Manly Surf N Slide, Sliderz Cafe Up For Sale as ‘Cash-Producing Machine’

Manly Surf N Slide, an iconic waterpark venue in Manly Cove, and the adjacent  Sliderz Café have been put up for sale together to potentially become a “cash-producing machine” for its new owners. 



The Finn Group has been advertising Manly Surf N Slide waterpark and the Sliderz Café at various platforms online, including Facebook Marketplace, with suggestions to either upgrade the current sites or redevelop the properties, subject to approvals from concerned agencies, into an entirely new venue or a beach club for both locals and tourists

According to The Finn Group, the current owners, Mark and Tracy O’Sullivan from Clontarf, have plenty of ideas on how the new owners could maximise their cashflow for the waterpark and cafe, considering it’s in such a blue-chip location at Manly Cove. Among these ideas include removing the slide and converting the site into a two-storey club with a rooftop bar. 


Highlights

  • Manly Surf N Slide and Sliderz Café are for sale for $950,000.
  • Owners Mark and Tracy O’Sullivan believe that the 40-year-old site needs “fresh energy.”
  • Nicole Kidman filmed a BMX Bandits scene in this waterpark in 1983.

The property’s asking price is at $950,000 with at least 30 interested investors. Steve Finn said that the waterpark and the cafe are in such a unique location but it needs facility improvements and refurbishments to reclaim its former reputation as a popular recreational venue. 

Photo Credit: Gabor Gergely/Google Maps

Manly Surf N Slide, formerly known as the Manly Waterworks, opened in 1981. Up until the 1990s, it was the dream location for many children in the Northern Beaches who wanted to celebrate their birthday at the venue.  

At the height of its popularity, award-winning actress Nicole Kidman filmed a scene at the waterslide for the 1983 movie BMX Bandits.



In December 2016, the O’Sullivan family did a $150,000 renovation of the premises, which re-opened under its new name. Months prior to COVID-19, the couple opened Sliderz Café as a new fit -out. However, Mark and Tracy said that the property needs “fresh energy” and investors who can “take it to the next level.” 



Manly Surf N Slide is currently closed for the season and whether the O’Sullivans succeeds in selling the site or not, the waterpark will re-open in September. 

Manly Oval To Be Demolished For Ivanhoe Park’s Major Revamp

The grandstand at Manly Oval, colloquially known as the ‘Flying Saucer’ because of the design of its roof, may be demolished to allow the construction of a new grandstand in the location.


Read: Construction Underway for AYAH, a New Adolescent Hospice in Manly 


It’s part of the draft Masterplan and Plan of Management for Ivanhoe Park which proposes replacing the grandstand with something a “little less dominant.” In their proposal, the Northern Beaches Council wanted to build a new grandstand which would be designed to blend in with the park rather than being the dominant feature of the park.

It would also accommodate a clubhouse, food and beverage facilities, public toilets, seating equivalent to existing grandstand, improved unisex change rooms, storage and indoor cricket nets and training facility.

Built in 2011, the grandstand forms part of the 150-year-old heritage-listed reserve along with the oval, bowling club and tennis courts as well as the Botanic gardens.

Extent of Masterplan Study Area Map (Photo credit: yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/ivanhoe-park

Building a new grandstand is estimated to cost up to $20 million. To go ahead with their plans, the council would have to ask the NSW and Federal Government for help in terms of funding.

Following an online community survey and a second working group meeting, a public exhibition is scheduled in July 2021 to allow submissions regarding the draft document.

About Manly Oval

Wooden Grandstand and Pavilion built 1908 and demolished in 1963 (Photo credit: Northern Beaches Council History Hub)

Manly Oval is a sporting ground primarily used for cricket and rugby union and serves as the home ground for the Manly Marlins and Manly Warringah District Cricket Club. It has also previously been used to host National Rugby Championship games as a home ground for the Sydney Rays. The grandstand, located next to Manly Tennis Centre, has undercover seating for 2,000 people with a total capacity of 5,000.

Manly Fears Outbreak of Meningococcal Disease After Teens Infected

Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD) is a fatal disease that could potentially lead to the loss of limbs, and residents fear the possibility of a full-blown outbreak as three new cases arise in the area’s teenage population in May 2021.



Throughout May, three teenagers in Manly have been diagnosed with IMD, and the local community fears that they might have an outbreak on their hands. Two more teenagers have since been tested. All of these cases have been linked to three junior rugby league clubs.

Though the disease does not spread easily, it is still contagious, spreading through secretions from the nose and throat of carriers. Close and prolonged contact could potentially pass the disease on from one person to another. 

