Manly
Visiting Manly in Sydney, is one of the great things to do when visiting this great city. The easiest way to get there is to catch the Manly Ferry. It departs regularly from Circular Quay and takes about 40 minutes. If you are in a hurry, take the fast ferry, it costs more but takes half the time.
The ferry terminal has a selection of eateries, as does the walk down to the beach. We grabbed a coffee and some snacks and ate them next to the beach. There are plenty of places to sit and eat, either on the grass or numerous seats provided.
As well as the excellent beach, there is a nice walk along the foreshore to Shelly Beach. Along the way you will pass the Fairy Bower Pool. A nice little pool to swim in away from the waves. It also has some wonderful fairy statues.
On our return to the ferry wharf, we passed some great street art. Our favorite was the stack of surfboards set up in someone’s front yard.
The Ferry Trip
On the return trip you will get some great views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and the mast of HMAS Sydney at Bradley’s Head.
Manly Wormhole
For something slightly different, there is a small tunnel to the north of Manly Beach. The Wormhole was originally constructed by fishermen for easy access from Manly to Freshwater, but it now makes an interesting destination.
Access is past the Queenscliff Rock Pool followed by a short walk over the rocks towards the point. Here you will see a couple of orange hearts painted on the wall which mark the wormhole’s location. Although not very long the tunnel provides some interesting views of Manly and the beach as well as some great views out to sea and along the coast. It’s an easy walk and was fun to do.
Queenscliff Pool 
Tunnel Entrance 
Manly Wormhole 
Inside the Wormhole 
Wormhole Exit
What Else to See in Manly?
While at Manly, you can also see the North Head Quarantine Station and North Head Tunnels and Gun Emplacements at the North Head Sanctuary.
Our photos are available for purchase on
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To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.