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Bodylove Pilates Brings High-Energy Mindful Movement to Manly

Manly’s fitness scene has been transformed by a new boutique studio that offers local residents over 120 weekly opportunities to practice low-impact movement in a luxury coastal setting offered by Bodylove Pilates.

Coastal Design and Community Focus

*Photo Credit:* *Bodylove Pilates/ Facebook*

The new space marks a significant growth for the boutique fitness brand as it settles into its third Sydney location. Designed to feel like a calm escape from the busy beachfront, the interior uses natural materials like travertine stone and warm oak timbers to mirror the surrounding landscape.

Large windows stretching from the floor to the ceiling allow natural light to fill the rooms while offering views of the local area. This setting is intended to help people feel more connected to their environment while they focus on their physical health. The layout includes two separate areas for reformer equipment and a third space specifically for mat and barre exercises.

The Science of the Mindful Burn

The teaching method used at the studio focuses on a specific style of exercise that combines high energy with very controlled movements. Rather than just offering a standard workout, the program emphasises the way a person moves their body and the precision of their technique. This approach aims to build strength through low-impact routines that are easier on the joints but still challenging for the muscles.

By focusing on the connection between the mind and the body, the instructors help members move with more purpose. The schedule is built to be inclusive, offering sessions for people at all fitness levels, including those looking for specialised support during pregnancy.

Accessible Local Wellness

Residents looking to join the local fitness community have several ways to get started at the new facility. Pricing is set up to be flexible, with options ranging from single-class visits to weekly memberships that allow for unlimited sessions. For those who are unsure where to begin, a specific introductory offer allows newcomers to try eight different styles of classes over the first month.

Beyond the workout spaces, the studio provides practical features like on-site facilities and is located near local parking to make it easier for busy people to fit a session into their daily routine.

Published Date 02-February-2026

Photo Credit: Bodylove Pilates/ Facebook

Manly Beachfront Penthouse Set to Exceed Suburb Price Record

Photo Credit: Belle Property

A luxurious beachfront penthouse in Manly is poised to make local property history when it launches next week with a $40 million price guide—potentially exceeding the suburb’s current record by approximately $6 million.

The five-bedroom Waillea penthouse, located at 14/133-137 North Steyne on the northern end of the beachfront, represents what Belle Property Manly agent Anthony Calacocci describes as a unique opportunity in the prestige apartment market.

The sprawling 717-square-metre residence occupies the entire top floor of the Waillea building and is owned by former investment banker Peter Hunt and his wife Tania de Jong, who purchased the property off the plan in 2008 for $12.2 million.

At the time, the purchase price raised eyebrows among locals, particularly the concept of combining two penthouses to create a single mega-residence. The couple’s vision resulted in a home with 30 metres of ocean frontage, five bedrooms, five bathrooms, five lock-up garages, and an expansive balcony.

Mr Hunt said the property’s extensive beachfront exposure sets it apart from typical apartments in the area.

“Most beachfront apartments have only a small exposure to the ocean, while this penthouse has the longest side facing the sea and almost every room enjoys the view,” he explained. “The property is very quiet—you only hear the sound of the waves and hardly any traffic sounds.”

Mr Calacocci will launch the property on Monday, 2 February, with an expressions of interest campaign. He believes recent sales activity demonstrates strong demand for premium beachfront properties in Manly.

According to market data he provided, leasehold apartments in Aurora were selling for more than $75,000 per square metre three years ago, while Oceania units are now achieving $85,000 per square metre. The Waillea residence is priced at $100,000 per square metre.

Recent comparable sales include the Oceania penthouse at $22 million, Aurora apartments reaching up to $16 million, and last year’s Ondas penthouse sale at $18.05 million.

The residence features 2.7-metre-high ceilings, lift access, and living areas that open onto a large deck complete with a jacuzzi, outdoor shower, and two Vergolas.

Mr Hunt enjoyed a distinguished career in finance, including roles as executive director at Macquarie and at Bankers Trust before co-founding boutique investment bank Caliburn, which was later acquired by a United States-based bank for approximately $180 million. He retired from banking in 2018.

The couple are well known in the Manly community for founding the Manly Women’s Shelter, which later became Women’s Community Shelters of NSW. The model is now expanding into Victoria.