IMD occurs more commonly in people between the ages of 15 and 24, as well as children under the age of 5, however, it can affect everyone. According to Dr Michael Staff, Director of Public Health of the Northern Sydney Local Health District, the spreading of cases such as these are rare, however, early detection is crucial. 



What is IMD?

Invasive Meningococcal Disease is a serious illness as it is both contagious and potentially fatal, manifesting as a severe infection brought about by a bacteria known as Neisseria Meningitidis which attack thin layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord known as meninges. What makes this disease deadly is how it can infect the blood. 

Failure to treat IMD leads to death in 50% of cases, and even if the disease is caught and treated early, there is still a 10-15 per cent chance of death. Those who survive can potentially suffer from permanent brain damage, hearing loss, kidney failure, the loss of limbs, or chronic nervous system problems. 

Symptoms of IMD include a high fever of over 40°C, headaches, vomiting, stiff necks, rash, sensitivity to light, confusion, and sleepiness. In some cases, rashes of red-purple spots and bruises also manifest, however it is usually the last symptom to appear. These symptoms can develop as quickly as a few hours, but usually develop over the course of one to two days. 

Those who display signs and symptoms of IMD are encouraged to seek treatment immediately.

Construction Underway for AYAH, a New Adolescent Hospice in Manly

Did you know that the NSW Government aims to launch Australia’s very first dedicated hospice for young people, dubbed the Manly Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice, in Manly?



The Manly AYAH, located on the former site of the Manly Hospital, is a $19.5 million project that will become Australia’s first dedicated service for young adults afflicted with life-limiting illnesses and diseases, catering to people between the ages of 15 to 24, offering respite care, symptom management, and end of life care. 

Despite being located in Manly, AYAH will be available to all youths regardless of their locations, providing specialised support to rural and regional patients and limiting their need to travel long distances for health care. 

Photo credit: New South Wales Government

Health Infrastructure, in tandem with the Northern Sydney Local Health District and medical experts to deliver the new hospice. Schematic designs for the Manly AYAH aim to provide care and patient experience specially tailored for young adults, with a total of eight bedrooms for patients, an on-site dedicated kitchen and dining room, carer’s lounges adjacent to the bedrooms, and two family accommodation units.

Additional features included in the design are breakout spaces and facilities such as a games room, a lounge room, a media room, a multisensory room, a quiet room, and sitting rooms. Laundry will also be available for visitors and families staying overnight, and the outdoor balcony offers views of the harbour. A garden and landscaping area will also be present, along with Telehealth consult spaces.

Construction for Manly AYAH is expected to be completed in late 2022. The service has received positive feedback from the Manly community, who have campaigned passionately and raised funds to make the project a reality. Philanthropist Kay Van Norton Poche, who donated a grand total of $6 million to the project. 

Photo credit: New South Wales Government

The former site of the Manly Hospital, and the future site of the Manly AYAH, can be found at 150 Darley Rd, Manly. For more information, and for the latest updates on the upcoming youth health service can follow their Facebook page.

New FS8 Fitness Studio to Open in Manly

With the FS8 Manly studio finally set up, the revolutionary fitness facility invites the Manly community to sign up for a limited-slots, free seven-day trial scheduled to begin immediately on the opening on the 17th of April. 



To celebrate the launch of FS8 studio in Manly, 50 slots for “foundation members,” who will enjoy the use of the facilities at a discounted rate, will be open. Launch week also includes free classes. Instructions can be found in the Facebook post below.

FS8 gets its curious name from three components that make up the movement: the F stands for “functional”, the S represents “style”, and lastly, the 8 refers to the eight key modalities that form the core of the movement. Each element has been designed to work together, remixing pilates, yoga and tone to maximise their efficacy and create something entirely new.

The Australian surfing icon Mick Fanning, who serves as an FS8 ambassador, advocates for the movement and aims to open his own studio in Byron Bay further down the line. The surfer first took up yoga over twenty years ago to manage his scoliosis, placing a heavy emphasis on how weights aren’t everything, and that people must develop flexibility by lengthening their muscles.

Legendary Australian surfer Mick Fanning.
Photo credit: CC-BY-SA/MarkYourWaves/Flickr

According to their website, FS8 can be described as pilates rocked to the core, yoga stretched to the limit, and tone with more pump and less pomp. In essence, the movement aims to focus entirely on fitness without the fluff by offering its members 30 different workouts and 2,800 exercises. 

FS8 Manly can be found at Shop 1&2, 54 West Esplanade, will open Monday to Saturday from 6:00 a.m. onwards with the exception of Saturday, which opens at 7:00 a.m. Visit their website for more information. Follow their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates and announcements.

