In a move to accommodate the flexible schedules of its residents, Manly Library has launched a community trial offering members 24/7 access to its collections, computers, and facilities on weekdays.
The six-month trial invites bookworms, students, and night owls to use the library at any hour that suits their lifestyle. This extended access began in June and will run until November 2025.
During this period, the library will be open continuously from 6:00 a.m. on Sundays through to 5:00 p.m. on Fridays. Regular staffed operating hours will remain unchanged. The initiative follows positive feedback from ratepayers who expressed a desire for increased access to library services.
How After-Hours Entry Works
To use the library during unstaffed hours, full library members aged 16 years and over must first complete a compulsory safety induction. Once completed, they can gain entry through the Market Place entrance using their library barcode and a personal PIN.
Both the ground and first floors are available, with lift access. Members can borrow books, DVDs, and magazines using self-service kiosks, use the library’s desktop computers, connect to free Wi-Fi, and operate printers, copiers, and scanners. Additionally, two Quiet Study Pods are available and can be booked during staffed hours or by using a sign-up sheet on-site.
Focus on Safety and Comfort
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Library over the past year to ensure the safety and comfort of members during unstaffed hours. While no staff are present, the premises are monitored by a CCTV security system connected to a security guard service. Under the membership terms, sleeping in the library is not permitted, though members are welcome to bring hot and cold non-alcoholic drinks.
The decision to trial the new hours in Manly was influenced by the success of a similar 24/7 model at the Forestville library, which has been operating since mid-2022. Mayor Sue Heins indicated that the great success at Forestville gives Council confidence that the Manly community will experience similar benefits. This modern approach to library services is part of a wider trend in Australia, with Parkes Shire Council having opened the nation’s first 24/7 public library in 2016.
Three well-known restaurants at Manly Wharf have ceased operations, while a new hospitality venue has commenced trading as part of a redevelopment by its new owners.
Manly Wharf has undergone significant changes as three prominent eateries—Betty’s Burgers, El Camino Cantina and Sake Restaurant & Bar—have closed.
Betty’s Burgers served its final customers on Saturday, 28 June 2025. El Camino Cantina and Sake Restaurant & Bar ceased trading on Sunday night, 29 June 2025. The closures followed commercial agreements between the outgoing operators and Artemus Group, which acquired the long-term leasehold of the wharf in 2023.
Brisbane-based Artemus Group purchased the leasehold of Manly Wharf in mid-2023 for $80 million. Since then, the company has made several changes to the precinct. These have included the rebranding of Manly Wharf Bar to Felons Brewing Co., following its $30 million acquisition of that venue.
In addition, the site of a former supermarket is being redeveloped into a microbrewery bar and diner. Artemus also purchased the Hugos Manly eatery for $20 million in December 2023.
In line with its revitalisation plans, Artemus has opened Felons Seafood. This new 300-seat indoor and outdoor waterfront restaurant and bar began operating in the space previously occupied by The Bavarian bar. The menu features seafood dishes such as ceviche tostada and fish and chips with house-made tartare and malt vinegar.
The closures of the three restaurants stemmed from commercial decisions rather than trading challenges. The operators of El Camino and Sake indicated that the decision was influenced by a favourable offer from Artemus, despite having 15 years remaining on their lease. Betty’s Burgers cited the redevelopment of the wharf as the reason it could not continue operating at that location.
Artemus Group has indicated that further works will proceed from July, with hoardings to appear around key areas of the wharf. There is speculation that the first-floor space formerly occupied by El Camino and Sake may be converted into a function centre. The company has stated that these developments aim to enhance safety, access, and hospitality options at Manly Wharf.
We’ve combed Manly and Manly Beach for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!
Aaron Wilkes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We visited the Pantry this evening, the food was amazing and definitely worth 5 stars; however Killian and Augustine made it a 10star experience. A must visit when in Manly. Also despite the negative reviews around the prawn spaghetti… the waiters explained the dish well and it was as explained and delicious! If you are looking for a cheap prawn linguine then go elsewherez! If you are looking for a sophisticated dish then the Pantry is for you
T. C. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The view cannot be beat so I didn’t have high expectations for the food but I was wrong. The grilled fish was outstanding, as were the vegetable sides and the cheese plate. Everyone working there was nice and attentive. Everything about my meal here was fantastic and I highly recommend it.
