Manly Things to Do

I wish we would have actually taken the time to visit Oceanworld, but we promised we would return.

According to some reading I recently did on the aquarium, it isn't large, but it does have some interesting exhibits like the Shark Tunnel and Great Barrier Reef to name a few. The aquarium prides itself in taking very well care of their animals and encourages children and adults alike to learn more about the wonderful array of species they exhibit.

Hours of operation: Daily from 10am - 5.30pm 25 December
Adult $18.50
Concession/Pensioner $13.50
Child $9.95
Family (2A+2C) $45.95
Single Family (1A+2C) $31.95
Extra child on family ticket $6.00

Discounted Admission after 3.30 pm 15% off all prices

If you want to do a little surfing at one of Sydney's best surf beaches, then take a walk along Manly Beach to North Steyne Beach. You will find everything needed at the Dripping Wet Surf Shop.

Dripping Wet: Locker hire, surfboard and wetsuit hire. 95 North Steyne 9977 3549 www.drippingwetsurf.com

Sydney Harbour is the ultimate place to sail. You can either hire a yacht/ catamaran or hop onto a yacht as crew at Manly Skiff Club. The locals would be happy to have you along. Saturday and Wednesday are the main race days.

Sea Sydney Catamarans - 0438 920 997 www.seasydcats.com.au

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The West Esplanade Park boasts a calmer side of Manly. The beach area is less crowded and the water is a great deal calmer than the other beaches. There are plenty of shady pines, picnic tables and soft sand to enjoy a nice sunny day.

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The Manly Pathway of Olympians is a series of plaques commemorating great Olympians who hail from the Manly area. There are 80 plaques for now that span 100 years of Olympic games. The plaques list the name of the Olympian, sport, year and location of Olympic game.

This is one of those attractions that we had walked by several times before during our visits to Manly but never noticed until our November 2010 trip.

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Shelly Beach is just a short walk from Manly Beach. It is a beautiful patch of sand with calm waters due to the protection of a reef. The calm water makes it a perfect place to snorkel or enjoy a relaxing float in the water. The calm water also attracts families which there were plenty that day enjoying picnics as well as the beach.

This area hasits own facilities: showers, bathrooms and a food kiosk.

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St Matthews Manly is right on the Corso. I've always found it a bit odd sticking out amongst all the beachgoers and tourists. The parish itself started in the late 1800's and the current building was built in the 1930's. The building is very English looking and looks almost out of place next to the beach.

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The North Head Sanctuary is a beautiful spot in Manly and a must see in my opinion. The land was a former School of Artillery and part of a coastal defense network during WWII.

North Head has beautiful water views as well as trees and plants. My wife and I have visited this area each time we have visited Manly; we enjoy it that much.

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The Manly Surf Pavillion is where the Life Saving Club helps protect and educate the beachgoers. These aren't just life guards sitting back and relaxing on a chair; these are the real deal. They save lives everyday on the beach from rip currents, bad waves and lack of swimming skills. They are also well skilled in CPR and other various medical aid. The beaches of Australia are beautiful but have dangers just like any other beach in the world.

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Cabbage Tree Bay is a protected Aquatic Reserve. This conservation ensures that the marine and plant life surrounding the bay will remain beautiful for future generations. It is a nice stretch of beach with clean sand and beautiful water. As part of the reserve no one is allowed to fish or collect marine life including shells. It's good to know that this area will remain pristine for our future visits to the area.