“Manly behaviour” earned this place its name. Governor Arthur Phillip used those words in 1788. He was impressed by the Aboriginal people he met here. Welcome to Manly.
Manly is more than just a beautiful beach. It has a rich history. The Guringai people lived here long before Europeans arrived. They called this area Kay-ye-my. It meant where the ground is burned. They used fire to manage the land.
In the 1850s Henry Gilbert Smith saw Manly’s potential. He wanted to create a seaside resort like Brighton in London. He built hotels and guesthouses. He promoted Manly as a place to escape the city.
The Manly Wharf was built in 1855. Regular ferry services began. The Manly Ferry became a symbol of the suburb. It made Manly more accessible.
The Corso opened in 1903. It connected the wharf to the beach. Shops and cafes lined the Corso. It became a popular spot. Also in 1903, Manly legalized daylight bathing. Before that, swimming in daylight was illegal. This made Manly a popular beach destination.
In 1914 Duke Kahanamoku visited Manly. He was a Hawaiian Olympic swimmer and surfing legend. He introduced surfing to Australia at Freshwater Beach. This sparked a surfing revolution.
The Manly Surf Life Saving Club was established in 1911. It is one of the oldest surf clubs in Australia. Club members patrol the beaches. They ensure the safety of swimmers and surfers.
Manly played a role in both World War I and World War II. During World War I many local men enlisted. The community supported the war effort. Manly’s beaches were used for military training. During World War II the North Head Quarantine Station became a military hospital. It also served as an internment camp.
After the wars Manly continued to grow. New buildings and hotels were constructed. The Manly Fun Pier was a popular attraction from 1931 to 1989.
Manly has worked to preserve its heritage. It embraces sustainable development. The Manly Scenic Walkway offers stunning views.
Manly is a hub for artists and musicians. The Manly Art Gallery & Museum showcases Australian art. The Manly Arts Festival is held every September.
Manly offers many outdoor activities. These include swimming snorkeling and surfing. Shelly Beach and Freshwater Beach are popular spots. Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve is a haven for marine life.
Manly has a thriving community. The Manly Corso has many shops and restaurants. The Manly Jazz Festival is held each October. The Taste of Manly food and wine festival showcases local cuisine.
Manly continues to captivate visitors. It offers stunning landscapes. It has a rich cultural heritage. Its dynamic lifestyle is very appealing. The area is known as being seven miles from Sydney and a thousand miles from care. Take a stroll along the Corso. Surf the waves. Explore the coastal trails. Welcome to Manly where history meets the sea.