Disembarking at Manly Beach after a 25-minute harbour crossing from Circular Quay in Sydney, we were greeted by a sparkling vista of mirror flat, blue-green sea and yachts of all varieties moored close to shore as we approached the pier. The waterfront is framed by tree-lined beaches, circa 1960-1970s apartment blocks, brick and white plastered/orange tiled colonial-era buildings, and low-rise shops.
We had two hours to “see” this famous suburb of Sydney before heading to the airport.
Making our way into the sunlit streets of Manly Beach, we were struck by the busyness of the little township. Despite this, the vibe was relaxed, like a seaside summer holiday.
We wanted to check out the famous surf beach and loved what we saw. Manly is a Sydney suburb adorned with golden sand beaches, a bay that allows for its famous surf break, and tons of space for all beach visitors.
We visited on a Monday, and given there is a local “urban myth” that, since COVID, Australians often work from home on Mondays and Fridays, the number of people lying on bright coloured towels sheltered by pretty fringed umbrellas and bathing in the bright blue sea on this particular Monday, made sense.
On this sweltering hot day, the surf was rolling, and the streets and the beach were also littered with holidaymakers in various types of beach garb: colourful shorts, cooling throw-over dresses and shirts, bikinis and swimsuits boasting all varieties of hues and patterns.
Enhancing the gentle vibe, hoisted on poles and flapping playfully in the breeze, were lines of graceful bunting flags flying proudly in their retro summer palette. Adding to the picture were vehicles with surfboards hanging out the windows, electric scooters and skateboards, and plenty of strolling shoppers making their way through the narrow roads en route to their destinations. It felt like summer had returned early this year!
Heading to a local pub overlooking the beach, we sat at a vast open window and enjoyed the glistening vista as we glugged our cooling beers. But alas, soon, it was time to leave behind this charming little village and catch the return ferry to the city for our evening flight home.
As we strolled to the ferry terminal, up the colonial-style, pastel-coloured low-rise shopping strip, people licked their ice creams, perched on benches, or walked in and out of the many shops in the expansive, low-key, palm-fringed precinct. For two short hours, we enjoyed what Manly Beach had to offer: a fun, surfy retro vibe with lots to see and do. We’ve planned our holiday already.
If you would like to know more about Manly or any other Mytravelroom story please contact me at janeco@mytravelroom.co.nz
