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Manly Favourite Sea Turtle ‘Brownie’ Returns to Ocean After Year-Long Recovery

What was once a severely injured green sea turtle has finally returned to her home waters off the Fairy Bower Beach near Manly, after surviving a complex medical battle that required almost a year of intensive care from local wildlife experts at the Taronga Wildlife Hospital.

A Difficult Rescue

The turtle, known affectionately by locals as Brownie, was in a critical state when divers found her off Shelly Beach in January. She was struggling to swim and had become trapped in more than a metre of fishing line, with several hooks stuck in her body. Rescuers immediately took her to Taronga Wildlife Hospital, where the veterinary team discovered the extent of her injuries.

The situation was dire for the marine animal. Veterinary staff had to remove the embedded hooks and help her pass 1.67 metres of fishing line through her system. A specialist scan later showed she had developed a bone infection in her front left flipper, likely caused by one of the hooks. This infection meant Brownie needed a long course of antibiotics and pain relief to have any chance of survival.

The Road to Recovery

Brownie’s treatment became one of the longest cases in the history of Taronga Wildlife Hospital. Veterinarian Gabi Tobias noted that releasing a vulnerable species back into the wild is a unique feeling and highlighted the teamwork required to save the animal. After eight months of medical attention, Brownie moved to SEA LIFE Sydney for the next stage of her journey.

At the new facility, she spent four months building up her swimming and diving strength. Staff monitored her progress closely with X-rays and blood tests to ensure she was ready for the ocean. On December 18, a NSW Police Boat carried the rehabilitated turtle offshore near Fairy Bower Beach. The team released her back into the area she is known to inhabit, marking the end of her 11-month recovery.

A Warning for Anglers

While Brownie’s story ended well, wildlife carers are worried about recent trends in the area. In the weeks leading up to Brownie’s release, the hospital admitted two more turtles with serious injuries from fishing gear. One of them is a critically endangered loggerhead turtle weighing over 110 kilograms. Both animals are now undergoing surgery and treatment.

Experts are urging people to be more careful when fishing to protect local marine life. The veterinary team advised anglers to keep all fishing lines, hooks, and bait covered and to take all rubbish home with them. They also stressed that if someone accidentally hooks or sees an injured animal, they should not cut the line but instead call a wildlife rescue group immediately, as this action could save the animal’s life.

Published Date 06-December-2026

Photo Credit: Taronga Zoo Sydney/ Facebook

Mexican Garden Bar Las Palmas Opens in Manly

Photo Credit: Las Palmas/Instagram

A new Mexican garden bar and taqueria has opened in Manly, with The Boathouse Group launching Las Palmas on the former Manly Waterworks site along West Esplanade.

Early Opening as Summer Pop-Up

Las Palmas opened to the public on Boxing Day, 26 December, as a summer pop-up, offering an early preview ahead of a broader launch planned for January. Doors opened from midday, with finishing works continuing as the venue moves toward completion in late January.

Management described the opening as a low-key opportunity for locals to experience the space during the festive period.

Manly dining — *Photo Credit: Las Palmas/Instagram*

From Waterslides to Dining

Las Palmas occupies the site of the former Manly Waterworks waterslide park on Manly Cove, adjacent to Manly Pavilion at the end of West Esplanade. The location has been redeveloped into an outdoor hospitality venue following the demolition of the water park.

The opening introduces a new food and drink offering to a site long recognised by locals for its recreational past.

West Esplanade Manly — *Photo Credit: Las Palmas/Instagram*

Coastal Mexican Menu and Drinks

The menu focuses on Mexican coastal flavours inspired by regions including Baja and Oaxaca. Dishes available include raw tuna and swordfish tostadas, beer-battered fish tacos, beef short rib barbacoa tacos and quesadillas, nachos, grilled seafood, churros and buñuelo ice-cream sandwiches.

The drinks menu includes margaritas, tequila, mezcal, cocktails, beer, wine and non-alcoholic options.

view full menu

Venue Design and Hours

The outdoor venue features palm trees, cacti in planter pots, large umbrellas and a timber archway entry with perimeter fencing. Open-air DJs are scheduled to play during afternoons and evenings.

Las Palmas operates from 11 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week, as outlined in development documentation associated with the site.

Local Response and What’s Next

Initial social media responses have been positive, with comments expressing anticipation and interest in visiting over the summer period. Walk-ins have also been discussed for New Year’s Eve.

