Climbing the rocks gingerly as I made my way up Queenscliff Head. It is said that Manly Beach was named by Capt Arthur Philip for the indigenous people living there. He was impressed by their confidence & manly behaviour & thus he named it Manly Cove.Part of the fun in coming to Manly is to ride on the ferry that leaves from Circular Quay that takes about 30mins one way. You would sail out of Sydney Harbour & catch a magnificent view of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Taronga Zoo & also some of the suburbs that hug the harbour like Mosman & Balgowah Heights.Standing at the end of North Steyne, the panoramic view of Manly Beach is nothing short of spectacular.What makes Manly special is the fact that it faces the Sydney Harbour on one side & walking across the Corso, the South Pacific Ocean on the other side.Queenscliff Rockpool is a 50m swimming pool carved out of the rock that is fed by seawater & it is free for public use.Northern Beaches Council lifeguards operate a year round service at South Steyne & from October to April, at North Steyne & Queenscliff. Volunteer Life Savers also patrol the area on weekends & public holidays between October & May.Dare I say that this one of the best beaches in Sydney where the golden sands stretch over 3km along the sea.Rivalling the famous Bondi Beach, Manly has plenty of room for sunbathers with chair & umbrella rentals available along the strip. It is also a great spot for surfing & the consistent swells make it perfect for riding the waves & the winding coast shelters one part of the beach making it safe enough for even beginners to have a go.There is a surf school right along Manly Beach & this beach is the venue of the Australian Open of Surfing held every February & you can catch some live action if you time your visit rightly.From South Steyne you can do the Cabbage Tree Bay Eco-Sculpture Walk that takes about 15mins from the Manly Surf School (Building with the flat blue roof) that follows the jagged coastline all the way to a spot called Shelley Beach.Manly was one of the first seaside resorts to allow daylight swimming & surfing back in 1903. The first World Surfing championship was held here in 1964 & this promenade lined with Norfolk Island pine trees & long stretch of soft sand is popular with backpackers & families alike.The best time to visit Manly Beach is during Summer (December-February) as the beaches are in their best conditions adding to the fun & excitement of beach activities, water sports & of course swimming as well. It gets rather packed here on weekends especially when the weather is good.Near the Ferry Terminal of Manly is The Corso which is a pedestrian-only strip that is the main thoroughfare & an expansive walkway where some sculptures, a fountain & palm trees give the place a laid back ambience.Here you will find bars, cafes, a supermarket, surf shops & souvenir stores where you could pick up a perfect memento like some Aussie indigenous art, boomerangs & other handicrafts.Chanced upon this colourful mural on the side of one of the buildings at the Corso.You are at the right place if surfing is your thing!This is the start of the Cabbage Tree Bay Eco-Sculpture Walk at the southern end of Manly Beach.Walking along Marine Parade at Manly towards Shelley Beach in the distance.Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic ReserveSome of the holiday homes along Marine Parade at Manly.This is the Fairy Bower Sea Pool an ocean tidal rock pool set along the scenic coastal promenade known for its clear, calm waters.Seagull perched at Manly Stepping Rocks with Shelley Beach in the background.Shelley Beach is a smallish beach with lovely emerald waters, in a nice secluded location where snorkelling is possible as it is right by the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. The Boathouse Restaurant is set amidst lush greenery & a great place to enjoy a relaxing meal.
Manly Beach is a must on your Checklist of places to visit whilst in Sydney, Australia. There are shops, restaurants, night clubs & bars along this happening beach that would cater to everyone. One of my favourite things to do here is to grab some freshly fried Fish & Chips, a tall cooling drink & people-watching.
You will be surrounded by beautiful people in an equally stunning Northern beachfront & just soak in that glorious sunshine!
travelikeme 