Manly Beach

Manly Beach’s story began in 1788 when Captain Arthur Phillip, the first Governor of New South Wales, was struck by the confidence and manly behavior of the local Gayamagal people he encountered there. This encounter led to the naming of the area as Manly Cove. By the mid-1850s, the area began its transformation into a premier seaside resort, largely thanks to the vision of Henry Gilbert Smith, who saw the potential for a tourist destination accessible by water. Smith helped establish the first ferry services and planted the iconic Norfolk Island pines that still line the shore today. During the early 20th century, Manly solidified its reputation as a premier holiday destination with the famous advertising slogan, Seven miles from Sydney and a thousand miles from care. This era saw the construction of grand hotels and the development of the Corso, a pedestrian mall linking the harbor to the ocean beach. The beach became a pioneer in Australian surf culture, being the site of the first legal daylight bathing in 1902, which challenged the strict moral codes of the Victorian era and paved the way for the modern beach lifestyle. In more recent history, Manly Beach has become a global landmark for surfing enthusiasts. In 1964, it hosted the inaugural World Surfing Championships, a pivotal event that showcased Australian surfing talent to the world. Today, the beach is part of a dedicated World Surfing Reserve, recognized for its consistent waves and deep-rooted community connection to the ocean. It continues to draw millions of visitors annually, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, sporting heritage, and a vibrant urban atmosphere.