Final elements of the venue are expected to be completed by late January, with Las Palmas continuing to trade throughout the summer.

Published 27-Dec-2025

Manly Living Seawalls Tour Set For Fairy Bower Pool

Photo Credit: livingseawalls/instagram

Manly has a spot where a plain sea wall is being turned into habitat, and locals can see the change up close at Fairy Bower during a guided coastal tour.

How Manly’s Sea Wall Is Being Reworked For Marine Life

The Living Seawalls Tour is scheduled for 2:00 pm – 3:00p.m. Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Fairy Bower Pool on Marine Parade and Bower Lane in Manly. Professor Melanie Bishop, a Living Seawalls co-lead and marine ecologist at Macquarie University, is the guide for the one-hour session.

*Photo Credit: livingseawalls/instagram*

Many seawalls protect land from waves, but their flat surfaces leave little room for marine life. Living Seawalls add habitat panels to change that. The Ocean Lovers Festival listing says the panels are backed by about 20 years of research and aim to help restore ecosystems impacted by development. The tour page says the habitats can support snails, crabs, oysters, mussels, and seaweeds.

What Locals Can Expect On The Fairy Bower Tour

The tour is timed for low tide, which makes it easier to view the installation and the marine life around it. The page recommends the experience for ages 12 and over, and says stepping into shallow water is optional.

People should wear shorts or pants they can roll up, especially if they want to get closer to the edge. The meeting point is Fairy Bower Beach, at the corner of Marine Parade and Bower Lane.

The organisers say it is about a 15-minute walk from Manly Wharf, which makes it easy for ferry travellers to join. The listing also states the tour may be rescheduled in heavy wind or rain.

How The Tour Fits Into Ocean Lovers Festival 2026

The Living Seawalls tour is part of Ocean Lovers Festival 2026. It’s a month-long Sydney program celebrating ocean culture, science, and community action. The festival runs from 1–31 March 2026.

buy tickets here

A Divernet feature on the festival highlights Manly as part of the 2026 expansion and says more Manly program details are expected to be released in January 2026. The same coverage points to harbour connections that make it easier for people to move between coastal event locations, including Manly.

Why This Matters For Manly’s Coastline

The ticket proceeds supports the Sydney Institute of Marine Science Living Seawalls program. The listing also notes Living Seawalls were finalists for the 2021 Earthshot Prize, which signals broader recognition of the approach.

For Manly residents, this familiar place on the coastal walk becomes a learning site, and community members can see how small design changes to the built shoreline can create more space for marine life to grow.

Published 22-December-2025

Spaceballs 2 Filming Activity Spotted on North Head in Manly

Photo Credit: Josh Greenbaum/Instagram

Filming for the Hollywood sequel Spaceballs 2 has been underway on North Head in Manly, with production vehicles and crew activity observed across the area.

Filming Activity In Manly

A location shoot for Spaceballs 2 took place on North Head, with film trucks, vans and catering vehicles positioned in the Barracks Precinct. Additional production vehicles were seen along Darley Road near the former Manly Hospital site. Signs for crew and extras were placed at the entrance to Bluefish Road. Swampland and bushland inside Sydney Harbour National Park were used for selected scenes.

The activity follows earlier filming at Turimetta Beach in Warriewood in early October. Principal photography for the sequel began on 16 September 2025.

Sydney filming — *Photo Credit: Josh Greenbaum/Instagram*

Background Of The Sequel

The film continues the universe introduced in the 1987 original. Returning cast members include Mel Brooks, Rick Moranis, Bill Pullman, Daphne Zuniga and George Wyner. They are joined by Josh Gad, Keke Palmer, Lewis Pullman and Anthony Carrigan.

Development for the sequel moved forward after the 2024 announcement that the project was officially underway, followed by casting updates through mid-2025.

North Head — *Photo Credit: Josh Gad/Instagram*

Filming Wrap And Project Updates

Filming concluded by 1 December 2025. Public posts from cast and crew marked the production wrap, including images from a celebration attended by several of the film’s returning and new cast members.

Josh Gad reflected on the production’s pace and the long process leading to the sequel’s creation. Daphne Zuniga also noted the experience of working again with co-stars almost four decades after the first film.

