by Lindsay Oliver

Created on: June 23, 2009

Manly, a small, vibrant surfer-chic town seventeen kilometers north of Sydney, explodes over the summer months. Its warm, sunny climate and beautiful beaches are any tourist's escape from the hustle and bustle of the nearby city. The tagline "seven miles from Sydney, a thousand miles from care" reigns true as the standard local attire is a wetsuit, a surfboard, and bare feet. Manly acquired its unusual name when Captain Arthur Phillip arrived and first saw the aboriginals whom were living there at the time. He said "their confidence and manly behavior made me give the name of Manly Cove to this place."

The best way to get to Manly is to take the thirty-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay in Sydney that runs roughly every half hour. The views are unparalleled as the large ferryboat steams through the Sydney harbor, passing the Opera House, the Harbor Bridge, the Taronga Zoo, and many little coves, bays, and heads along the way.

Once off the ferry and into the Wharf, there is plenty to do in the town. It is well known for its strip of shops, restaurants, and bars known as the Corso. The walkway leads directly from the Wharf to the ocean beach. Off the Corso, there are many little arcades and alleyways to explore, but life in Manly revolves around the Corso.

Along the beach, there is the world renowned Manly Surf Club. Following the walkway past the surf club is Shelly Beach. It is a small cove great for snorkeling and first time divers.

Manly beach itself is a great surf spot, although sometimes it is a little crowded. It is over a kilometer long, with a walking track that extends from Shelly Beach to Queenscliff Beach, running parallel to the shoreline.

There is another great walk that starts in Manly, known as the Manly Scenic Walkway. Beginning near the Wharf, it continues along small inlets in Sydney Harbor with great views of private beaches and multi-million dollar homes. It is 10 kilometers long and ends at the Spit Bridge.

Oceanworld is also near the Wharf where there is plenty of marine life, and, for those brave enough, swimming with sharks is available as well. The Manly Art Gallery and Museum is located next door. It is a wonderful venue to explore aboriginal artwork.

North Head is a national park that can be accessed easily from Manly. At the top, there are lookout points that provide great views of the Sydney skyline and the cliff faces on the ocean side. The Quarantine Station is located at North Head as well. It was used in the 19th century for ship passengers suspected of bringing in contagious diseases. It now offers a hotel, restaurant, and ghost tours.

Manly is known for its plethora of restaurants. Garfish is located a block from the Wharf and is well known for its seafood. For wonderful views of the harbor, the Manly Wharf Hotel is located in the Wharf and can be seen from the ferry. On the beach side, there is Shore Club, which has wonderful pizzas and is perfect for a relaxing drink.

Manly is great for a weekend getaway from the city. It is a young surf haven with great nightlife, as well as a fantastic place to go bush walking to escape the noise of nearby Sydney.

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