All-New Northern Beaches Edition Monopoly Now Available at Manly!

International game company Winning Moves has just released an all-new version of Hasbro’s Monopoly featuring Sydney’s Northern Beaches, and among the 23 hotspots chosen to be represented on the board, Manly is one of them.  



According to Winning Moves, thousands of locals and businesses in Sydney have been consulted to better portray the region, creating a faithful Northern Beaches experience. Following the safety measures and guidelines brought about by the pandemic, board games have become a household staple in staving off boredom and monotony. 

With Northern Beaches Edition Monopoly, residents from the region can see some of their favorite Northern Beaches hotspots on the board of one of their favorite games. After garnering enough feedback from Sydney residents, Winning Moves narrowed down their choices, which are as follows:

ColourNorthern Beaches Places
BrownNorth Head and Manly Dam
Light BlueBarrenjoey Lighthouse, Pilu and Church Point
PinkThe Collaroy Centre, Manly Oval and Brookvale Oval
OrangeTaste of Manly, Brookvale Show, Beach to Beach Fun Run
RedThe Strand, Manly Corso, Westfields Warringah Mall
YellowCurl Curl Beach, Narrabeen, Freshwater Beach
GreenHalbord Diggers, The Steyne and Dee Why RSL
Dark BlueManly and Palm Beach


Hasbro’s Monopoly has been around since 1935, serving as one of the most iconic board games in history. It is a competitive game that revolves around two or more players to avoid bankruptcy by buying and trading properties, rolling dice to determine which properties they land on, and drawing cards that either help or hinder themselves or other players. 

Manly residents interested in the Northern Beaches Edition Monopoly can purchase a board from The Steyne at 75 The Corso, Manly NSW 2095 for the price of $69.95. Games can also be ordered online from Dee Why RSL’s website.

Manly Beach Sets Trials for Popular Pink Rescue Buoys for Saving Lives

Members of Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) recently conducted safety trials for the use of a popular pink rescue buoy at Manly Beach.

The tests were done to determine whether such a rescue device, which was developed by South Africa’s National Sea Rescue Institute, would be useful for beachgoers during emergencies when there are no lifeguards patroling the waters.

Thus, lifeguards were not asked to conduct the trials. Instead, regular beachgoers and swimmers from the surf club were enjoined to participate for two days. 



A study from James Cook University revealed that about five Australians a year accidentally die when trying to save someone in the water. Authorities at Manly Beaches want to ensure that beachgoers remain safe even as they try to help drowning swimmers. 

“The pink rescue buoy programme was rolled out by the NSRI in November 2017,” prevention manager Andrew Ingram told the press. 

“Since then 424 buoys have been placed between Port Nolloth and Richards Bay (South Africa),” Mr Ingram added. “These buoys have already assisted 43 people in danger of drowning, 15 of them were people who went in to save others.”

Photo Credit: NSRI


Apart from the pink rescue buoys, SLSNSW members also tested four other safety devices for its viability. 

The trial was conducted with the help of NSW’s Water Safety Blackspot and Surf Live Saving Australia (SLSA).  After an evaluation, these agencies will be rolling out the safety devices across the beaches in New South Wales. 

Where to Dine and What to See at the 2019 Taste of Manly Festival

The biggest foodie event in Sydney is happening once again as Taste of Manly returns this May. This year will be the 33rd annual celebration of great food and beer, as well as good music at the Manly Beaches.  

Set for the 25th and the 26th of May 2019, Taste of Manly’s main events will take place at the pedestrian mall strip The Corso and the Manly Beach Front. Surrounding restaurants will also be participating in the festival with their appetizing and flavoursome dishes and invigorating drinks.

The Northern Beaches Council, which hosts this annual festival, estimates that there will be 80,000 people scouring Manly Beaches for the best food and drinks. You can check the full list of participating restaurants, bars and cafes, as provided by the Northern Beaches Council.

Photo Credit: The Hotdog Man/Facebook
Photo Credit: The Bavarian/Facebook
Photo Credit: Sweet Rendez-vous Patisserie/Facebook


Four stages will be set up to showcase live performers and entertainment from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. These stages will be at the Beach Front, North Steyne, The Greener Communities and the Back Street Beats. The full list of performers and their schedules are also on the Council’s official site.

As with previous Taste of Manly festivals, pop up stores and takeaways will be serving food and drinks in sustainable utensils. Guests may purchase a re-usable glass at this plastic-free event.