Ema Hribovšek ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you’re looking for an unforgettable culinary experience on Manly Beach, Pantry restaurant is the place to be. During our visit, we enjoyed delightful seafood appetizers, prepared with the utmost care and freshness. The steaks were perfectly cooked, juicy, and full of flavor—each bite was a real treat. The highlight of the afternoon was the dessert, which left us all wonderfully impressed and perfectly concluded this excellent indulgence of flavors. The chefs demonstrated their mastery and dedication to the culinary arts, and the entire team ensured an exceptionally pleasant experience. Kudos to the chefs and the entire team at Pantry restaurant for providing us with an afternoon we won’t soon forget. Ema
Belinda Han ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Came here due to the good reviews and the love for seafood. Definitely did not disappoint. All the waitresses and the bartender were super attentive and provided excellent service. Their genuineness impressed my partner and I, and we always felt taken care of. But not as much as the quality and flavours of the food we were provided. I loved the all the entrees, especially the crumpets, Bao’s and the spanner crab. The red snapper and squid ink pasta were to die for. The hojicha basque cheesecake was especially delicious being a huge fan for Japanese tea. This local business is a wonderful institution to Manly for their food and service. Would highly recommend and thank you for taking good care of us!
Stephanie ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If I could give six stars I would! This was my first time dining at The Herring room and it certainly won’t be the last. This gorgeous intimate restaurant has an inviting and warm atmosphere. Every single meal we ordered was delectable and cleverly presented. I highly recommend the slow cooked TAS octopus, smoked fish mousse and the black mussels accompanied with a Shiraz. The staff were attentive and accommodating. I certainly look forward to returning and having another remarkable dining experience.
Jarell Siek ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The food was spectacular, the staff really provided great service! And the lady boss was just so lovely to talk! She treated my family really warmly while we were having our dinner at The Herring Room! Would love to be back again 🙂
S K ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We had a great time with family dining at Manly Grill on a sunny summer afternoon. We enjoyed their seafood and steaks. My favorite dishes are the seafood chowder and pork ribs. The seafood chowder is rich, creamy, plentiful with chunks of seafood, it’s delicious and comforting. The pork ribs are flavorful and tender. The staff are helpful and attentive. Will come back again!
Tom Law ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ My meal, 3:30pm on Saturday , started with seeing a waiter and waitress whom looked young, and the service was cold. I was going to rate down this restaurant- but- Vaneska saved the day, much stronger performance, totally attentive, able to reassure me, the customer. Full marks for service. Food included appetiser grilled eggplant, a “ wagyu cube roll” medium rare- excellent- the perfect steak. No sauce necessary, marbling was very appropriate. Only improvements required is the wash room. Leaking tap , bit small for the number of tables. I thoroughly recommend this restaurant, Manly Grill, please tip Vaneska is she is your waitress.
Ellen Schwartz ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fantastic meal! The ribs were deliciously tender, the carrots were perfect, and the eggplant was delicious. The pork belly was amazing. The mocktails were on point and our server Saroj was prompt, clarified our order and allowed us to change up our lamb choice without issue. The patio view of the beach topped off this lunch for us. We will be back!!
Mark Downey ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Absolutely great night, super food, steak tartare to die for, Boulibaisse seafood finished of with an Irish Ballerina cocktail (baileys and stuff) Served with elegance By Sonja and Julie. Dad, Manu, busy in the backgroud!!
Victor Northhead ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I stumbled upon Hemingway’s Manly while out for a walk, and I’m so glad I did! We’ve always walked past it but never went in until now. The staff were incredibly kind, friendly, and accommodating from the moment we sat down. The food was absolutely fantastic—my croque madame and the bad boy hot pot were both delicious and so filling! We also enjoyed some mimosas and coffee, which were spot on. What made the experience even better was how welcoming they were to my dog, Oreo. He even got some special treats, which was a lovely touch. Highly recommend this place and will definitely be coming back!
Julie Sol Lee ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I found this incredible restaurant in Manly last minute, and it turned out to be a fantastic choice. The owner/manager was exceptionally empathetic and accommodating, making our experience truly special. The food was outstanding—my partner raved about the rainbow trout, saying it was the best he’s ever had, and I loved the duck dish, wagyu burger and the crème brûlée dessert. The ambiance was delightful, with a French chic vibe and a quaint, vintage feel. The colour palette, mainly black and white with earthy tones, was beautifully accented by striking pops of red. The staff were all friendly and welcoming. Plus, the location is perfect, right near the beach, providing lovely views whether you’re seated outside or by the window. I highly recommend this restaurant—it’s a true gem!
