Manly and Curl Curl 

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A visit to Manly by ferry provides the quintessential Sydney experience. A half hour ferry crossing of Sydney Harbour brings visitors to this cosmopolitan suburb nestled between a tranquil, inner harbour beach on one side and a popular surf beach on the Pacific Ocean. Manly is popular for water sports such as windsurfing, parasailing and scuba diving.

The waterfronts are lined with cafes and restaurants where you can relax and enjoy the sea breeze or take a stroll; jog or bike ride along the famous beachfront promenade. Sydney Harbour National Park at Manly overlooks the entrance to Sydney Harbour and is the perfect place for a bushwalk.

There are a number of popular scenic walking routes that link the beaches with the national parks. The Manly destination delivers an annual Calendar of Events, which provides a diversified programme of entertainment for the enjoyment of all residents and visitors.

Manly is arguably Australia’s second most famous beach and it’s name is known the world over. And what a name it is too. How did the sports-mad, surf-crazy host to Australia’s Iron Man competition get such an appropriate name? It would seem that, here in the area that bridges Sydney harbour and the South Pacific, there has been an extremely long affinity with the athletic, outdoor life. In the 1700s Governor Arthur Philip remarked on the extremely ‘manly’ physiques of the aborigine people, he saw along the shore line of Manly Cove and the name stuck.

The Corso , a pedestrian strip stuffed full of ice-cream parlours, burger joints and other sundry, seaside tat. It isn’t very easy on the eye but serves a purpose keeping the massive number of tourists fed, fast. At the end of the Corso you will find two huge pubs, the New Brighton Hotel and the Steyne , welcoming hundreds upon hundreds of happy, thirsty, sun-kissed travellers.

Features

• Visit Ocean World and discover the creatures of the deep!
• Travel across Sydney Harbour from Circular Quay by ferry or jetcat
• Learn to dive and surf
• Experience the famous Manly to Spit Bridge scenic walkway
• Enjoy the scenic views and native bushland in a coastal setting
• Book yourself on the Historical Quarantine Station evening Ghost tour or the daily tour
• Enjoy the spectacular cliff top views of the entrance to Sydney Harbour from North Head

Features

• Taste the different cuisine’s from the large range of restaurants in Manly
• Just enjoy a coffee and watch the people pass by
• Experience the regular entertainment program held within the Corso amphitheatre
• One of the many special events and festivals throughout the year
• One of the many special events and festivals throughout the year
• Take advantage of the many recreational activities such as bike riding, roller blading, tennis, golf and parasailing
• North Fort Artillery Museum for an interesting look at Australian Military history

Overall rating  Traveller Reviews of Manly and Curl Curl 

26 May 08

Beautiful beach escape

Posted by Vicky from Byron Bay, Australia

Manly is only 15 mins from Sydney via the JetCat from Circular Quay and the trip over offers great photo opportunities of the... Read more

11 Jul 06

Don't forget Curl Curl

Posted by a TotalTraveller from Australia

Curl Curl is an exposed energetic beach, backed originally by large dunes which were de-stabilised earlier this century. North Curl... Read more

11 Jul 06

Gotta See Manly!

Posted by a TotalTraveller from Australia

As you sail into the wharf there are still Manly figures to behold running, roller-blading, sailing or surfing. It’s position at the... Read more

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