Spaceballs 2 — *Photo Credit: Josh Gad/Instagram*

Manly’s Role In Location Filming

The film’s team indicated that about half of the project would be filmed on location to support key story elements. Sydney sites, including Manly, have formed part of this plan.

Cinematography, design, costuming, makeup and special effects departments all contributed to the Sydney shoot. Multiple production companies involved in the project supported the work.

Community Reaction

Online responses to wrap announcements show strong interest from long-time fans. Comments highlighted enthusiasm for the return of Rick Moranis, the involvement of Mel Brooks, and anticipation for how the sequel may approach new franchise parodies.

Release Timeline

Spaceballs 2 is scheduled for release in 2027, with post-production expected to continue throughout 2026.

Published 3-Dec-2025

Teenager’s 25-Metre Fall Prompts Fresh Safety Warning at Jump Rock

Photo Credit: Creatures of Manly

Authorities have issued a fresh warning to thrillseekers after disturbing footage emerged of a teenager falling 25 metres from a tree at Manly’s Jump Rock.

The video, shared on the Creatures of Manly Facebook page, shows a young person jumping from near the top of a tree that stands on the 10-metre cliff face near Spring Cove. The jump went dangerously wrong when the individual struck several branches during the descent, causing an uncontrolled spin before hitting the water back-first.

Around a dozen other young people gathered on Jump Rock can be seen in the footage encouraging the jump with a countdown. One female voice in the video can be heard saying the group were behaving stupidly.

Northern Beaches Council has responded to the incident by reiterating its safety warnings for the area. The council said it has been working closely with police and other agencies to discourage people from jumping from coastal ledges.

According to the council, safety fencing and signage have been installed at the location and are regularly monitored for maintenance. The council has also made multiple requests to media outlets and web platforms, including Google, not to publicise locations that put people at risk.

Despite extensive safety measures, including warning signs and barricades designed to prevent access, Jump Rock continues to draw hundreds of visitors each year.

The site has a concerning history of injuries. In December 2023, emergency services were called when a 15-year-old boy broke his ankle after jumping into shallow water at low tide. Four years earlier, in December 2019, a 24-year-old woman suffered suspected spinal injuries after landing awkwardly.

Safety interventions at the site date back nearly two decades. In 2007, the former Manly Council installed three-metre steel fencing and warning signs along the cliff edge to deter jumpers. However, this measure saw some people begin jumping from the top of the fence instead. In 2009, the council briefly considered demolishing the rock platform entirely but ultimately decided against this approach.

The location, situated off Stuart Street near Spring Cove, remains a popular but perilous destination as warmer weather approaches.

Published 24-November-2025

Discover Botanical Beauty at Manly Art Gallery’s Garden Variety Exhibition

This summer, Manly Art Gallery & Museum (MAG&M) is inviting locals and visitors alike to experience a vibrant new exhibition, Garden Variety.

Read: Sydney Surfer Tom Myers Takes Top Honour at Big Wave Challenge for Queenscliff Bombie Ride

Presented by Northern Beaches Council as part of MAG&M’s Collective for Environmental Art & Design (CEAD) programme, Garden Variety features five contemporary Australian artists: Natasha Bieniek, Lucy Culliton, Nic Fern, Michael Kempson and Louise Zhang.

Photo credit: Google Maps/Manly Art Gallery & Museum

Visitors can expect a diverse mix of painting, printmaking and mixed‑media works. Natasha Bieniek’s miniature oil paintings capture botanical detail with precision, allowing viewers to appreciate the complexity of flowers and foliage. Louise Zhang presents vibrant, surreal compositions that merge floral imagery with cultural symbolism, creating works that are visually striking and thought‑provoking.

Artist Louise Zhang’s works (Photo credit: louisezhang.com)

Lucy Culliton contributes expressive depictions of rural gardens, bringing a personal and intimate perspective to the exhibition. Michael Kempson’s etchings offer layered narratives of landscape and memory. Nic Fern’s abstract works explore the emotional resonance of natural forms through texture and colour. A temporary bonsai display adds a living element to the gallery space, complementing the artworks on show.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking for a contemplative summer outing, Garden Variety offers an immersive experience that celebrates both creativity and the beauty of gardens.

Read: Rollers Bakehouse Forced to Pull Outdoor Dining in Manly Laneway

Mayor Sue Heins praised the exhibition: “Garden Variety is a beautiful reminder of how deeply gardens are woven into our lives,” noting that the show reflects on “themes of harmony, control, beauty and the natural world.”

