Manly Beach.....

"Seven miles from Sydney and a thousand miles from care".

That was the slogan for Manly which many Sydney people grew up with. Even people from the further south and west of Sydney came to town especially to take that treasured ferry trip across Sydney's beautiful harbour to Manly.

This lovely area which uniquely combines both harbourside and seaside, has always been a popular spot for day trippers and holidaymakers, particularly country and interstate visitors. A relaxing 30-minute scenic cruise on a ferry from Pier 3, or a high-speed 15 minute Jetcat ride will transport you from Circular Quay to Manly Wharf, right where Captain Arthur Phillip explored, and named, Manly Cove in 1788.

The Manly ferry service has been in operation since 1854 and is still the best way to travel. The 30 minute trip covers the length of the harbour, past Sydney Heads, and into Manly Cove. Manly is a vital part of Sydney culture, justly famous for its peaceful harbour beach and, a short stroll away, the magnificent surf beach fronting the Pacific Ocean. This is the location for well-attended sporting events such as "iron man" competitions and local and national surf life saving carnivals.

While it is one continuous beach, Manly is divided by name into 3 areas, South Steyne, North Steyne and Queenscliff.

With its international standard resort hotels, holiday flats and motels, and stunning location, Manly enjoys a resort atmosphere all year round.

Manly Wharf alone has more than 65 specialty shops, a huge amusement park and dozens of restaurants and cafes to suit your holiday mood and budget.

There are more great eateries to choose from on The Esplanade at the beachfront itself and The Corso.

And, of course, there are plenty of shops to serve you traditional fish & chips to be enjoyed on the beach or in a park nearby. A scenic beachfront stroll takes you to dine at elegant Le Kiosk, hidden away in the quiet oasis of Shelly Beach.

Manly Visitors Information Bureau. Ph: 9977 1088

Bondi Beach.....

Bondi - home to one of the world's most famous beaches, and for many years, the social centre of Sydney's sun-drenched Eastern suburbs...

The beach is long and wide - so overcrowding is never a problem, even during the height of summer. Swimmers, rollerbladers, sightseers, joggers, picnickers, sun-worshippers or even those who prefer to take cover under a shady palm - they all have a role to play.

At the northern end of the beach a public sea-water pool is ideal for kids to swim in safety. Near the pool is the Bondi wall mosaic, made by local residents and artists, and depicting a coastal theme from the very beginning to the present day.

The Bondi Pavilion has exhibitions and special events, plus a range of regular community classes from African drumming to yoga. In front of the Pavilion, equipment can be hired from a beach kiosk, including deckchairs, head-rests, a range of sun shades, hats, sun block, refreshments and wind shelters. Bondi Pavilion activities.

Ph: 9365 1253

You can even get a spray-down with sun-block. The parkland around the Pavilion has many sheltered picnic benches, with plenty of separate seating along the beachfront. Litter bins are provided, and north of the Pavilion is a children's play area.

The southern end of the beach, with its seawater pool, is also a popular spot for surfers and body-boarders. Nearby on the promenade, two board ramps for rollerblading and skateboarding are the location for some breathtaking stunts. And naturally very popular with young people. The area has three main beaches - Bondi, Tamarama and Bronte - running from north to south. They are interconnected by two beachhead paths, both with great views of the Pacific Ocean and the sands below.

The magnificent clifftop walk from South Bondi provides you with a panoramic view of the beaches and headland stretching south as it takes you to Tamarama, a long and narrow beach nestled between high and rocky headlands. Tamarama, popular with the young and trendy, has an outdoor cafe next to a grassy family picnic and barbecue reserve, and is perhaps the prettiest bay of the three.

Bronte Beach, in Nelson Bay, is 500 metres long and has its own sea-water public pool - built in 1887 - at the southern end. Alongside the baths, the beach's "bogey hole", next to the baths, thought to be an Aboriginal word meaning "to bathe" is a natural swimming hole. Some rocks have been added for extra safety.

Bronte is a family-orientated beach. It fronts Bronte Park, a well-kept, grassy area with plenty of shady trees, benches, barbecue areas and room for families to all enjoy fun and games.

A waterfall at the top of Bronte Park feeds a stream flowing through the lush vegetation, coral trees, eucalyptus, Norfolk Island pines and Moreton Bay figs. Bronte has a kiosk for snacks and refreshments, and several cafes by the park.

Coogee Beach.....

Coogee Beach offers activities not much more exotic than surfing, swimming, sunbathing, having a drink at one of several excellent watering holes or enjoying a relaxing breakfast, lunch or dinner at one of the numerous cafes and restaurants flanking the beach. With its recently renovated esplanade and gardens, Coogee Beach is enjoying a well-deserved renaissance of popularity among visitors and Sydney-siders.

Cronulla Beach.....

Go sailing, windsurfing, swimming, surfing, or rock and beach fishing at Cronulla's world famous beaches. Enjoy the view while strolling along the Esplanade. Near the beach, you could go shopping, enjoy the fine food or have a picnic in one of its parks. For more adventure, ride the ferry to Captain Cook's landing place at Kurnell.

Palm Beach.....

Beautiful Palm Beach is the last beach in the stretch of beaches that runs north from Manly up to Pittwater. Great for swimming and good atmosphere. TV show Home and Away is filmed at Palm Beach. For info on how to get there: 9979 8717

Camp Cove.....

Small but beautifully formed beach that's the place to be seen for the cool crowd from the Eastern Suburbs.

Lady Jane.....

Its real name is 'Lady Bay' but it's better known as 'Lady Jane Beach', the easiest-to-reach Sydney beach where clothing is strictly optional.

Farm Cove.....

The bay most immediate to Circular Quay, this stretch of water lies between Bennelong Point, the site of the Opera House and Mrs. Macquarie's Point. It is positioned adjacent to the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Woolloomooloo Bay.....

The bay can be viewed as you walk from the Art Gallery of New South Wales towards Mrs Macquarie's Point.

Elizabeth Bay & Rushcutters Bay.....

Moving east, as you begin to leave the more dense residential areas of the inner city, the next two inlets you find are Elizabeth Bay and Rushcutters Bay. The latter has a large public park fronting the water. Nearby are the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia at Darling Point and Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club at Point Piper.

Double Bay & Rose Bay.....

These bays mark your entry into Sydney's beautiful and affluent Eastern Suburbs. Noted features are the harbour views, Double Bay Sailing Club and Woollahra Sailing Club at Rose Bay - and the cosmopolitan shopping centres and elegant homes nearby.

Watson's Bay.....

The last inlet before reaching the open Pacific Ocean through the harbour mouth of Sydney Heads.

This is a summer time haven for Sydney siders offering the combination of a celebrated local hotel, one of Sydney's top seafood restaurants and a magnificent position looking back west at Sydney and the Harbour.

A short walk above Watson's Bay puts you on the cliffs above The Gap looking straight east out to sea.

A great spot to watch the start of the annual Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race.

Islands on the Harbour.....

For a picnic or an exclusive day out, visit the islands on the harbour: Fort Denison, Shark, Clark, or Rodd Islands.

To get there, catch a ferry from Banks Marine Tours,

tel: 9555 1222.