Located approximately 17 kilometres north east of Sydney’s CBD.
A privately owned and operated 'Manly Fast Ferry' operates between Manly and Sydney CBD on weekdays, offering transport in 18 minutes. A similar service, the 'JetCat', offered a 15 minutes service between Manly and Sydney CBD but has since been cancelled.Transport services to Manly include a Ferry service from Manly Wharf, and bus services to the city and other suburbs. The Manly Ferry journey takes 30 minutes and allows for scenic views of Sydney Harbour, surrounding national parks and Sydney icons including the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. On occasion, it is not unusual to see Dolphins frolicking around the ferry.
Manly was named by Capt. Arthur Phillip for the indigenous people living there, "their confidence and manly behaviour made me give the name of Manly Cove to this place". These men were of the Kay-ye-my clan (of the Guringai people). While scouting for fresh water in the area, Phillip encountered members of the clan, and after a misunderstanding he was speared in the shoulder by one of the clan; to his lasting credit, the progressively-minded Phillip ordered his men not to retaliate.
Manly has Sydney Harbour on its western side with calm water, ferry wharf, swimming area, Oceanworld Manly aquarium, sailing and yacht clubs. Three hundred meters to the east is the Pacific Ocean and Manly Beach. Manly is most notable for its beaches which are popular tourist destinations. Manly features a long stretch of sand on the ocean side, that runs from Queenscliff Beach to North Steyne Beach and Manly Beach. This is followed by rock pools and sandy beaches called Fairy Bower and Shelly Beach. There are also a number of beaches on the harbour side of the peninsula. Norfolk Island pine trees are also symbolic of Manly and are a prominent feature of both the ocean and harbour beaches.
For those with a more active lifestyle, there are over 20 km of tracks which can be used to explore the area by bike from Manly Bike Tours (www.manlybiketours.com.au) or foot. Alternatively, by paddling a kayak which can be hired from the Manly Kayak Centre (http://www.manlykayakcentre.com.au/)
After a day of lazing around on the beach or navigating the waters around Manly, there is an abundance of culinary pleasures to choose from and bars to wash down a tasty meal. Some restaurants and bars that come recommended include; Insitu, Out of Africa, Four Pines Brewery, Wharf Bar, Hugo’s or just take a stroll along the Esplanade and take your pick.
The Manly International Jazz Festival is Australia's largest community-based jazz festival. It is held during the October long weekend public holiday, with various stages hosting continuous free public performances from midday until early evening. The BBC soap opera Out of the Blue was set in Manly. Every weekend, the Manly markets can be found just off the Corso where you can find a unique range of Australian designed and made fashion, accessories, jewellery and homewares.
References
Wikipedia
Dictionary of Sydney
North Sydney Council
Mosman Council
www.sydney.com
Trip Advisor
www.kirribilli.org.au/
www.weekendnotes.com
sydney travellers guide