MAG&M is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, at West Esplanade Reserve, Manly. For further details and ticket information, visit the gallery’s website.

Published 12-November-2025

Future of Manly Surf Club: $20m Plan Divides Community

A $20 million proposal to bulldoze and replace the 43-year-old Manly Surf Club has split the community, with some residents calling the plan a “gross overuse” of the site and others praising it as essential for public safety.

A Club ‘Past Its Use’

The Development Application (DA) for the contentious project has now been released for public feedback. Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins stated that the current clubhouse, which was built in 1982, has “outgrown its use” and is no longer adequate to support the safety of the more than 3.5 million people who visit Manly Beach annually.

The club itself, established in 1911, leases the building from the council and has described the DA’s release as an “exciting step forward.” Club officials have pointed out that the current building is falling into disrepair, with poor toilets, showers, and change rooms, as well as insufficient storage for vital surf rescue and training equipment.

The Proposed New Facility

The new design, created by Terrior architects, is inspired by the natural sandstone surroundings of the Manly peninsula. It proposes to expand the clubhouse footprint by approximately 10 per cent. This extra space would be used for significantly more equipment storage, allowing all watercraft to be removed from the public promenade.

The plans also include four additional public toilets and more showers, improved bag storage for swimming groups, and the retention of the popular coffee kiosk. For lifesavers, the building would provide better training facilities, equitable amenities for female volunteers, and improved line of sight to the beach for council lifeguards. A lift and wheelchair-compliant structures are included to improve disability access, following a two-year consultation process.

Community Concerns and Support

Despite the club’s support, the proposal has drawn sharp criticism from some local residents. Concerns have been raised that the new three-storey building is an “eyesore” and a “gross overuse” of the highly constrained site. Andrew Gordon, a Manly resident, argued the plans have not properly addressed the noise and traffic impacts the new facility, particularly its function room, could have on the surrounding residential neighbourhood.

However, other locals have supported the DA. Club President Tim Cuthbert, who is also a Manly resident, described the project as a carefully considered design that balances preserving the area’s character with meeting the community’s needs, enhancing public safety, and protecting the environment.

Funding and Next Steps

The council does not yet have the full $20 million required to deliver the project. To date, $11 million has been collected, which includes $5 million from the federal government and $1 million from the NSW government. Mayor Heins noted that having an approved DA is essential for securing the additional grant funding needed to complete the project. The DA is set to be assessed by the independent Sydney North Planning Panel.

Published Date 12-November-2025

Back on Deck: Narrabeen Rejoins the Circular Quay–Manly Route Ahead of Record Summer

One of Sydney Harbour’s most recognisable vessels, the MV Narrabeen, has officially returned to service on the F1 Circular Quay–Manly route after a major refurbishment, just in time for what is expected to be a record summer for ferry travel.

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

The Freshwater-class ferry, which first entered service in 1984, has been given a new lease of life through a large-scale restoration project. A team of NSW shipbuilders, engineers, electricians, plumbers and painters carried out a complete engine rebuild, installed modern control systems, repaired the hull, refreshed passenger areas and upgraded CCTV systems.

Narrabeen ferry at Manly, 2012 (Photo credit: CC-BY-SA-3.0/Maksym Kozlenko/Wikimedia Commons)

The Narrabeen can now carry up to 900 passengers per trip, boosting capacity on one of Sydney’s busiest and most scenic transport routes. Its return to service allows the MV Freshwater to enter dry dock at Garden Island for maintenance, continuing the renewal cycle of the Freshwater-class vessels.

Preserving a Harbour icon

The ferry’s return continues the Freshwater-class fleet’s long association with Sydney Harbour. Since entering service in 1984, the Narrabeen has been a familiar sight for commuters and visitors travelling between Manly and the city.

Premier Chris Minns said the refurbishment delivers on a promise to keep Sydney’s classic ferries on the water and preserve an important part of the city’s maritime identity.

Narrabeen at Manly, 1990 (Photo credit: CC-BY-4.0/Graeme Andrews/Wikimedia Commons)

Minister for Transport John Graham said the Freshwater-class ferries hold a special place in the hearts of both locals and visitors.

“The Freshwater-class are part of the fabric of Sydney Harbour, and it is great to see the Narrabeen once again cutting its way to Circular Quay,” Mr Graham said.