“I didn’t think there could be a problem in Manly at the time, and I was appalled when I realised the extent,” Mr Hunt said of the homelessness issue that prompted their philanthropic work.

The couple are relocating to Byron Bay, though Mr Hunt acknowledged it took considerable time to decide to list their Manly home.

If successful at the $40 million price point, the sale would establish a new benchmark for prestige apartments north of Sydney Harbour. Currently, Manly’s property record sits at approximately $34 million for a contemporary mansion on Bower Street, while the north shore apartment record stands at $28.25 million for the Kurraba Residences penthouse at Kurraba Point, which sold late last year.

The sale would still fall short of the north shore house price record of $50 million, set by the Mosman home of philanthropist Diane Balnaves at 11 Kirkoswald Avenue.

Published 30-January-2026

Two Hospitalised After Alleged Violent Incident at Manly Pub

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Two men remain in hospital following an alleged violent incident at a popular Manly pub late on Sunday night.

Emergency services were called to the Ivanhoe Hotel on The Corso around 11pm on 25 January after reports of an assault, according to NSW Police.

Paramedics treated two local men, aged 44 and 49, at the scene before transporting them to hospital with head injuries. Both men are reportedly in stable condition.

Police say the incident began as a verbal disagreement between the two victims and a younger man who was unknown to them. The younger man was accompanied by two women at the time.

According to authorities, the altercation escalated when the man allegedly struck the 44-year-old victim with a beer glass to the face and hit the 49-year-old multiple times in the head with a bar stool before leaving the premises.

The trio was last spotted walking along North Steyne, between Queenscliff and Manly Beach.

Detectives from Northern Beaches Police Area Command have released images of a man they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries. He is described as appearing to be in his late 30s to early 40s, with a solid build, short dark hair, a moustache, and tribal tattoos on both arms. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a white collared polo shirt with glasses secured in the neckline, shorts, and sneakers.

Anyone who can identify the man, witnessed the incident, or was in the area at the time with dashcam or mobile phone footage is urged to contact Manly Detectives or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Published 26-January-2026

Shark Repellents Sell Out at Manly Beach Surf Shops

Hari Narayan/Google Maps

Retailers across Australia watch shark repellents fly off shelves this summer, even as questions linger over their real-world performance for swimmers at beaches like Manly.

Demand surges nationwide for wearable devices such as magnetic bands and electric field emitters, with surf shops near Manly Wharf struggling to restock amid holiday crowds flocking to the sand.

Local beachgoers snap up wrist and ankle models before dawn patrols or family dips off North Steyne, seeking that extra edge in northern Sydney’s popular surf zone. Stores like Aloha Surf at 44 Pittwater Road report sales doubling as word spreads through community chats about recent shark sightings nearby.

Manly Retailers Hit Hard

Shops along The Corso and around Manly Beach stock popular brands like Sharkbanz and Shark OFF Rio series, designed for surfers and swimmers tackling daily waves. Aloha Surf Manly leads the rush with its core surf focus, where regulars grab deterrents for paddle sessions past the heads.

Sharkbanz shark deterrent tackle — *Photo Credit: Sharkbankz*

Families add them to kids’ gear for safe play in the shallows near Little Manly Cove, turning routine beach trips into proactive safety routines. This rush echoes patterns from past hot seasons but accelerates with online buzz and in-store displays emptying fast.

Device Technology Basics

Magnetic repellents overload shark electroreceptors with strong fields, while electric versions utilize battery-powered electrodes to emit a powerful field that overstimulates a shark’s sensory organs, causing them to turn away.

Manly users favor lightweight bands that strap on easily for body boarding or ocean swims toward Fairy Bower. They activate on contact with water, providing hours of coverage per charge for full beach outings at high-traffic spots.

Patented Deterrent Technology of Sharkbanz — *Photo Credit: Sharkbankz*

Proven Limits in Tests

Scientific trials confirm that high-end electric models, like the Ocean Guardian Freedom+ Surf, cut the chances of a shark taking bait from 96 percent to 40 percent. However, researchers warn that cheaper magnetic bands, while popular, showed little to no measurable effect in the same tests.

Effectiveness drops against great whites or in groups, highlighting why locals pair them with patrols. No device offers total protection, but the sales boom shows beach communities value the tested reductions anyway.

