Can you imagine paddling a canoe from Mermaid Pool to the beach? Today, let’s explore Manly Lagoon, once envisioned as a continuous waterway. Manly Lagoon sits in New South Wales. It is about 11 kilometers northeast of Sydney.
Manly Lagoon is known as the most polluted lagoon on Australia’s eastern seaboard. But there are plans to save the important bushland around it. The goal is to connect them into a wildlife corridor. This will conserve the waterway. It will also create a sanctuary for native fish and waterbirds.
In 1892, a concrete dam was built across Manly Creek. This was to ensure Manly had a reliable water source. Now, the waterway depends on leaks or scheduled releases from the dam.
Manly Creek flows for three kilometers. It links Manly Reservoir to Manly Lagoon. Manly Reservoir is the last body of freshwater near Sydney clean enough to swim in.
There’s a small pool of water on the creek within the university grounds. Downstream is the larger Mermaid Pool with its waterfall. Mermaid Pool became a dumpsite. But the “Return of the Mermaids” project has lovingly restored it.
The area around Mermaid Pool has the highest biodiversity of all creeks leading into Manly Lagoon. Conserving the upper catchment ensures the environmental health of Manly Lagoon.
As the creek leaves Mermaid Pool, it passes ancient rainforest. Sadly, invasive weeds soon close in. Ludwigia Peruviana, from Peru, blocks the water’s flow.
Warringah Council has a plan for Manly Creek. The “Warringah Council Local Habitat Plan” aims to preserve and expand the surviving bushland. It seeks to improve and protect this community amenity.
Manly Lagoon Park lies between Pittwater Road and Stuart Somerville Bridge. Manly Lagoon runs along the park’s northern edge. The park includes a bike path and playground. There is also exercise equipment and a BBQ area.
Dogs can be off-leash in the park 24 hours a day. They can enter the water but check for water quality signs. Be mindful of other park users. Also control excessive barking.
Manly Beach was named in 1788 by Captain Arthur Phillip. He was impressed by the local Aboriginal people. He said their manly behavior led him to name it Manly Cove. By the 1890s, surf bathing became a hobby. The first body surfing was recorded then. Legal surf bathing started in 1902. The first surf life saving club was created in 1903.
Manly and Freshwater Beaches are known as the birthplace of surfing in Australia. The first world surfing championships took place in 1964.
Today Manly Lagoon faces challenges. Yet, with ongoing conservation efforts, it has the potential to thrive. It can become a haven for both wildlife and the community.