Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A Three-Hour Walk Around Manly
This walk takes in the holiday atmosphere of downtown
Manly and its splendid surf beach, before passing along
quieter shorelines and clifftop streets, and through
unspoilt bushland replete with native flora and fauna. It
features marvellous views, the commanding architecture
of the historic building that was formerly St Patrick's Sem-
inary, and the charm of Collins Beach and Fairy Bower.
Classical Revival Style. In 1926,
it replaced the original New
Brighton, built in 1880 as the
resort's first attraction.
Head towards the rolling surf
and sweeping sands of Manly
Beach
3
then continue south
along the promenade. From
the 1950s-style Surf Pavilion,
follow Marine Parade walkway
around to Cabbage Tree Bay.
The pretty area around the
rock pool was named Fairy
Bower
4
for the delicate wild-
flowers and maidenhair ferns
that once grew on the hill-
side. Beyond the rock
pool, continue on the
pathway around to
Shelly Beach
5
, a
secluded scuba diving
and snorkelling spot,
which is also ideal
for child swimmers.
The 1920s beach kiosk
has now been stylishly
restored and converted into
the smart Le Kiosk restaurant.
Houses rising above Fairy Bower
Bower, passing by homes of
diverse architectural styles,
from Spanish Mission to
Neo-Georgian. Turn left
into College Street,
then right into
Reddall Street,
and left
again
New
Brighton
Hotel
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Brass band plays in The Corso
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From Harbour to Ocean
Start at Manly Wharf
1
.This
suburb was little more than a
cosy fishing village until 1852,
when entrepreneur Henry Gil-
bert Smith's vision of a resort
similar to fashionable Brighton
in his native England started to
take shape. The ferry service
began in 1855, operating from
the same spot in use today.
Leaving Manly Cove, cross
The Esplanade and walk down
The Corso, a pedestrian mall.
At the end of The Corso, to the
left, stands the New Brighton
Hotel
2
in striking Egyptian
Detail on the New
Brighton Hotel
Shelly Beach to the former
St Patrick's Seminary
Across the park, take the steps
to your left to Shelly Beach
Headland. A path further left
loops around the headland.
Viewing platforms
6
overlook
the vast South Pacific Ocean.
Take the carpark exit into
Bower Street. Follow the road
as it rounds high above Fairy
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TIPS FOR WALKERS
Starting point
: Manly Wharf
Length
: 7.5 km (41/2 miles).
Getting there
: Regular ferry and
Manly Fast Ferry services depart
from Circular Quay.
Stopping-off points
: The wide
range of fresh food counters at
Manly Pier make it an ideal place
to stock up on picnic fare.
Restaurants and cafés line The
Corso and Manly Beach
Promenade. Le Kiosk at Shelly
Beach offers the choice of a
smart restaurant, barbecue or
snack bar. In warm weather,
come prepared with a swimsuit,
hat, towel and sunscreen.
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The clear waters of sheltered Shelly Beach
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