Manly, Sydney Region — New South Wales

Manly is a suburb located in the northern part of Sydney, under the local government area of the Manly Council. The place-name was given by naval officer Captain Arthur Phillip as a description of the Aboriginal people he met in the area during European settlement.

Manly is a popular holiday destination for its spectacular beaches on both sides of the suburb. Swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling are popular activities in the area, particularly at Manly Beach. Manly Bay, located on the other side, provides shelter to numerous sailing vessels.

Visitors can also take part in the Manly to Spit Bridge Scenic Walkway to enjoy harbor and bush land scenery to the fullest. The walk starts at Manly Wharf and ends near Mosman.

The Manly Wharf is a recognized landmark of the area, having been constructed more than a century ago. The present times has the wharf operating as location for an international shopping complex with restaurants, picnic areas, and facilities for different water sports.

Only a short walk away is the Manly Art Gallery & Museum. The gallery is the center of Manly’s art scene, also serving as venue for a lot of community events. It focuses on exhibiting local artworks and ceramics. The museum’s main feature is on the community’s beach culture and history.

Whether visiting with families or by themselves, visitors shouldn’t miss the Oceanworld Manly, accessed through the West Esplanade. One of its most popular attractions is its underwater viewing tunnel that allows visitors to be acquainted with numerous marine creatures. There are also reptile shows that allow close encounters with these animals. The more adventurous individuals can also participate in the Shark Dive Xtreme attraction for a chance to swim with these dreaded animals.

Nearby is the Manly Waterworks, where adults and children can fully enjoy its several waterslides. However, this fully supervised facility does not allow children under seven to try their slides for safety purposes.

Another interesting attraction in Manly is the Quarantine Station located along the North Head Scenic Drive within the Sydney Harbour National Park. The station offers both daytime and nighttime tours. Day tours offer opportunities to view the surrounding scenery as well as impart learning on how quarantine was performed during the early years of settlement. Night tours focuses on the paranormal happenings that were reported within the facility, retold as scary ghost stories. A special tour is offered for families with small children, complete with modified tales to suit the participant’s age groups.

Also along the North Head Scenic Drive is the North Fort, a historic structure that houses The National Artillery Museum. Apart from its collections of firearms made from olden to contemporary times, the fort also has a tunnel system that is popular with visitors. The grounds of the fort boast of beautiful, sweeping views of the harbor and the coast. Facilities for picnics and barbecues are provided.

Visitors should also drop by the nearby Former School of Artillery. While visitors can appreciate its historic buildings, they will also be entranced by the magnificent views offered in this attraction. Bushwalking and exploring the hanging swamp are its popular activities.