National Retail Trend

From Sydney’s northern beaches to Queensland spots, outlets like Rip Curl and online sellers see similar sell-outs of Ocean Guardian and Sharkbanz units. Rebate programs in some states boost access, letting more residents try before buying.

This widespread grab reflects summer caution as drone and net programs expand coverage across New South Wales.

Tips for Manly Beach Users

Visit Aloha Surf on Pittwater Road to compare options; while $50 magnetic bands are the top sellers for their convenience, experts recommend the more expensive electric rechargeables for those seeking scientifically-tested deterrence.

Check battery life and fit for ankles during SUP outings off North Steyne. Apps link to local shark spotters for combined use.

Published 24-January-2026.

What’s Proposed for Manly Wharf? $4.5M Arcade Upgrade Revealed

The central retail arcade at Manly Wharf is poised for a comprehensive transformation that could reshape how commuters and visitors experience one of Sydney’s most iconic ferry terminals.

Read: Saigon Supper Inn brings Saigon flavours to Manly Wharf

A $4.49 million development proposal currently on exhibition aims to convert the heritage-listed arcade into a unified food and beverage precinct, complete with a new skylight, weather protection, and restored heritage features. The plans represent the most significant upgrade to the retail thoroughfare in recent memory, promising to turn what’s often been a mere passageway into a genuine destination.

Photo credit: Northern Beaches – DA2025/1845

Brisbane-based Artemus Group, which acquired the wharf’s long-term leasehold for $80 million in 2023, has submitted the development application to local officials, with the public exhibition period running from 14 January through 11 February 2026.

What’s Changing?

The proposal involves consolidating the existing seven tenancies down to six, and three kiosks into two, reorganising the entire arcade into four distinct retail zones. According to the Statement of Environmental Effects, every tenancy will operate as a food and drink premises, with a deliberate focus on fresh food and artisanal produce.

Trading hours would extend from 6am to 1am, seven days a week, creating an all-day dining and gathering space at one of the harbour’s busiest transport hubs.

Manly Wharf — Photo credit: Northern Beaches – DA2025/1845

The physical transformation includes several notable features designed to improve both aesthetics and functionality. A new skylight will be installed above the arcade, allowing natural light to penetrate the space throughout the day. Glass sliding doors will be added at the entrance to provide weather protection during Sydney’s unpredictable conditions, whilst existing shopfronts, partitions and internal elements will be removed to create a more open, cohesive environment.

Lighting and signage will receive comprehensive upgrades, and the development includes plans for fixed seating and improved waiting areas for ferry passengers seeking shelter between services. The flexibility built into the tenancy arrangements means operators could combine two spaces if desired, allowing for larger venues or more diverse offerings.

Heritage Restoration at the Heart

Perhaps most significant for those concerned about preserving Manly’s character, the development specifically commits to restoring and reinstating heritage-significant features. The Statement of Environmental Effects emphasises that the proposed works will improve public amenity, provide additional shelter and areas of respite for ferry passengers, and restore heritage elements.

This isn’t Artemus Group’s first project at Manly Wharf. Since acquiring the property in 2023, the company has been transforming the precinct. The group purchased the former Manly Wharf Bar for $30 million and reopened it as Felons, part of its broader vision for the site.

Community Input Critical

The public exhibition period represents a crucial window for residents and stakeholders to weigh in on the proposal. Feedback can be submitted through the Northern Beaches planning portal, with the development application reference DA2025/1845.

For a precinct that serves as both a vital transport hub and a gateway to one of Sydney’s most beloved beaches, the arcade’s transformation could have far-reaching implications. The question facing the Manly community is whether converting the entire retail offering to food and beverage premises, with extended trading hours until 1am, aligns with local expectations for the space.

Artemus Group has positioned the development as part of its ongoing commitment to improving Manly Wharf for all users – commuters rushing to catch ferries, tourists exploring the area, and locals seeking harbourside dining options. The company envisions creating a destination that honours the wharf’s heritage whilst meeting contemporary demands.

Whether this vision resonates with the community will become clearer as feedback rolls in during the exhibition period. With the wharf serving as Manly’s gateway, getting this transformation right matters not just for daily commuters, but for the suburb’s identity and economic vitality.

