Unique Sydney: the Magic of Manly

In such a city of icons it's easy to spend all your time visiting the world famous landmarks of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, shopping in King Street, partying in Sydney's famous Paddington and broiling on Bondi Beach. But to truly know this great city you have to drag yourself away from the glory of the harbour and pizzazz of the shopping centres and visit some quieter and less-visited spots. Here's a look at the historic suburb of Manly.

Catch the ferry from Circular Quay seven nautical miles north to the seaside suburb of Manly and visit its beach, art gallery and Oceanworld, which houses an array of local aquatic fauna including Barrier Reef fish and giant sharks.

The 30-minute ferry journey offers grand views of Sydney Harbour en route to Manly Wharf, Manley Cove's spanking new wining and dining oasis. The suburb's name was given by Captain Arthur Phillip after meeting the local Aborigines whom he considered of masculine mien.

Manly has lost some of its old cachet. In 1940 the slogan, 'Manly – 7 Miles from Sydney and 1000 miles from care' was coined by the Port Jackson & Manly Steamship Company in 1940. It then had the lofty status of "Australia’s Premier Seaside Resort”. But it’s still got a lot to offer.

Thrusting out into the ocean, Manly offers 18 beaches, coves and inlets as well as its harbour. It's the perfect place for beach volleyball, swimming, sea-kayaking, scuba-diving, sailing and surfing.

Other than sunbathing and water sports, Manly is famous for its Oceanworld on Manly Cove Beach which offers a collection of giant sharks and stingrays which can be viewed from an underwater tunnel. If you're feeling bold and are an experienced diver, you can dive with the sharks. Or for meeker souls, there's shark feeding on certain days. There's also a reptile house for viewing snakes, crocs and other slitheries.

Next to Oceanworld on the West Esplanade, a few minutes walk from Manly Wharf, is Manly Art gallery and Museum. When it opened in 1930, it was the first metropolitan regional gallery in New South Wales.

It's a tiny place but packed with exhibits about local history and culture including old photos and newspapers and a collection of ceramics. It's a centre for the Manly community with frequent workshops, artists' talks, readings, performances and recitals. It also plays a key role in the annual Manly Arts Festival and Manly's public art program.

Manly is a great jumping off point for the Manly scenic walk which takes you through Sydney Harbour National Park. Here you walk through bush with stunning sea views to deserted beaches, bays and coves. To start the walk you need to take a bus to the Spit Bridge. The walk takes you to an old whitewashed lighthouse with ancient Aboriginal rock carvings nearby. The walkway finishes in Manly Cove near Oceanworld.

If you need sustenance, you'll find Manly offers a host of bars, cafes and restaurants and a few nightspots if you're not tired out by your scenic walk.

So for a wonderful day out and a rare glimpse into unique Sydney, head over to Manly for the day. From one of Sidney City hotels it is easy to travel to Manly for a few hours.