I was in Sydney for 4 days at the start of the year, I went to Bondi but not Manly.
I did not see a sunbed or lounger like you would if you was in the Mediterranean, everyone had a towel on the sand or on the grassy verge. Please note the sea/water is rough and most of the people who enter the sea have a surf board at their side!
Also I was in Cairns for 3 days for the GBR which was fantastic, I booked a flight, hotel and a full day snorkeling trip separately, there are plenty of tour operators to choose from in town but I did my online before leaving London for Australia.
Brisbane was my base as I was visiting my sister but I would suggest you should stay at the Gold Coast (1 hour by train) if you want the beach.