Historic Sites in Manly

"To tick off the “touristy” bucket list, we spent the day walking from our hotel to Hyde Park, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Royal Botanic Gardens, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Opera House, Harbor Bridge, Circular Quay, Darling Harbor – meaning 5 hours on foot, before finally taking the bus to Wildlife Zoo, then finally to Bondi for the winter beach experience. The streets of Sydney are mostly sloped terrains, letting us burn more calories. With everything that fancied my eyes, I never felt tired actually, until we got back to our hotel."

"A Sydney landmark, St Mary’s Cathedral is located in the CBD opposite Hyde Park. Mass services are held throughout the week with visitors welcome to attend. When services are not being held, visitors can take the opportunity to wander through the iconic building, sit and enjoy the serene atmosphere or view the Cathedral Crypt."

"St Mary’s Road Sydney, Sydney New South Wales 2000 Australia. This is a beautiful Catholic cathedral located right next to Hyde park. The architecture is just amazing."

"Lone Pine Lawn at Vaucluse House is another beautiful garden wedding ceremony venue for those who love nature and want to have some old world charm with the Vaucluse House as the backdrop with the gardens. The estate is away from the busy city so you and your guests can feel like you’re in a different world without being too far away from home."

"The Vaucluse House is a heritage-listed home and country estate with a museum. It’s one of the few 19th-century mansions still surrounded by its original woodland and gardens. The museum has been in operation for over a century, showcasing the original 19th-century estate, home, kitchen, stables and buildings on formal gardens."

"Built between 1803 and 1839 in the Gothic Revival style, the Vaucluse House is a 19th-century estate surrounded by 11 hectares (28 acres) of formal gardens and grounds. It is one of the only remaining houses of the period that has retaining a significant part of its original setting."

"Now dwarfed by 20th-century apartments, Colonial Secretary Alexander Macleay's elegant Greek Revival mansion was one of the finest houses in the colony when it was completed in 1839. The architectural highlight is an exquisite oval saloon with a curved and cantilevered staircase. There are lovely views over the harbour from the upstairs rooms. Drop down to the twin cellars for an introductory audiovisual with a weird beginning."

"Once called “the finest [house] in the colony”, this sumptuous villa has a classical feel. Constructed in Greek Revival style, it was allowed to decay during the middle of the 20th Century before the villa and accompanying grotto was painstakingly restored. The property was home to Alexander Macleay and his family, and at the time they lived here, its gardens ran to the water’s edge."

"Built between 1835 and 1839, the Elizabeth Bay House is a heritage-listed Colonial Regency style house that functions as a museum and grotto today. Now situated within a dense suburban neighbourhood, at the time of its construction it was surrounded by a 22-hectare (54-acre) garden."

"Sprawling across the North Head hillside, near Manly, on the edge of Sydney Harbor, this historic Quarantine Station has seen a creative reimagining. A state and federal heritage site covering 277-hectare (680-acre), the Quarantine Station is a crucial piece of Aussie history. The complex operated as a quarantine station from 1832 to 1984."

"Designed by Harry Seidler for his parents and built between 1948 to 1950, Rose Seidler House provides panoramic views of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and is one of the finest examples of mid 20th-century modern domestic architecture in Australia. A visit to the Rose Seidler House provides visitors with an opportunity to view the furniture and fittings form one of the most complete and intact post World War II design collections in public ownership. Opening Times: Open Sundays only | 10.00 am – 4.00 pmTicket Prices: Family $38.00Address: 71 Clissold Rd, Wahroonga NSW Website: sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/rose-seidler-house"

"A brilliant example of Gothic Revival, next to the Royal Botanical Garden, Government House has been home to the Governors of New South Wales since the 1840s. Much of the premises remains open to the public, and you can join one of the free tours to learn more about the building and its residents. Within the gates of the Royal Botanic Gardens, you can visit Government House’s own garden every day of the week between 10am and 4pm unless hosting official functions."

"Like Cockatoo Island, Parramatta Park is also included on the UNESCO 11 convict site list. Old Government House is also the oldest surviving public building in Australia and was the country residence of the first ten Governors of New South Wales. Head here for a public tour of the building."

"Government House is a popular city centre attraction that is alongside the iconic Royal Botanic Gardens, with its strategic location providing visitors sweeping views of Sydney Harbour in the distance."

"Located on what was once the shoreline of Sydney Harbour, Cadman’s Cottage is the second-oldest surviving residential building in the city. Built in 1815 as the home of the government coxswain. They named the building after its first resident John Cadman, a convict transported for life for stealing a horse."

"This Darlinghurst cafe specialises in sandwiches and bowls, you can also get your smoothie fix here on your morning run. 📍 Sandoitchi, shop 3/113-115 Oxford St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010"

"Shelly Beach is secluded, quaint and one of the go-to getaway Sydney beaches for beachcombers craving some relaxation without any hassle. This is one of the best places to snorkel and scuba dive in Sydney, thanks to its clear, flat water and easy shore-to-sea accessibility. Divers often spot the site’s sunken motorcycle, weedy sea dragons, cuttlefish and even dusky whaler sharks."

"Exotic fish, weedy sea dragons and even a mystical sunken motorcycle reside beneath the turquoise waters of Sydney’s Shelly Beach. This secluded marine reserve is a favourite of snorkelers, scuba divers and day-trippers looking for a tranquil picnic destination due to its calm water and surrounding natural bushland."

"In Manly, walk down the palm tree-lined Corso, hit the promenade on the beach for an ice-cream, walk around to picturesque Shelly Beach, or grab a cold beer at Manly Wharf Hotel. Time your return ferry trip back to the Quay to coincide with sunset behind the harbour bridge."

"With a Southern Cali spin on Americana style, The Eathouse pulls bold flavours and high quality produce together for a refreshing take on diner eats. Think less burgers, more trendy salad, with beetroot fattoush ($16) and roasted eggplant ($18) making way for mains of Southern fried chicken pieces ($19) and the baby quid and chorizo gumbo with green chilli, rice and a spicy tomato sauce ($19). The banana split ($14) with banana ice cream, dulce de leche, chocolate ganache and peanut crumble will stifle any hunger that rears its head."

"The red vinyl stools around a curved bar and crimson walls with a chalkboard menu on the wall conjure 1950s Americana, but there's no schtick here. The menu features Southern classics that aren't too heavy, such as fried okra in corn maize batter with spicy chipotle and tomato sauce and the delicious spicy Creole gumbo, as well as dishes with a more English or Australian heritage. The fun atmosphere and seriously good food means that, years in, this place is still full most nights of the week."

"Mixing arcade games and fairground antics, Cirque Electriq is a themed Sydney restaurant bringing you new levels of fun. Head over to this big kids playground for the chance to tuck into hot dogs, pizzas and juicy burgers."

"Whether you're looking for a first hangout or 100th adventure together, Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq is filled with unusual date ideas from games, to bowling and diner-style feasting, all under one roof."

"Bringing some serious US diner vibes to Sydney, Valentinas is open for delivery. 📍 Valentinas, 132 Livingstone Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204"