Plan your visit to the Taste of Manly festival carefully as you won’t want to miss out on the specials at the food stalls. Some roads will also be closed to traffic for this two-day foodie festival. Visitors are encouraged to bring their bikes and park at North Steyne, where there will be a bike valet.

Manly Inflatable Boat Race Takes Over Shelly Beach this March

The much awaited Manly Inflatable Boat Race is back!

Now on its 15th year, the Manly Inflatable Boat Race 2019 is going to be bigger, better, and wilder than before!

The event is happening at the Shelly Beach on the 17th of March 2019, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. The race kicks off at exactly 10:30 a.m. and followed by an awarding ceremony and post-race gathering at the Hotel Steyne Manly.

The Manly Inflatable Boat Race is iconic, and it is greatly enjoyed by both Manly locals and visitors. Its main highlight are the contestants themselves who are all expected to come up with their most creative and wacky inflatable boats and matching costumes.

Just imagine a sea full of colourful inflatable boats and competitive racegoers on their vibrant costumes battling against the Shelly beach waves as they paddle all the way up to the finish line. It sure sounds fun and exciting, right?

Manly Inflatable Boat Race
Photo credit: Manly Inflatable Boat Race/ Facebook

Given its splashin’ success over the years, this year’s race is expecting more than 800 participants and spectators combined. It is definitely going to be a fun-packed day at the beach for young and old.

Race for a Cause

Underneath all the fun and memorable experiences, another reason for you to join the Manly Inflatable Boat Race is the opportunity to help a worthy cause. All proceeds for this event will proceed to Tour de Cure— Riding to Cure Cancer.

Tour de Cure is a non-profit organization that provides funding for different cancer projects that help cure and prevent cancer. Over $ 220,000 have been raised by the Manly Inflatable Boat Raise for the charity ever since it started.

Manly Inflatable Boat Race
Photo credit: Manly Inflatable Boat Race/ Facebook

Register Now

Are you interested in joining this year’s Manly Inflatable Boat Race? Here is a list of entrance fees:

Adult
Early Bird$ 45
Standard$ 55
On the Day$ 60
High School Students (12 years or older)
Early Bird$ 25
Standard$ 30
On the Day$ 35

Onsite registrations before the race will be held from 8:30 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. at the Tour de Cure tent, located at the South Steyne near Manly Life Saving Club.

You may book your tickets online here.

Fore more information about the event, please visit Manly Inflatable Boat Race’s official Facebook page.



Mural Hunting in Manly

Check out the murals displayed all over the artsy streets of Manly!

Aside from the popular surfing beaches found in Manly, locals and tourists will marvel at the great number of culturally significant artworks which have been gloriously displayed in various public locations. These artworks not only embellish and beautify the area, they also give it a unique character.  Serving as an inspiration to others of like-minded artistry, they showcase and express the uniqueness of Manly, its history, and its environmental heritage.

Among the eye-catching public art displays in Manly are the public murals found in cafes, restaurants, hotels, and on Market Lane and Manly Corso.

Manly Mural
Mural placed outside a cafe at Manly
Photo credit: rainamalazarte/ thingdoer.com
Manly Mural
Mural at Hotel Steyne in Manly
Photo credit: Simon Sawell/ Facebook
Manly Mural
Mural inside a restaurant
Photo credit: Tracey Hayes Art/ Facebook


Still want to see more? Head on over to Market Lane to see Ruth Downes’ impressive mural featuring headlines of various events and issues of the community over past 80 years from The Manly Daily.

This mural was set up in order to revitalise Market Lane’s neglected laneway. It also cleverly disguises the patchwork of facades with panels of rich and vibrant colours that are highlighted from the black vertical and horizontal bars.

Manly Market Lane Mural
Photo credit: https://izi.travel/

Right across the lane is another set of mural from the Manly Market Lane Project. Painted on a giant canvas by different local artists, this mural is set to be changed every after few weeks. People are free to watch when new artists come in to paint in open air for this street mural. The mural is painted and styled uniquely every set-up and people are always look forward to seeing its final outcome revealed.

Manly Corso Mural
Photo credit: www.coveredhub.com.au

In November 2018, the Manly Corso mural was set on a temporary display to cover hoardings during the reconstruction process of a particular retail building that is adjacent to St Matthew’s Church. The mural was created to provide an aesthetic Corso whilst the redevelopment is ongoing. This was also an opportunity for the Manly’s local artists to expound on their artistic expression in creating a mural that is in line with the spirit of Manly.

Who wouldn’t want to take snaps of these beautiful and creative murals? It can be hard to resist given its bright and vibrant colours set out on display. Don’t wait. Discover the different murals of Manly today!