Read: Late-Night Trading Plans Raise Concerns in Manly

The development application documents are available for viewing on the Northern Beaches e-planning portal until 11 February.

Published 21-January-2026

Manly Surfer Fighting For Life After Shark Attack at North Steyne Beach

Photo Credit: North Steyne Surf Lifesaving Club

A 27-year-old musician and surfer remains in critical condition at Royal North Shore Hospital following a devastating shark attack at North Steyne Beach in Manly on Monday evening.

Andre de Ruyter, who had travelled from Wollongong for a day of surfing, was attacked around 6:20pm and suffered severe lower leg injuries that resulted in cardiac arrest. He was pulled from the water by fellow surfers and received emergency treatment on the beach before being rushed to hospital, where surgeons were forced to amputate his lower right leg overnight.

**Andre De Ruyter**
Photo Credit: Instagram / @san_andreas_2o

The attack has been attributed to a bull shark, based on a 15-centimetre bite mark found on Mr de Ruyter’s surfboard, according to shark biologists from the primary industries department.

Mr de Ruyter’s survival has been credited to an extraordinary chain of fortunate circumstances and rapid emergency response. Surf lifesavers were conducting CPR and first aid training at the North Steyne Surf Club when the attack occurred, allowing them to respond immediately with a defibrillator and tourniquet.

Photo Credit: Instagram / @maryanne.stuart_heathcote

NSW Ambulance acting-Superintendent Christie Marks described the coordinated rescue effort, which included members of the public who helped keep Mr de Ruyter afloat and assisted with the tourniquet application. An off-duty NSW Ambulance doctor who happened to be swimming at the beach also provided crucial medical assistance.

In an unprecedented move, NSW Highway Patrol officers met the ambulance at Spit Bridge to deliver 13 additional units of blood in what Ms Marks characterised as an “F1 pit stop”, ensuring Mr de Ruyter received urgent transfusions during transport.

The Manly incident was the third shark attack in New South Wales within 24 hours. On Monday morning, an 11-year-old boy was attacked at Dee Why Point, whilst on Sunday afternoon a 12-year-old boy was bitten near Shark Beach at Vaucluse whilst swimming outside a netted area. A fourth attack occurred on Tuesday at Point Plomer on the Mid North Coast, where a 39-year-old man required hospitalisation.

All attacks have been attributed to bull sharks, a species known for inhabiting shallow coastal waters, estuaries and even freshwater rivers.

Northern Beaches Council lifeguards evacuated Manly Beach immediately following Monday’s attack and closed all northern beaches. Surf Life Saving NSW deployed drones, whilst the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and lifesavers on jet skis conducted water patrols. Beach closures remained in effect on Tuesday as authorities continued monitoring the area.

The cluster of attacks has prompted heightened safety protocols across NSW beaches and renewed focus on public awareness regarding shark activity in coastal waters.

Published 20-January-2026

Surfer in Critical Condition After Shark Attack at North Steyne Beach

A 27-year-old musician is fighting for his life in critical condition after a shark attack at North Steyne Beach in Manly on Monday evening.

Andre de Ruyter, from Wollongong, was surfing at the popular beach around 6:20pm when he was attacked by what authorities believe was a shark. He suffered severe leg injuries and went into cardiac arrest by the time paramedics arrived.

**Andre de Ruyter**
Photo Credit: Facebook / Andre de Ruyter

Fellow surfers pulled Mr de Ruyter from the water and provided immediate assistance on the sand. In a stroke of extraordinary fortune, surf lifesavers were conducting CPR and first aid training at the nearby North Steyne Surf Club when the attack occurred, allowing them to respond within moments with a defibrillator and medical equipment.

An off-duty NSW Ambulance doctor who happened to be swimming at the beach also rushed to assist, providing critical medical care alongside the surf lifesavers and members of the public who had helped bring Mr de Ruyter to shore.

Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive Steven Pearce confirmed that lifesavers applied a tourniquet to Mr de Ruyter’s injured leg and commenced CPR at the scene.

NSW Ambulance acting-Superintendent Christie Marks praised the coordinated response effort, highlighting an unusual measure taken during transport to Royal North Shore Hospital. Two NSW Highway Patrol vehicles met the ambulance at Spit Bridge to deliver 13 additional units of blood in what Ms Marks described as an “F1 pit stop” manoeuvre, necessary due to the significant blood loss Mr de Ruyter had suffered.

