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Murray Fraser from Sprout Daily is a Manly photographer who is up with the early birds each day capturing the locals who surf, swim, run and dance their way across Manly panorama. Here’s why he loves calling Manly home…

What I love about Manly…

…it’s an awesome little village that’s right next to the ocean. The fact you can live in such proximity amongst a really cool community and also be so close to one of the greatest cities in the world. It’s a really big part of why I live here.

One of my favourite things to do in Manly…

…I love to go surfing. I love being in the ocean it’s a big part of my life. I love using the ocean for recreation and relaxation. Being in the ocean in Manly is my happy place – anywhere between Shelly Beach and Queenscliff Beach.

My hidden gem in Manly…

…is hiding in plain sight and that is under the water at Cabbage Tree Bay. You just have to stick your head under the water and you get access to this whole hidden world with so much aquatic diversity and an abundance of fish life. That’s the best hidden spot.

My go-to spot to grab a coffee…

…at 3pm every afternoon, I grab a little oat piccolo from Tom at Barefoot Coffee Traders. Barefoot has been around a long time and they make it just right every time. It gets me from zero to 100, and helps me through the rest of the afternoon.

Top 3 must-dos for visitors in Manly…

  1. Swim across Cabbage Tree Bay – put some goggles on, walk in at Manly Beach then stick your head under the water and be amazed at the abundance of aquatic life.
  2. Go on a pastry journey – I think we have the best pastries in Sydney. I am a pastry fiend and you’ll find some tasty treats throughout the village in Manly.
  3. Spend some hours on the trails – explore North Head and check out the views of the city, then enjoy sunset at Collins Flat Beach.

My perfect day in Manly…

…I’ll jump in the ocean. There is normally something surfable then I’ll kick back with my dog on the grass with a coffee and a pastry. Just take it easy!

Get planning your Manly getaway.