Manly

Manly is one of Australia's most loved, most frequently visited and most scenic sea-side tourist destinations.  It has both the rolling Pacific Ocean and a sheltered little bay within Sydney Harbour, giving it something for everyone.  Manly sits on a beautiful peninsula, seven nautical miles north-east of Sydney's CBD.  Manly was named by Capt. Arthur Phillip in 1788 for the indigenous people living here: "Their confidence and manly behaviour made me give the name of Manly Cove to this place".  Today Manly is mostly famous for its popular beaches - long stretches of sand on the ocean side as well as sheltered beaches on the harbour side.

The entrance way into Sydney Harbour.  The Pacific Ocean is beyond - North Head is on the left and South Head on the right

Manly's sheltered beach on the harbour side

 Manly Beach - and the group of people in the front are actually school kids...surfing lessons is part of their curriculum

 Looking north along Manly Beach

and looking south

Cabbage Tree Bay Coastal walk is a beautiful seaside walk which follows the ocean foreshore from Manly to the next beach north, Shelly Beach.

 You can just see Shelly Beach in the distance - near the headland

 A little swimming pool along the coastal walkway

 At Shelly Beach looking back towards Manly

 The Pacific Ocean coastline, north of Shelly Beach

Close to Shelly Beach there are a series of sculptures that have been built into the rock, each of them representing a special feature of the area.

Eastern Water Dragons can often be seen basking in the sun.

One of the other things that I really like about Manly is simply the ferry ride there and back.  It offers stunning views of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline.

Obviously going for a sail is a popular after work/school activity

 Circular Quay, where all the Sydney ferries leave from

For those of you who were beginning to wonder - yes I really am on this trip!