Northern Beaches Council lifeguards immediately evacuated all swimmers from Manly Beach and closed beaches along the northern beaches following the attack. Surf Life Saving NSW deployed drones, while the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and lifesavers on jet skis searched for the shark.

The attack at Manly was the third shark incident in Sydney waters within 24 hours. On Sunday afternoon, a 12-year-old boy was bitten by a shark near Shark Beach at Vaucluse and remains in intensive care at Sydney Children’s Hospital with serious leg injuries. Earlier on Monday morning, an 11-year-old boy’s surfboard was bitten by a shark at Dee Why Point, though the boy escaped physical injury.

Surf Life Saving NSW president Steve Pearce described the incident as “bad”, reflecting growing concern among lifesavers following the string of shark encounters across Sydney beaches.

Authorities have urged the public to swim between the red and yellow flags, avoid dawn and dusk swimming when sharks are more active, and follow all beach closures and safety warnings.

Published 19-January-2026

Rare Pygmy Killer Whale Stranding In Manly Ends In Death

Photo Credit: Org. for the Rescue & Research of Cetaceans in Australia/Instagram

A rare pygmy killer whale became stranded alive at Manly Beach, drawing an urgent response from wildlife rescuers and the local community. Sadly, the animal did not survive.

Emergency Response At Manly Beach

The stranding occurred on Sunday 18 January 2026, when reports of a live marine animal on the sand were received at about 1 p.m. (AEDT). Members of the public and the Manly Surf Life Saving Club contacted the ORRCA rescue hotline after noticing the animal on the shoreline.

Specially trained ORRCA rescue coordinators gathered information and mobilised a response team. By the time rescuers arrived, several re-float attempts had already been made by bystanders. Despite these efforts, the animal died.

whale stranding — *Photo Credit: Whale and Dolphin Conservation*

Identification Confirmed After Initial Assessment

The animal was initially described as a dolphin and later identified as a melon-headed whale. Further assessment confirmed it was a pygmy killer whale, a small oceanic toothed whale rarely seen close to shore.

Pygmy killer whales typically grow to just over two metres in length and are most commonly found in deep tropical and subtropical waters. Sightings near beaches are uncommon, and limited information is available about their behaviour due to their offshore habitat and infrequent surface activity.

Post-Incident Examination Planned

Following the incident, the animal was transported by NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service to Taronga Wildlife Hospital. A necropsy will be carried out in the coming days and weeks to determine the cause of the stranding and death.

The examination is expected to help improve understanding of this individual animal and contribute to broader knowledge about the species and marine environment.

Manly whale stranding — *Photo Credit: Whale and Dolphin Conservation*

Community Response And Public Guidance

ORRCA acknowledged the efforts of the Manly community, noting the strong public concern shown during the incident. Wildlife responders reiterated that while public care is valued, stranded marine mammals require professional assessment, and returning an animal to the water is not always appropriate.

Members of the public are advised to avoid attempting rescues without expert guidance and to contact trained responders immediately if a whale, dolphin or seal is found in distress.

Published 19-Jan-2026

Manly Ferry MV Collaroy to be Scrapped After Three Decades of Service

The MV Collaroy, one of Sydney’s most recognisable ferries on the beloved Circular Quay to Manly route, is set to be scrapped after Transport for NSW opened tenders for the vessel’s disposal.

Read: Narrabeen Ferry Set to Return to Manly Route After Major Repairs

The Freshwater-class ferry, which retired from passenger service in September 2023, has reached what Transport for NSW describes as “the end of its economic life” as a public transport vessel. According to tender documentation on its procurement website, scrapping has been identified as “the only viable method of disposal.”

The tender, which closes on 16 March 2026, seeks “ship recycling yards or contractors experienced in ferry decommissioning and vessel disposal” with the capacity to dismantle a passenger ferry and manage the lawful disposal of vessel materials.

A Ferry Built for the Ocean

The MV Collaroy was the final Freshwater-class ferry to enter service in 1988 and was named after Collaroy Beach. Unlike her sister vessels, she was uniquely equipped with underwater stabilisers, enhanced radar for ocean cruises, and thicker hull plating.