Jenna ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Had lunch here at the weekend and the food was incredible. Nicest meal I’ve had out in a long time. We were a group of 10, so we got a wide variety of dishes to share and every item was DELICIOUS! Two faves of mine were the cauliflower and the pumpkin curry. Highly recommend.
Emily Ryan ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Went with a girlfriend for happy hour then transitioned into dinner and it was incredible. Happy hour $12 plates were great size and a great price for the quantity and quality. Highly recommend the crispy chicken and the lychee spritz for only $10 each, which was perfect. Lucy was an amazing server and always coming to check in and see how things were as well as taking our drink orders quickly during happy hour to make sure we have as many as possible. Highly recommend for a great feed and a great time with a view of manly beach.
Clair Davies ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This venue is an absolute gem – stunning beachside views 🌊☀️ and such a great vibe overall. Went for the Boggie Brunch with boggie 🎶🍾 and it was such a cool time! The food was amazing 🍽️😋 – fresh and full of flavour – and the team were super attentive with the drinks 🥂💃🏼. Glasses were never empty for long! Highly recommend for a fun, laid-back day out 🙌✨. Can’t wait to go back again!
From pounding the rowing lanes to charging the rugby pitch, Manly’s own Cadeyrn Neville has once again proven that persistence pays off—securing a contract extension with the ACT Brumbies through to 2026.
Neville, who grew up on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and played his first game of rugby at Manly Oval, has carved out an impressive path that’s anything but conventional. Before ever picking up a rugby ball, he was a national-level rower with the Australian Institute of Sport and even competed at the Youth Olympics.
But it was in 2009, at age 21, that the Manly Marlins gave him his start in rugby—and the rest, as they say, is history.
“It’s been one of the best chapters of my career,” Neville said of his Brumbies stint. “I’ve got a young family now and it’s a privilege to remain settled here” (rugby.com.au).
Since that late start, the 36-year-old lock has racked up over 127 Super Rugby caps—including 62 with the Brumbies—and earned eight Test appearances for the Wallabies after a debut against England in 2022 at age 33. In a sport that rewards youthful beginnings, Neville’s rise is an outlier—and an inspiration.
A Career Born on the Northern Beaches
Born in Dee Why and educated at Manly Selective Campus, Neville’s early years were dominated by rowing, not rugby. It wasn’t until after his rowing career plateaued that he gave rugby a go—lining up for the Marlins in the Shute Shield, where his rapid development caught national attention.
He debuted for the Melbourne Rebels in 2012, earning 47 Super Rugby caps across several seasons. He later joined the Queensland Reds, followed by a three-year stint in Japan with the Toyota Industries Shuttles. Neville returned to Australia in 2020, signing with the Brumbies just days before the Super Rugby AU season resumed.
Now a veteran presence in Canberra’s forward pack, Neville’s influence goes well beyond his physicality on the field.
Caderyn Neville: Leading by Example
Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham praised Neville’s commitment and quiet leadership.
“Cadeyrn brings enormous experience… he’s among the fittest and strongest players at the club and his set piece is among the best in the country,” Larkham said (brumbies.rugby).
Neville is also known for mentoring the next wave of Australian locks, including Darcy Swain and Nick Frost. His work ethic, professionalism and calm demeanour have made him a respected figure both on and off the field.
Despite being one of the oldest players in the Super Rugby Pacific competition, Neville remains in top condition, telling Rugby.com.au:
“It’s just about turning up every day, ticking off your prep, training hard, and being consistent. That’s what’s kept me going” (rugby.com.au).
A Lock for the Lions
Neville’s contract extension comes as the Brumbies prepare to host the British & Irish Lions in their 2025 tour—a high-profile fixture that adds weight to his return.
For Manly locals who remember Neville crashing into tackles at Manly Oval, it’s a proud moment. His is a story of second chances, late starts, and a steady climb to the top of elite rugby. From Marlins blue to Wallabies gold, Neville’s roots on the Northern Beaches have shaped the gritty, no-nonsense player he’s become.
And now, with a new deal locked in, he’s far from done.
Manly is at the centre of a major infrastructure boost as part of the Northern Beaches Council’s new budget, with key improvements planned for roads, community spaces, and transport links across the area.
Manly is among the suburbs in line for major upgrades under the Northern Beaches Council’s 2025/26 capital works budget. Backed by a special rate rise approved by IPART, the funding targets areas hit hardest by ageing infrastructure and storm damage. Roads and footpaths are the biggest focus, with $28.8 million allocated to improve conditions across the region.
