Manly is most notable for its beaches which are popular tourist destinations relax on one of Australia’s most famous beaches where the first world surfing contest was held in 1964.

The iconic beach curves from South Steyne to North Steyne and Queenscliff, where a submerged reef, or bombora, creates waves prized by top surfers. Just south of Manly Beach is Shelly Beach in Cabbage Tree Bay, an aquatic reserve teeming with colourful fish such as blue groper and cuttlefish.

Norfolk Island pine trees are symbolic of Manly and are a prominent feature of both the ocean and harbour beaches.

In 1879, the Catholic Church was granted 60 acres of land on North Head above Manly, removed from the Quarantine reserve, conditional on the building of an education institution. Prior to that time, the land was undeveloped.

St Patrick’s Estate is a site of national heritage significance. The unparalleled grandeur of the cultural landscape, including its setting, buildings and landscape components, as well as the history it embodies, reflects a unique physical manifestation of the Catholic Church in Australia, not seen in any other location in the country. The site exemplifies an important period in the Church’s history in Australia, as well as the vision of Cardinal Moran, and for that reason has great significance to Australian Catholics, as well as the broader community.

Sited on the prominent northern side of North Head, overlooking Manly Ocean Beach, and the surrounding area, St Patrick’s has become a striking landmark recognised by locals and visitors alike.

North Head, Manly, offers scenic views, scuba diving, drift dives, walking and picnicking, the heath-covered clifftops at North Head reveal unending ocean views and a spectacular panorama of the harbour and Sydney skyline. Situated on the northernmost edge of the harbour within sight of Hornby Lighthouse on South Head.

Dee Why Beach runs for about 1.2 km along the eastern border, overlooking the Tasman Sea. At its southern end is the Ted Jackson Reserve with picnic areas, a funky outdoor table tennis table and century old Norfolk Island Pines, similar to the ones in Manly.

It is the site of numerous first-class sporting events such as the Beachley Classic, the Sun Run, the Ocean Thunder and many more.

Dee Why Point has been a popular spot for local surfers for years. These challenging waves are definitely for the more experienced surfer, if you head here on a winter’s day when the swell angle is coming from the south, you’re going to have an absolutely awesome time.