This special design earned Collaroy the honour of carrying the Olympic Flame across Sydney Harbour during the 2000 Summer Olympics. However, her service wasn’t without incident—in February 2001, the ferry ran aground on Manly Point, requiring $2 million in repairs and several months out of service.

The Collaroy was originally meant to continue operating alongside her sister vessel Freshwater on weekends and public holidays. However, in June 2022, it was announced that she would be retired due to difficulty obtaining parts for her unique systems.

The Last RiverCat

Meanwhile, the phasing out of Sydney’s RiverCat fleet is nearly complete. The MV Dawn Fraser remains the last operational RiverCat. Six of her sister ships have already been scrapped at Yamba by Polaris Marine Group. The seven RiverCat catamarans, all named after famous Australian female athletes, entered service between 1992 and 1995 on the Parramatta River route.

The RiverCats are being replaced by seven new Parramatta River-class ferries. According to Transport for NSW, the new vessels use 40 per cent less diesel and are future-proofed for conversion to electric propulsion. Six of the new vessels are already in service.

End of an Era

For many Northern Beaches residents who have commuted to the city or enjoyed leisurely harbour crossings aboard the Collaroy, the news represents the closing of a cherished chapter. The ferry’s distinctive profile and ocean-going capabilities made her a standout in Sydney’s fleet for more than three decades.

The scrapping of both the Collaroy and the remaining RiverCats marks a significant shift in Sydney’s ferry operations. While the new vessels promise improved environmental performance and modern amenities, the retirement of these iconic ferries signals the end of an era for Sydney Harbour and the Parramatta River.

Read: Australian-Made Revamp Gives Manly Fast Ferry a Stylish Upgrade

As tender bids for the Collaroy’s disposal are evaluated in the coming months, maritime enthusiasts and regular commuters alike may feel a pang of nostalgia for the ferry that once carried the Olympic flame and countless passengers across one of the world’s most beautiful harbours.

Published 16-January-2026

Longer Shark Detection Drone Season Rolls Out in Manly

Photo Credit: Surf Life Saving NSW/Facebook

A longer season of shark detection drone patrols is underway across the Northern Beaches, with expanded surveillance and safety initiatives in place for summer.

A Longer Season Of Aerial Surveillance

Drone-based shark monitoring has operated along the NSW coastline for almost a decade, with patrols traditionally concentrated during peak summer periods. Following a fatal shark attack at Dee Why Beach in September 2025, the timing and duration of surveillance activities were reviewed.

The revised approach extends aerial monitoring across the summer months, increasing coverage during periods of higher beach activity across the Northern Beaches.

Manly shark drones — *Photo Credit: Surf Life Saving NSW/Facebook*

Earlier Patrols And Extended Coverage

Surf Life Saving NSW drone patrols commenced a week earlier than usual on Saturday, 13 December 2025. Surveillance expanded to 50 beaches by 20 December, with drones operating daily throughout the Christmas and January holiday period.

From February, patrols continue on weekends until Sunday, 29 March 2026. Beaches across the Northern Beaches, including Manly, fall within the broader surveillance network operating under the extended schedule.

Monitoring Beyond Standard Patrol Hours

Additional drones and training are being rolled out to boardrider clubs through Surfing NSW. This allows for increased monitoring during unpatrolled times and at organised surf events.

The additional coverage is designed to complement existing lifesaving patrols and improve overall situational awareness at busy coastal locations.

*Photo Credit: Surf Life Saving NSW/Facebook*

Emergency Response Improvements

Community Shark Bite Kits are being installed at unpatrolled beaches and on emergency response beacons in high-risk coastal locations. The kits contain tourniquets, compression bandages, dressings and other essential first aid supplies intended to support immediate response to serious bite injuries.

Further measures include updates to the SharkSmart app and expanded community education initiatives, including pop-up safety sessions delivered at coastal locations.

Summer Safety Outlook

Surf lifesaving organisations report that drone surveillance provides earlier detection and improved warning capability for beach users. While the risk of shark interactions cannot be eliminated, extended patrols and enhanced response tools are expected to strengthen beach safety outcomes for Manly over the summer period.

Published 13-Jan-2026