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Manly Surf Open 2027 (15–16 January): A Spectator's Guide

Blog · 3 October 2026

Manly Surf Open 2027 (15–16 January): A Spectator's Guide

Two days of elite surf-boat, ski, board, swim and ironman racing on Manly Beach, free to watch from the sand. When the finals run, where to stand, and how to get there without the parking fight.

Blog3 October 20264 min read

The Shaw & Partners Manly Surf Open is back on Friday 15 and Saturday 16 January 2027, run from Manly Life Saving Club on South Steyne. It's one of the oldest surf-sport events in the country, and it's free to watch from the sand.

What it is

The Manly Surf Open is one of four 10,000-point events in the Shaw & Partners World Ocean Series, the top international surf-craft series. The 2026–27 season has 18 open events in five countries and a prize pool of more than $600,000.

Athletes race in four disciplines: swim, board, ski, and the iron, which combines all three with beach runs in between. There are men's and women's fields, plus under-15 and under-17 iron races.

Manly has a claim on all of this. The first surf carnival was held on Manly Beach on 25 January 1908, and it included the first surfboat race.

When to go

  • Friday 15 January: heats and semi-finals. A good day to watch without the crowds.
  • Saturday 16 January: finals, usually in the afternoon. This is the day to plan around.

The official schedule with race times goes up on the World Ocean Series event page closer to the date. Surf events run to the conditions, so times can move on the day.

Where to watch

Racing runs off the beach in front of Manly Life Saving Club, on South Steyne near where the Corso meets the beach. Part of the beach is roped off for the course and the athletes' area.

  • On the sand beside the course is closest to the action, especially at the start and finish of the iron.
  • The promenade along South Steyne gives a raised view over the course, with shade under the Norfolk Island pines.

Bring a hat, sunscreen and water. January sun on the sand is fierce, and there's little shade near the water's edge.

Getting there

Take the ferry. Manly's parking fills early on a summer Saturday. From Circular Quay, the Manly ferry takes about 30 minutes, or 20 on the Fast Ferry, and both cost $9.20 on Opal. From Manly Wharf it's a five-minute walk down the Corso to the beach.

Make a day of it

The racing is close to the Corso's cafés and the beachfront restaurants, so it's easy to step away for lunch. If you want a swim between races, our Manly Beach guide explains the patrolled flags and where to swim with kids.

For everything else on through the summer, see Manly's festivals and events.

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