, to the ocean pool. It has a really retro feeling.
Go past the pool and climb up onto the rocks.
Keep walking along the rocks. You’ll first pass the “lovers’ bench” at P3. The chance of meeting an uncle fishing there is 99% haha.
Keep going towards the sea cliff, scramble up the rocks a little, and you’ll see the heart painted on the rock. The wormhole is right there.

It’s not a very hard walk, but the rocks are quite tough to walk on. It was crawling and rolling all the way.

At the Wormhole

The wormhole is quite short. Walk through the tunnel and the view opens up in front of you. It’s really beautiful!

Photo spots:

Inside looking out. The water pooled in the tunnel reflects the sea, a natural mirror, it looks amazing.
Looking back after you walk through. Great atmosphere.
Outside on the cliff. The classic Sydney cliff and sea view, with the beach. Anything you shoot looks great.
Sitting on the edge of the rocks for a photo from behind. Be careful about safety.
Wide angle of the tunnel mouth and the sea view, it feels like an adventure.

Best Time to Go

Don’t go in the afternoon. It’s a total backlight, unless you like silhouettes.

Tips

Wear non-slip sports shoes. The rocks by the sea are a bit slippery, and thongs may slip. Wear shoes.
Check the tide before you go. At high tide, waves can reach the rocks on the way, so low tide is safer. The tunnel isn’t suitable for prams or wheelchairs, because you have to climb steps and rocks to get there. The tunnel has an “enter at own risk” sign, so take care, and don’t jump off the rock ledges.

After the Wormhole

I didn’t go to many other places in Manly, and I didn’t visit “Don’t Jump” either. After leaving the wormhole I just found a spot by the sea and zoned out.

Life sometimes needs you to crawl through a hole, to see the view on the other side.