Manly

Manly, in New South Wales, Australia, is a historic and picturesque suburb located just 17 kilometers north-east of Sydney’s central business district. Set on a beautiful peninsula, Manly is a popular tourist destination, thanks to its warm climate, stunning beaches, and interesting history. Manly was originally home to the Guringai people, who had inhabited the area for thousands of years before the arrival of the first Europeans in the late 1700s. When Captain Arthur Phillip arrived in Sydney Cove in 1788, he sent a party of soldiers to explore the area around Manly. The soldiers were so impressed with the beautiful, sheltered bay that they named it Manly Cove, after the indigenous people they had met, who they deemed to be 'manly'. During the 1800s, Manly became a popular holiday resort, attracting wealthy Sydneysiders who came to enjoy the beaches and fresh sea air. In 1855, the first passenger steamship service began running between Sydney and Manly, making it easier for people to visit the area. The opening of the Spit Road in 1907 improved access to the northern beaches even further. One of the most significant events in Manly's history was the construction of the Manly Wharf in 1931. The wharf became the main transport hub for the area, linking Manly with Sydney via a regular ferry service. Today, the wharf is a well-known landmark and an important part of the Manly landscape. Manly played a role in both World War I and World War II. In WWI, a number of military camps were established in the area to accommodate soldiers. Many of these camps were used to train soldiers before they were sent to fight on battlefields in Europe. In WWI, many soldiers who had fought in Europe returned to Manly to recuperate, staying in the recreational facilities set up in the area. The main facility was the Manly War Memorial Hospital, which had been established in 1929. The hospital played a crucial role in the treatment of sick and injured soldiers, and its legacy still lives on today. Manly has always been a hub of cultural and artistic activity. The first music hall in Australia was constructed in Manly, and the area was home to numerous artists and writers. In 1945, the Manly Art Gallery was opened, marking a significant milestone in the history of the area's art scene. Some of the most iconic buildings in Manly include St. Matthews Anglican Church, which was built in the late 1800s, and the Queenscliff Surf Life Saving Club, which was established in the early 1900s and is still in use today. Despite its long history, Manly remains a thriving suburb, with a lively beach culture, plenty of local events and festivals, and a strong sense of community spirit. Whether you're visiting Manly for the first time or you've been coming here for years, there's always something new to discover in this beautiful and fascinating part of Sydney.