Near Manly, this includes a safer, more accessible Queenscliff pedestrian and cyclist bridge, a key connection for locals. Another $3.2 million will go toward footpath repairs in 23 suburbs. Council says coastal walkways in places like Manly are a top priority, especially after recent wild weather.
Community and Recreation Upgrades for Locals
Manly and nearby suburbs will see upgrades to several community facilities as part of the council’s 2025/26 budget. Freshwater Beach is set for improved amenities to boost access and comfort for beachgoers.
In North Manly, $8.2 million will go toward completing the Warringah Recreation Centre, which will feature new courts and updated fitness spaces. Council has also committed $4.4 million to refresh playgrounds, reserves and foreshore areas across the region. The aim is to modernise ageing infrastructure and make public spaces more inclusive.
Town Centre Works Aim to Support Local Life
Manly’s village centre is one of several key shopping and community hubs across the Northern Beaches set for improvement. The council is spending $3.6 million to upgrade areas like Manly, Church Point and Avalon Beach, with a focus on improving accessibility, encouraging local business activity and giving streetscapes a fresh look.
This includes work to support outdoor dining and foot traffic, which has become more important to residents since the pandemic. Better lighting, seating and garden beds are among the changes that aim to make town centres more welcoming and easier to move through for people of all ages.
How the Budget is Being Funded
Council secured a 12.1 per cent rate rise to help fund the upcoming works, with most households expected to pay around $168 more this year. The increase includes the usual 3.8 per cent rate peg and is aimed at tackling a growing backlog of infrastructure issues.
Recent extreme weather has worsened damage, pushing the need for urgent repairs across the region. To balance the budget, council is also cutting $2 million from other areas, including community events. Despite some pushback, funds will go toward priority needs like roads, drainage and safety in high-traffic areas such as Manly.
A cheerleader from Manly has missed her chance to join the world-famous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, after reaching the final cut of an audition that saw more than 4,000 hopefuls from around the world.
Indianna Carroll, a longtime Manly Sea Eagles Seabirds cheerleader, has made her third attempt at joining the elite Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. She reached the final 80 global candidates after progressing through several tough rounds.
Only 10 new members are selected each year, with the training camp set to begin in mid-July. Carroll was not chosen but said she gave the experience everything she had. The world-famous squad recently gained extra spotlight through a Netflix documentary.
Strong Support Back Home
Although disappointed, Carroll said she was proud to represent Manly, Sydney and Australia on a global stage. She reflected on the differences between Australia’s cheer systems and the US scene, saying she had to push forward without the same access to resources or networks that many American dancers had.
She also acknowledged the strong backing she received from the local community, including her old squad at the Manly Sea Eagles, where she performed for more than 10 years.
What Comes Next
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ four-week training camp kicks off this July, with final squad decisions expected by mid-month. Carroll will not be among them, but she has not ruled out trying again or exploring new paths in dance and cheer. She said she would take time to reflect and is open to what comes next.
Speaking about the experience, Carroll said, “I brought everything I had—my heart, my training, and my deep love for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ legacy.”
This was the second year in a row that she reached the final day of auditions, one of the most competitive selection processes in the cheerleading world.
A Cheerleader’s Legacy
Indianna Carroll is the daughter of NRL great Mark “Spud” Carroll, who played for the Manly Sea Eagles. Her path into cheerleading came from a mix of local pride and lifelong dedication. Her recent effort in the US has stirred local support and admiration, with many in the Manly community following her journey.
While she didn’t secure a place in the 2025 squad, Carroll has made her mark and shown what dedication and passion from a small community can look like on an international stage.
A five-bedroom waterfront home in Manly has become one of the most viewed listings in New South Wales, as interest grows from buyers aiming to replace the existing residence.
Located on Addison Road, the $16 million Manly property has attracted significant attention, ranking among the most viewed homes in New South Wales over the past financial year. Despite its Mediterranean-style design and rare private sea pool, most potential buyers are reportedly focused on the land value and intend to demolish the existing house.
Positioned on a 683-square-metre site in the Eastern Hill cul-de-sac, the home sits at the end of a private driveway, offering seclusion and direct access to Little Manly Cove. The three-level residence includes five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a double garage, and multiple terraces cascading towards the harbour. It also features a rooftop entertaining area and harbour-facing balconies.
