Manly
A waterside playground bordered by both the sea and harbour, Manly offers up endless recreational possibilities.
One of Sydney's most iconic beaches, Manly was famously named by Captain Arthur Phillip for the indigenous people living there, the Guringai tribe, stating that "their confidence and manly behaviour made me give the name of Manly Cove to this place".
Catch a few waves at renowned surf breaks along the main beach or discover the many idyllic coves and harbour beaches such as a picturesque Shelly Beach and Fairy Bower Beach.
Explore the national parkland of North Head, taking in magical views as you meander along its walking tracks past scenic lookouts and the heritage-listed former North Head Quarantine Station (now hotel accommodation). If you're feeling energetic, you might also want to embark on the Manly Scenic Walkway, passing magical harbour beaches and taking in spectacular vistas before finishing at The Spit Bridge.
A renowned tourist destination, Manly is also a highly desirable address, especially sought-after for its accessibility via ferry to the CBD. In fact, no trip to Sydney is complete without a ferry ride from Circular Quay to Manly, and locals who work in town are able to enjoy a pleasant daily commute to the office on the Manly Fast Ferry.
Manly has an eclectic mix of architectural styles. High-rise apartments, old and new, line the beachfront and harbourside, all clambering for the glorious view. Dotted around its Norfolk Island pine-lined streets you'll find everything from Federation bungalows and semis to luxurious contemporary mansions and Art Deco apartments. Its residents are equally as eclectic, with everyone from the uber-wealthy to young families and backpackers flocking here to enjoy the laidback, quintessentially Australian coastal vibe.
In recent years Manly's dining and small bar scene has really taken off. Stalwart pubs such as the historic Hotel Steyne have been revamped to reflect a new clientele and more intimate drinking establishments have sprung up all around Manly, such as In Situ, Donny's and Hemingway's, a popular hangout with book-lined walls, craft beer, cocktails and ocean views.
As for cuisine, there's a huge multicultural array on offer, from fine dining to relaxed seaside fish and chip shops. Head to Chica Bonita for authentic Mexican, enjoy the moody, rustic atmosphere of Belgrave Cartel or the fashionable Sunset Sabi for fresh Japanese. Manly Wharf is a hotspot for locals and tourists alike, home to Justin Hemmes' upmarket Cantonese restaurant Queen Chow along with iconic Hugo's, serving up award-winning Italian with a sensational view. For lovers of craft beer, Manly's also become a hotspot for microbreweries. Be sure to check out 4 Pines Manly and Hawkesbury Brewing Co Tap House & Kitchen.
Manly's most recognisable building is undoubtedly the International College of Management. Built in 1885 as St Patrick's Seminary from stone quarried at North Head, this magnificent sandstone building with a six-level central bell tower enjoys a prominent hilltop position surrounded by 20 hectares of parkland.
Manly is said to be the place where the restriction on daylight sea bathing was first challenged in Australia. In 1902 William Gocher, clad in a neck to knee costume, swam at midday after announcing his intention to do so in the newspaper he had established (Manly and North Sydney News). He was escorted from the water by the police, no charges were laid and in 1903 Manly Council resolved to allow all-day bathing provided a neck to knee swimming costume was worn. A year later a surf club was formed and while there is debate about which club is the oldest, Manly Life Saving Club is one of the world's first. If the beach isn't your thing, you can always swim a few laps at Manly Andrew Boy Charlton Swim Centre.
Guildea Real Estate Agents have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to both sales and property management in Manly, so feel free to ask us what we love most about the area.