After 45 years in operation, the well-known Manly Waterworks—formerly known as Surf n Slide—has been permanently closed, with demolition works now underway along West Esplanade.
Closure Follows Safety Concerns
The Boathouse Group confirmed the harbourfront attraction’s closure after engineers deemed the slide structure unsafe. The group, which took over the lease in 2021 along with Manly Pavilion, said reopening would have required a complete rebuild.
Historical Background
Opening in 1981, Manly Waterworks became one of the area’s most popular attractions and gained fame in the 1980s film BMX Bandits starring Nicole Kidman. The site, sitting on Crown land beside the now-demolished Manly Sea Life Sanctuary, was briefly closed in 2015 before being purchased a year later.
The park’s lease appeared on Facebook Marketplace in 2021 with a $950,000 asking price, later acquired by The Boathouse Group.
The End of a Local Landmark
The Boathouse Group stated the decision was based on safety findings and the park’s lack of alignment with its hospitality business focus. Demolition began in late September 2025, marking the end of one of Manly’s last remaining amusement-era venues.
Future of the Site
The site remains under the Manly Pavilion Precinct lease, and The Boathouse Group has not confirmed specific redevelopment plans. Concepts under consideration include a garden-themed sister venue to The Espy or cultural activations in collaboration with the nearby Manly Art Gallery.
Local Reaction
Community members shared nostalgia and disappointment over the closure, recalling decades of memories from school holidays and local celebrations. Some expressed frustration at the limited notice before shutdown, while others called for preservation of Manly’s recreational heritage.
What Happens Next
Demolition is expected to conclude within weeks, and The Boathouse Group has indicated a desire to activate the foreshore precinct before the end of summer.
Published 22-Oct-2025