Designed to reflect Mediterranean cliffside villas, the structure has high ceilings, arched doorways, and a white rendered façade with classical columns. Internal finishes include tiled flooring, a granite kitchen with fixed bar stools, and a marble-cobbled lower terrace that steps down to the leased sea pool and a private harbour ramp.
Photo Credit:Clarke & Humel
Demolition Plans Supported by DA Approval
The listing includes DA approval (Mod2022/0734) for a new luxury residence with five bedrooms and four bathrooms. The proposed design includes multiple living areas, a media room, wet bar, butler’s pantry, cellar, and a rooftop terrace. Selling agent Michael Clarke said buyers are targeting the site for redevelopment, consistent with recent local sales where land value outweighed existing structures.
Photo Credit:Clarke & Humel
Changing Buyer Preferences in Manly
Demand for premium properties in Manly has reportedly grown since the pandemic, with buyers placing greater emphasis on lifestyle, beach proximity, and harbour views. Market trends suggest a shift in buyer preference away from areas like Mosman toward coastal suburbs such as Manly.
While the current residence remains fully functional and architecturally distinct, the likely outcome for 30a Addison Road is demolition. The site is expected to be among the suburb’s top sales, with the land itself serving as the main draw for prospective buyers.
For over 150 years, North Head in Manly wasn’t a welcome mat, but a critical barrier. Here, at what’s now Q Station Manly, more than 13,000 people faced forced isolation, their hopes and fears held captive, as this old quarantine station served as Australia’s vital defence against deadly contagious diseases carried by incoming ships.
Established formally in 1832, the Quarantine Station was crucial in safeguarding the Colony of New South Wales from diseases like smallpox, Spanish influenza, and bubonic plague. Before its formal establishment, temporary measures were already in place, highlighting the long-standing concern for public health. It’s a history that echoes through the very stones of this beautiful, yet undeniably haunting location.
A Century and a Half of Isolation and Untold Stories
Operating until 1984, the North Head Quarantine Station evolved from a simple facility into a complex with dedicated accommodation blocks, hospital wards, a morgue, and an administration centre. Its buildings offer a tangible link to the past, reflecting changes in medical practices and the cultural landscape over time.
During its lengthy service, the station detained more than 580 ships, each bringing with it potential health risks and compelling human stories. The site holds numerous accounts of love, loss, and significant medical advancements shaping Australia’s disease control approach. Notably, in its later years, the station also provided refuge, housing Vietnamese refugees in 1975 and victims of Cyclone Tracy in 1976.
Beyond its medical function, the Quarantine Station is renowned for its deep historical resonance, making it a unique heritage-listed site within the Sydney Harbour National Park. It is believed by many to be home to a large number of lingering souls, ranging from playful spirits to intellectual presences and even a strict matron who is said to guard the former wards with a no-nonsense approach.
This paranormal reputation adds another intriguing layer to the site’s rich history, drawing those interested in exploring its more mysterious side. One of the most distinctive features of the station is the collection of engravings carved into the sandstone by those who were quarantined there, dating from the early 19th to mid-20th centuries. These inscriptions offer a direct and poignant connection to the individuals who experienced isolation within these historic walls.
Today, the North Head Quarantine Station has been thoughtfully transformed into Q Station Manly, a four-star hotel and conference centre. It offers heritage accommodation within the very buildings that once housed quarantined passengers, providing guests with views of Sydney Harbour, the National Park, or the historic architecture. On-site, visitors can enjoy dining at restaurants and cafes, including the Boilerhouse Restaurant and Bar, which offers picturesque harbour views.
The site actively embraces its past through a variety of engaging experiences. History tours delve into the daily operations of the station and share stories of the migrants and staff who passed through. For those intrigued by its haunted reputation, various after-dark and ghost tours are available, including “Ghostly Encounters Tours” and “Paranormal Investigations.”
Cemetery tours share the moving stories of those who succumbed to diseases like smallpox and the bubonic plague. Visitors can also explore the grounds independently, relax at Quarantine Beach – the only hotel in Sydney with a private beach – or engage in activities such as snorkelling, kayaking, and bushwalking. The site also holds significant cultural importance for the Indigenous Gayamagal peoples, who historically used North Head for ceremonies and rituals.
Q Station Manly is just a short drive from Manly’s central business district and approximately 30 minutes from Sydney’s central business district. A complimentary shuttle bus service is available from Manly Wharf, ensuring easy access for visitors.
This remarkable site offers a fascinating glimpse into Australia’s complex past, showcasing the challenges of disease control, the experiences of immigrants, and the evolving social and medical landscape, all while serving as a vibrant and accessible community resource today.
