Blog Archives

When you say Australia, you say amazing ocean beaches and spectacular landscapes.  When you say “Manly”, you say “Surf”.  Take some of your time to explore Manly’s history!   You will not regret it.  On the contrary, you will be fascinated.  Did you know, for example, that Manly is situated on the land of the Guringai people?  The traditional owners of this land are part of the oldest surviving continuous culture in the world.  Unfortunately, in 1789, many Aborigines died because of smallpox epidemic spread.

 

What is there to know about Manly European history?

 

In 1787, Captain Arthur Phillip of the Royal Navy left England with a fleet of ships to establish a colony in New South Wales.  He became its first Governor.  When the fleet arrived at Botany Bay, the destination was found to be unsuitable for settlement.  On 21th January 1788, they continued their expedition to Port Jackson.  Captain Phillip Phillip was impressed by the “confidence and manly behaviour” of a group of aborigines in the northern reaches of the harbour.  This is the main reason the place was called “Manly Cove”.

 

Early in the 1820s, Henry Gilbert Smith, an English businessman living in Sydney, understood that the region of Manly has so much to offer, when it comes to ocean beach, sand and sun… Manly could represent a great touristic attraction and “watering place” for the people of Sydney.  This is the main reason Smith started getting land in the region.  Needless to say, people made also some changes when it comes to the flora.  For instance, Norfolk Island pines were planted along the harbour foreshore.  That was the moment when Pier Hotel was built and The Corso was decided to link the harbor with the beach.  If you decide to stay at a Manly hostel, you will have the chance to take long walks and explore the amazing region.

 

Smith had also a great influence on the growth of a ferry service to and from Manly.  Believe it or not, by 1856 a daily ferry service was in place.  Starting 1859, Smith started donating land to the community.  Parks, churches, schools, museums were built.

 

These are the main events that brought Manly to life.  Book budget accommodation Sydney and explore the town and the surroundings!  You will be fascinated!

It is widely known the fact that Australian English has its own distinctive accent and vocabulary.  All the international students, backpackers and travelers who come to Manly should find out more about popular Australian slangs.

Book budget accommodation Sydney and explore the Australian culture, including the Australian slangs.  You will be fascinated!

 

“As crook as Rookwood” – seriously ill. “Crook” means really sick and Rookwood being the biggest cemetery in Australia.

 

“Cark it” – die. 

 

“Drongo” – no-hoper or fool.  This slang derives from a racehorse of that name in the 1920s, which never won a race out of 37 starts.

 

 “Face like a dropped pie” – ugly.

 

“Firies” – firefighters.

 

“Fit as a Mallee bull” – very fit and strong, in good physical condition. The Mallee is a region in Victoria, South Australia – a dry area where an animal would need to be tough and fit to survive.

 

“Knock up” – wake up

 

“Like a mad woman’s breakfast” – all over the place or messy.

 

“Like a shag on a rock” – lonely or exposed.

 

“Macca’s” – McDonald’s

 

“Mad as a meat-axe” – crazy.

 

“Neck oil” – beer.

Australia is surrounded by water and amazing beaches.  Here are some of the most popular beaches: Bondi Beach, Byron Bay Beach, Mandalay Beach, Wineglass Bay, Noosa Main Beach, Cable Beach, Northern Beaches, etc.  Most Australians, from kids to adults, enjoy different water sports from swimming to snorkelling.  There is definitely a special connection between the ocean and Aussie people.

Book budget accommodation Sydney and explore the most popular water sports!  It is true that surfing is one of the most iconic outdoor sports in Australia.  If you decide to spend some time in Manly (the city of surfing), you will have the chance to try even more water sports like diving, snorkelling, sailing, windsurfing, kite surfing, canoeing and kayaking.

It is great to know that surfing is possible all around Australia, apart from the northern coast where you can find a lot of jellyfish and saltwater crocodiles.

When it comes to diving, you will fall in love with the clear water and coral reefs of Australia.  Keep in mind that the most famous place to dive is on the Great Barrier Reef near Cairns.  You can also explore the diving spots near Melbourne and Sydney.

