29 January 2024

With over 100 beaches to explore in Sydney, you are spoiled for choice on where to soak in some vitamin D and admire the clear waters.

The beaches in Sydney seem to each have a distinct individual personality of themselves. For example, Bondi has long been acclaimed as the tourist favourite and arguably the most famous overseas, whereas Coogee is more laid back and suitable for those looking for a calmer beach. When there are so many beaches in Sydney alone to choose from, that also means there will be a perfect beach that matches up to any individual’s preferences. For Sella, Manly Beach measures itself as the perfect combination of Bondi and Coogee and maybe even tops the latter two. The ferry ride from Circular Quay is a big factor that differentiates Manly from other beaches, as it offers a unique transport experience on Sydney’s waters and provides a tranquil and aesthetically pleasing ride – in other words, the perfect photo op!

The salty breeze that caresses your hair during the ferry ride can be described as the peak summer beach day moment. Once you reach Manly Wharf, you will be welcomed by the smell of the amazing beachside cuisine being cooked in the nearby restaurants. The famous fish & chips, saucy BBQ burgers, refreshing lemonade and so much more makes the trip to Manly all the more worthwhile. A few minutes’ walk from the wharf towards Manly Corso on the other side of the beach takes you to a strip of fun souvenir shops, famous cafes and aromatic bakeries (you may need to line up, but you’ll be glad you waited!).

Alongside the beach you will also see bars and clubs decked out in European-inspired interior, making you feel like you’re in Europe instead of Sydney. If you’re up for a splash, the clear and cool beach water is the pinnacle of summer in Australia and why so many people travel here to dip their toes in the ocean. Playing handball and trying surfing for the first time with her friends is what made the trip to Manly most memorable for Sella.

Visiting Manly and its sandy beaches did make Sella reminisce about the beaches from back home. But the 25 minute ferry ride here was invaluable for the memories that she created in Manly with her friends.

Thank you to Chrisella Laiskodat (Diploma student) for sharing her story with us.


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