A significant $1 million safety and cosmetic upgrade at the historic Manly Wharf will see new measures introduced to prevent falls while carefully preserving the site’s cherished architectural character.
Long-term leaseholders Artemus Group, who acquired the wharf leasehold for $80 million and the adjacent Wharf Bar for $30 million in 2023, are spearheading the improvements. The nearly $970,000 development application, initially submitted to Northern Beaches Council last year, recently received approval from the independent Northern Beaches Local Planning Panel.
The primary focus of the upgrade is enhancing public safety around the popular Harbourside precinct. New glass or perspex panels will be installed within the existing ship railing-style steel fencing.
This decision was made to make it more difficult for individuals to climb over, following previous safety incidents involving people falling or jumping from the wharf, whether accidentally or due to unsafe behaviour. Artemus Group had initially proposed retractable glass panels, but this idea was not accepted due to heritage considerations.
Protecting Historic Charm
Preserving Manly Wharf’s unique historical and aesthetic value was a key consideration during the planning process. The NSW Heritage Council stated that the original retractable glass balustrading proposal was “not sympathetic to the historic and aesthetic values of Manly Wharf” and had the potential to “adversely affect the character and setting of the item.”
Planning documents highlight Manly Wharf, along with Circular Quay, as one of Port Jackson’s only surviving substantial older-style ferry wharves. The planning panel approved the development application with a crucial condition: Artemus must devise a “creative design” that integrates a “transparent Building Code of Australia (BCA) compliant panel with the existing balustrade design style,” ensuring the character of the existing balustrade is retained.
Beyond safety and heritage, the approved plans also include initiatives designed to make the wharf precinct more inclusive for the local community and visitors. The deck area outside the Felons pub will be extended to create a dedicated kids’ play area, featuring a large, nautically themed boat and surrounded by pygmy date palms.
This addition aims to make the pub “more inclusive and family-friendly.” This latest approval follows a green light three months prior for Artemus’s $13 million plans to convert the former Aldi supermarket site at the wharf into a microbrewery with bars and an eatery capable of accommodating 700 patrons.
When Artemus took over the leasehold, co-founder Adam Flaskas expressed enthusiasm for “breathing new life” into the site, committing to making the area more welcoming for everyone by “revitalising the waterfront precinct into a premium hospitality destination, creating a thriving community and cultural hub for kids and families to grown-ups and everything in between.”
The Narrabeen ferry is scheduled to resume service between Manly and Circular Quay after undergoing extensive repairs, nearly two years since its withdrawal.
The Narrabeen ferry is expected to be re-floated and moved back to Cockatoo Island for final works and sea trials before rejoining the Manly-Circular Quay route in late July or early August. The vessel was removed from service nearly two years ago for an extended overhaul.
Built over 40 years ago, the Narrabeen is part of the Freshwater-class fleet serving Sydney Harbour’s busiest passenger route. It was originally scheduled to enter dry dock in 2024 but was delayed due to naval scheduling priorities at Garden Island. The refit began last year at Cockatoo Island and was later transferred to the larger facility at Garden Island.
Scope of Repairs and Challenges
Upon inspection in dry dock, engineers discovered unexpected levels of rust and hull corrosion, requiring more work than anticipated. The repair works total $18 million and include a full engine rebuild, installation of a new control system, and repairs to the rudders and propellers. Internal fittings such as seating and roof panels were also replaced.
The broader refurbishment program covers three of the four Freshwater-class ferries, with $71 million allocated to extend their operating life through a new five-year certification.
The Queenscliff returned to service in late 2023 following the installation of new propellers. The Freshwater is scheduled to enter dry dock by August and is projected to return in early 2026.
The Collaroy, the youngest vessel in the class, was removed from service in September 2023 and will not return due to high refurbishment costs linked to its unique construction. The government has sought expressions of interest for the vessel from private buyers or community groups.
Community Views on Ferry Retention
Public comments shared across social media have shown support for retaining the Freshwater-class vessels, with some residents calling for heritage status or conversion of retired ferries for other uses. Others suggested that the ferries’ Australian steel construction makes them ideal candidates for electrification rather than decommissioning.
Under current NSW Government policy, all diesel-powered vessels in the state fleet are to be replaced with locally built electric or hydrogen ferries by 2035. Unless further extensions are granted, the three remaining Freshwater-class ferries are set to retire by July 2030.
