'This beach location 30 minutes from Sydney is your key for an affordable staycation.'

They say a change is as good as a holiday. And recently I went on a stay-cation that was a hop, skip and a jump from home but felt like I'd escaped to a foreign land.

When you live in Sydney, unless you live in the Northern Beaches, you don't often cross the bridge and get to the Northern Beaches.

And after a weekend there, I am starting to think I should cross that bridge more often.

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Because when I spent a weekend in Manly, it felt like a much-needed break without the cost.

It's a different pace of life there. It just hits differently. Like a cross between Perth and the Gold Coast. It's beachy and relaxed.

There is something about getting away from home even just for a couple of days. I went without the kids. There was no washing, no life admin, no to-do lists. 

All the cafes feel new. You're out of your regular routine. And after only two days away 'holiday Annaliese' came out to play. She's a good time. She should come out more often. 

So if you fancy an escape to the Northern Beaches for a weekend without the family, here are my top recommendations for a holiday (without the price tag of a holiday). 

Sydney's Northern Beaches staycation ideas:

Where to stay.

The newly refurbished Mercure Sydney Manly Warringah is located in Brookvale, just a short drive away from Manly beach and Warringah Mall.

It's a really cost-effective accommodation option, with rooms starting at $189 per night.

The Mercure Sydney Manly Warringah. Image: Supplied.

To celebrate their recent milestone of 1,000 addresses worldwide, select Mercure hotels are offering a distinct dish or beverage for 1,000 hours (42 days) that is produced or sourced locally. 

So, while having dinner at the hotel's Distrikt Press Cafe, we were treated to TANICA spritz-style cocktails. Founded by a lady start-up on the Northern Beaches, it's an apéritif crafted from Australian botanicals like hand-harvested Davidson plum, strawberry gum leaf and orange peel. And it was delicious.

Enjoying the TANICA Spritz cocktail service. Image: Supplied.

Visit the breweries.

Who knew the Northern Beaches were the unofficial home of Sydney's breweries? There are eight breweries right near where we stayed.

A short walk away was Bucketty's Brewery. It was a last-minute 'should we go out after dinner?' The kind of spontaneous exploring you only do when on holidays. And I'm so glad we did. They have live music with awesome local bands. Everyone was up dancing. They have a food truck with burgers, wings, loaded fries and all the kinds of food you would imagine paired with the locally brewed ales and lagers. 

Bucketty's Brewery. Image: Supplied.

Enjoy some pampering.

A facial is a holiday for your face, and mine deserved one.

I went to Bare Beauty House founded by a local Northern Beaches lady start-up. They describe themselves as a sanctuary for your soul. After an hour of hydrating and cleansing, I left feeling relaxed and my soul had been replenished. And my skin was glowing.

Bare Beauty House. Image: Supplied.

Enjoy a beach walk.

I love the beach. I would go every day if I lived near one. There is something about the fresh salty air, taking in the blue water it instantly releases stress.

Going for a long walk along the water is medicinal, it's healing. So I went for a walk along the iconic Manly Beach, a stretch of golden sand lined by Norfolk pines, and walked the two kilometres from South Steyne to North Steyne and Queenscliff and back again.

I went in the morning, so it wasn't as busy but still great people-watching. 

Image Manly Beach walk: Supplied

Check out the pop-up weekend markets.

After my very relaxing beach walk, I stumbled 100 metres into the Manly Markets 2095. It was brimming with arts and crafts with a beautiful variety of artisan products, eco-friendly items, handcrafted jewellery, vintage clothes, and original art.

It was bustling and delicious for the senses with so much to browse. I lost track of time, because I was on stay-cation. 

You need to brunch here.

I timed my staycay with a friend's birthday who lives on the Northern Beaches, and we met at one of the most fun brunch venues I've ever been to.

Located opposite Manly Beach with water views is Little Pear Bar.

On Saturdays, they have 'Boogie Brunch'. An Asian-inspired 6-course brunch, with a two-hour bottomless drinks package, plus live performers that walk around with microphones singing millennial bangers. Dancing and singing is strongly encouraged. 

Little Pearl Bar. Image: Supplied.

Spend an afternoon on the water.

It only opened in October but Felons Brewing Co on Manly Wharf is the new 'it' place.

It's more than just about beer, with a menu designed by former culinary director of Rockpool Bar and Grill, Corey Costelloe. With gourmet dishes like 45-day dry-aged bone-in ribeye, lobster frites, an oyster bar and woodfired pizza with Felons Pale Ale-infused dough.

Felons Brewing Co Manly. Image: Supplied.

Saturday and Sunday swimming is a vibe.

If you don't live near the beach, you might go one day on the weekend if you're lucky. But when it's on your doorstep, it'd be rude not to do both. On Saturday we went to North Curl Curl Beach. Located between Dee Why Beach and Freshwater Beach, it's known for good surfing (although I didn't take advantage of this) and also has a lagoon which flows out into the sea.

Little Manly Beach was a little slice of harbour beach heaven. It almost felt like a private beach and wasn't overly crowded. It's in North Narrabeen, and you get there via Pittwater Road. It had a netted area surrounded by a jetty, perfect to jump off or have a 'beach pool' type swim. They had shade and grass, so the chairs were out, a book was read with multiple swims to cool down. And it's got views of Sydney and some very aspirational waterfront real estate to perve on.

They had a chic little kiosk on the beach, Ripples Little Manly open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. With paninis and wraps you can take away and eat on the beach. Or dine in with fancy ceviche and fish and chips. 

Little Manly Beach. Image: Supplied.

What's the verdict?

Take the stay-cation. It was a cheap and cheerful little break from life and exactly what you need to recharge. And I am seriously regretting my life choices not to be on the Northern Beaches.

Mamamia travelled as a guest of the Mercure Sydney Manly Warringah. All opinions expressed in this article are the author's own.

Where do you like to stay-cation? Share in the comments below.

Feature Image: Supplied.