If you decide to spend a few days in Manly, you will not be disappointed.  On the contrary, there are so many things you can do here.  Manly, also named the city of surfing is a must visit Sydney destination for backpackers, international students, families with kids.  Manly offers so much: waterfront restaurants, amazing markets and shops, museums, and, of course water activities, adventure and entertainment for everyone, regardless of age.

 

Who has not heard of The Manly Corso?  In fact, in Manly, everything is within easy walking distance from The Manly Corso.  You can easily book accommodation at a Manly hostel located close to Manly Corso. At the end of The Corso, you have two options: you can choose to venture either north or south.

 

What happens if you go south from Manly Corso?

 

You will have the chance to experience the Manly to Shelly Beach-Cabbage Tree Bay Eco- Sculpture Walk.  You will enjoy a 15 minute walk which begins at South Steyne, passing the Manly Surf Club at the south end of Manly Beach.  Admire the Cabbage Tree Bay’s marine life, plants, animals, history and attractions through eleven unique sculptures along the way to Shelly Beach.  Are you big fan of water activities?  Keep in mind that Shelly Beach is an extremely popular spot for snorkelers and surfers.

 

What happens if you go Nouth from Manly Corso?

 

 

North from Manly Corso you will discover Manly Lagoon Reserve, named also Lagoon Park.  This is an excellent place to visit for families.  It is great to know that Manly Lagoon is home to breeding grounds and habitats for a wide range of fish species, as well as seagrasses, birds, and other animals.  If you want your kids to explore the beauty of nature, book budget accommodation Manly !   The landscape is amazing because the reserve stretches from Pittwater Road on one side, to North Steyne Road on the beach side.  If you like playing cricket, you are in luck because there are plenty of grassy areas around the park.  Needless to say, the pathway along the Lagoon is a great place to ride bikes or scooters.  There are even more surprises: at the end of the reserve, at Keirle Park, you will discover an outdoor exercise equipment area, Skate Park and a large oval.

What do people love most about Australia?  The “lucky country” is famous for the beach culture.   Pictures of people of all ages on surf boards are always associated with the Australia and its spectacular beaches.  Don’t you love the TV shows that present scenes with the spectacular Aussie landscapes?

The truth is that Australian people adore outdoor activities and they totally understand the benefits of sports.  If you come to Australia, you definitely have to spend a few days in Manly, the city of surfing.  Book accommodation at a Manly hostel and you will discover that Manly abounds in water activities: diving, snorkelling, sailing, surfing, kite surfing.

Some researchers from UK consider surfing to be a way to combat mental illness and depression in children and young adults. The main idea is that the physical and mental challenge of learning how to control a surf board provides people a sense of achievement and empowerment.

Book budget accommodation Sydney and take some surfing lessons!  Feel the energy of the ocean!  Relax!  Do not forget also about the social aspect of this sport.  You will have the chance to meet new people and make new friends.

 

What do you do for Halloween?  It is true that Halloween is a festival that came relatively late to Australia.  Anyway, it’s becoming more and more popular.  Even if there is still a large element of “for the kids”, truth is that more Australians are getting involved in celebrating Halloween.  But where does this festival come from?  It is said that Halloween comes from the ancient Celtic harvest festival known as Samhain.  Needless to say, Halloween is also remembered as All Hallows’ Eve among the Christian community.

 

If you decide to celebrate Halloween at our Manly hostel, you will have the chance to feel the authentic Halloween atmosphere.  You should know that every year we decorate the hostel for Halloween and we give away treats to the kids of our neighborhood and this year won’t be different!  The children of Pine Street and surroundings come knock on our door on little groups all dressed up and we give them lollies and sweets.  They are so cute all dressed up in Halloween costumes.  The symbols of this holiday include animals, such as black cats, bats and spiders, and figures, such as ghosts, skeletons, witches and wizards. Pumpkins, graveyards, haunted houses are also associated with Halloween.   The great part is that the guests also receive some lollies and are invited to participate in giving treats to the kids and meet the community.  Hostels are famous for the friendly atmosphere they provide.  You will meet new people and, obviously, make lots of friends.

