Well... when you are in Sydney, one of the things that you are likely to end up doing is to take a trip over to Manly Beach. It is one of the more famed beaches in Sydney, but I think I think that if you are in Australia, I would much prefer to go to a beach that isn't in or around a city... but if you are coming here, it is always fun to take the 20 minute ferry over from Circular Quay. It is a pleasant non-stop ride that allows you to see all harbour attractions like the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge... and also passing the ocean mouth as well (be careful, it does get quite a bit choppy in this section, and if you are outside on the ferry enjoying the views you might get a little bit splashed on the rougher days!).
After walking over from the pier (and passing the many delicious looking ice-cream shops...), you will find yourself on the vast expanse of salty dessert known as Manly Beach. Even in winter, it is still pretty nice... but I definitely wouldn't be going in for a swim!
The boulevard is lined with large pines, and the large amount of benches allow for a pleasant place to just sit and read or eat. Just basking in the dim winter sun... or in the summer, trying to find some respite from the much much hotter sun!
Even in the winter, there are many avid surfers that can't get enough of the small but choppy waves. Honestly, I didn't think that this particular day was any good for surfing.... but people were out there trying anyway. Not much success though...
I do have to say... even though I'm not at all a beach person, it is quite a picturesque part of Sydney. It is also a touch expensive...
Personally, when I'm on the beach... you will more likely find me clambering amongst the rocks... running around and seeing if I just jump and leap from place to place. These days, I'm older... and a little bit out of practice. Plus, I often have to guide my little one... who is taking after me and loving scrambling amongst the rocks!
There is a pleasant walk (when you are facing the beach, going along the water to the right) that will take you to a smaller beach called Shelly Beach. Again, it is one of those nice places that is advertised in the Tourist Information Centres... as an Australian, it is okay... but I still prefer remote beaches! Still, if you are a tourist or a local... then this is pretty good.
It is a walk that reminds me a bit of some of the southern European beach walks... not entirely sure why, but very similar.
In Sydney, you will see many of these interesting tide pools. At high tide, the walls are overrun by the water and the pool flushes and fills out. When the tide goes out, you are left with a salt water swimming and bathing pool! Pretty cool!
... and off in the distance, the famed Shelly Beach. Honestly, I didn't really see the reason for the attraction!
... but I'm starting to think that it would be a great place to see the sun go down!