How the locals enjoy the water in Manly all year round
In the depths of an Irish winter, when the rain blows horizontally and the water is a bracing 6 degrees Celsius, they swim. So surely in Manly, Australia, with water temperatures sitting as high as 16-19 degrees in winter and almost 24 degrees in summer, year-round enjoyment of all things water is a given – no squealing, complaints or cowardice allowed.
So read on to discover how Manly locals enjoy the water all year round. And don’t worry, you don’t have to get wet to have a good time with water.
In the water
In Manly, where the winters are mild and the water temperatures welcoming, swimming and surfing are year-round past-times, proving healthy, fun and extremely sociable.
Bold & Beautiful Swim Squad Manly meets before 7am, 7 days a week, outside Manly Life Saving Club to swim together from Manly Beach to Shelly Beach and back.
They welcome all-comers. Just turn up, grab a pink swimming cap and listen for the words “Let’s go” before diving in and taking on the 1.5km swim. Afterwards, check out their whiteboard for upcoming social events or join a group and head to a local cafe for coffee and conversation feeling refreshed by the exercise and the cold water boost to your immune system and mental health.
Surfing also provides a feel-good hit any time of the year and is a way of life for those who are drawn to its power. Locals take to the waves any time of the day, whether before or after work or school, a cheeky lunch time fix or an all-day affair on pumping weekends. And the chill of winter does nothing to lessen this; it’s actually one of the best times of year to surf, with high-quality groundswells, favourable offshore winds and less crowds.
Sign up with Manly Surf School and let them introduce you to the pleasure of the shred, or go it alone with a hire board from Dripping Wet Surf Shop or Manly Surfboards.
Under the water
Look closely across the surface of Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve at any time of year and you’re sure to see the roll and roil of surfacing bubbles, the spring garden sprout of snorkels and the flap of flippers; they are all clues to what’s going on underneath.
Cabbage Tree Bay is one of the best snorkelling and scuba diving spots in Sydney, and in winter it’s even better, thanks to microscopic algae being low in volume at this time of year, meaning water clarity is top notch.
Manly locals frequent this beautiful no-take marine reserve all year round to admire the underwater world full of colourful marine life including blue gropers, wobbegongs, weedy sea dragons and the occasional sea turtle.
Sign up to a group snorkelling tour with Snorkelling Shelly Beach, Ecotreasures or Dive Centre Manly, or hire your own snorkel and goggles from the dive centre or Decathlon.
For the full immersion, Dive Centre Manly offers a range of scuba diving courses.
On the water
While Manly Beach is the shiny superstar of the suburb, the very talented support act on the opposite side of the village – Sydney Harbour – is just as highly valued by locals for its stunning vistas, secluded beaches and calm waters.
It makes for perfect on-the-water adventuring whether under your own power aboard a kayak or SUP from Manly Lifestyle Club, or under horse or wind power aboard a boat or yacht from Manly Sailing.
When it comes to boating adventures, Sydney Charter Fishing is the all-rounder. Captain Adam will introduce to the wonders of the harbour and beyond on his fishing tours, whale-watching trips or other special occasion outings.
For a fun day out with friends, Manly Boat Hire offers BBQ pontoon boats where you’ll be captain of your own vessel and master of your own BBQ while you explore the hidden delights of Manly Cove.
Over the water
As promised, you don’t need to get wet to enjoy yourself. In fact, sometimes the best views come from a distance.
We’re thinking 90m above sea level atop North Head gazing over ocean, harbor, city and beyond.
This jewel of a lookout is the Fairfax Walk in Sydney Harbour National Park, Manly. It’s a view that always causes an intake of breath, such is its drama.
Locals enjoy introducing their visitors to this beauty, or simply enjoy it themselves as a rejuvenate-and-reset moment, being only a 20-minute loop walk which is easily accessed from Manly via bus, car, bike or on foot. It is also the perfect place for whale-watching from May to November.
Coming back down to earth, a simple stroll along Manly Beach promenade and around to Shelly Beach is something so many residents complete on a daily basis whether for exercise, social connection or simple pleasure.
Swim, dive, sail or gaze – Manly’s beautiful big blue has something for everyone to enjoy all year round.