All the young and “young at heart” people in Australia love dressing up in great Halloween costumes.  Some of the disguises are shop bought while others are home made.  There are also health-conscious Aussie adults who offer to kids healthier treats such as fruit, small toys and money.

Do you love dancing?  Most of the pubs and discos offer a special Halloween night.  Moreover, some Halloween parties are held at venues that are supposedly haunted. Ghost tours, hunts and walks are extremely popular during this time of the year.

 

What about the persons who are a little bit older?  For them, Halloween is a great excuse to watch some classic Australian horror films such as Rogue and Van Diemens Land, to quirky comedies like Undead.  Do not forget that the big common room from our Manly hostel has big TV, Netflix and playstation!  All you have to do is select the horror film you want to watch on Halloween with your friends from the hostel

Believe it or not, it is almost that time of year again … where ghouls, spiders, bats, black cats, ghosts, ballerinas and fairies dominate the landscape.  Halloween is almost here!  This popular holiday in the United States of America is becoming a growing trend also in Australia.  Kids are definitely the happiest persons from the “lucky country” this time of the year.

So, if you are planning a trip to Australia this time of the year, start preparing yourself for Halloween!  For example, many hostels, restaurants, bars coordinate Halloween-themed parties for staff and clients to interact with each others.  The great part about this holiday is that these parties involve people dressed in costume to reflect the Halloween spirit.  People can inspire from the most popular Halloween symbols and dress up witches, skeletons, ghosts, bars, spiders, black cats.  Keep in mind that most of the houses in Australia are also decorated to fit the Halloween theme during this period.  Decorations include fake cobwebs, jack-o-lanterns and small black cats or witches.   There are also so many hostels and hotels decorated in the Halloween spirit.  Australians want their guests (international students, backpackers, international travelers) to feel like home.  At Manly Bunkhouse, for example, the friendly stuff has already started to put up some Halloween decoration!

Book accommodation at a Manly hostel and you will have the chance to witness Manly transforming into a sea of cobwebs and lighting Jack o’ lanterns.
Do you want to go to a Halloween party in Sydney?  No problem, Manly is simply 30 minutes away from Sydney by ferry.  Halloween is the scariest night of the year and…the Quarantine Station is the scariest place in Sydney to spend it!  The tours start from 8.15pm.  The party starts from 8pm till 1am.  Do not forget also about the Halloween Dress Up! There will be prizes for best dressed!  Enjoy the Halloween party with great food, dancing and cash beverage bar open throughout!

“Should I stay at a hotel or at a hostel?”-this is a buzz question we often here lately.  The truth is that there are so many aspects to consider.  If you want to stay weeks, even months in a certain city or country, it will be better to opt for a hostel.  Keep in mind that hostels are much cheaper than hotels.  This is the main reason international students adore staying at a hostel.  Hostels are a great way for them to see the world, to study at affordable costs.

If you decide to come to Australia and you booked budget accommodation at a Manly hostel, you will save precious funds.  Use this money to explore Sydney and the magnificent surroundings!  Use these funds to see more and do more!  On the other hand, if you decide to stay at a hotel, your budget will be tight.  Forget about the cosmopolitan restaurants and bars from Manly Beach!

Do not forget that hotels are definitely not for the travelers who really stick to a certain budget.  And hostels offer great deals to their guests (in case they stay weeks, even months).  You will save this way even more money!

It is widely known the fact that Australia is called the “the lucky country”.  The truth is that more and more people come here and fall in love with the amazing landscape, flora and fauna.

Did you know that Manly itself attracts over 6 million visitors to the area each year?  People predominantly come to the city of surfing during the weekends.  The iconic suburb is visited by backpackers, travellers and Sydney-siders.  Needless to say, more and more international students come here to study and, at the same time, to enjoy a relaxed life.  This is the main reason many hostels in Manly have partnerships with different colleges.

The atmosphere is great during summer.  There are great festivals and local events you can enjoy.  Book accommodation at a Manly hostel and explore the local community!  People are extremely friendly.  You will love the family friendly atmosphere.

Locals will be more than happy to offer you alternatives when it comes to spending quality time in Manly.  The great news is that Manly offers lots of options for leisure as scenic walks, diving, snorkelling, sailing, surfing and kite surfing.