“These ferries are not just loved by Sydneysiders, a trip to Manly and back on one of them is part of so many Sydney holiday bucket lists for visitors to our city. Ferry patronage has been rising, and we expect the Harbour to be abuzz over the coming summer months.”

A welcome sight for Manly

The Narrabeen’s return is expected to be welcomed in Manly, where the Freshwater-class ferries have long been a vital link between the beaches and the city. For many residents, the vessels have been part of everyday life for decades, connecting Manly with the city across Sydney Harbour.

The Narrabeen’s return comes ahead of the busy summer period, when ferry patronage typically increases. With its 900-passenger capacity, the vessel is well suited to handle the expected rise in summer crowds.

With the Narrabeen back in service and the Freshwater in dry dock, work continues to maintain the four-vessel Freshwater-class fleet: Freshwater, Collaroy, Queenscliff and Narrabeen.

Read: AI Technology from Manly Vale Boosts Beach Safety

As the Narrabeen resumes her regular run between Circular Quay and Manly Wharf, she continues a maritime tradition that has connected the city and the beaches for more than a century.

Published 11-November-2025

Sydney Surfer Tom Myers Takes Top Honour at Big Wave Challenge for Queenscliff Bombie Ride

A video of surfer Tom Myers riding a large wave at Queenscliff Bombie in Manly went viral earlier this year, drawing international attention and leading to Myers winning the 2024/25 Men’s Ride of the Year at the Big Wave Challenge Awards in California. The footage captured him navigating a five-metre wave at one of Manly’s most challenging reef breaks.

Read: Layne Beachley’s Legacy: How Manly Shaped a Surfing Icon’s Mentorship

Queenscliff Bombie is located approximately one kilometre offshore from Queenscliff Beach. The reef break produces powerful left and right-hand waves and has hazards including rocks, strong rips, and sharks. The break requires advanced surfing experience and skill.

Myers, who manages two jobs and has a young family, called in sick from work to surf the swell. His ride impressed judges at the Big Wave Challenge Awards, where he competed against surfers at well-known big wave locations such as Mavericks in California and Jaws in Hawaii. The judges recognised both a single powerful wave and a second run, awarding him Men’s Ride of the Year.

Surfing commentator Bill Sharp described Myers as representing the “working man” style of big wave surfing, noting that his performance demonstrated skill while balancing life responsibilities. Myers had also previously ridden an almost identical wave at the same break in August, which was captured online and noted for its similarity to the April ride.

Photo credit: Instagram/Big Wave Challenge

The award brings global recognition and potential sponsorship opportunities for Tom Myers, as well as acknowledgment from the international surfing community. The northern beaches surfing community was recently affected by the death of fellow surfer Mercury Psillakis, who died in a shark attack off Dee Why Beach. Myers recognised this event in media coverage while attending the awards.

Read: Electric Hydrofoil Riders from Across Sydney, Including Manly, Seek Law Reform

Myers’ achievements highlight the capabilities of surfers at Queenscliff Bombie, a reef break that requires precise timing and experience to safely navigate large swells.

Published 29-October-2025

New Manly Project De Ville Offers Latent Defects Insurance On $3.5M–$14M Homes

Photo Credit: De Ville

De Ville is bringing a boutique luxury apartment project to 9–11 Victoria Parade in Manly, positioned about 100 metres from the harbour wharf and roughly 200 metres from the ocean, and it is among the first developments in the area to include a 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy for buyers.

Construction Timeline And Developer Details

Developers Equicentia and Wingala Capital, supported by Monark Property Partners, have stated construction is expected to commence shortly, with completion targeted for late 2027. The project is a seven-level residential building containing 12 oversized apartments, including three full-floor penthouses.

Pricing is understood to begin from around $3.5 million for two-bedroom layouts and rise to approximately $14 million at the penthouse level. The site has remained undeveloped for some time and sits within immediate reach of transport, retail and coastal amenities.

Design And Street Contribution

Early design material describes a coastal architectural approach with vertical brickwork, soft neutral finishes and large terraces intended to maximise natural light and airflow. The design references Manly’s dual outlook toward both the harbour and ocean.

The plans include ground-floor commercial and retail space fronting Victoria Parade, with sources indicating four to five tenancies depending on final configuration.

Community Protection Through Insurance Model

A defining feature of De Ville is its inclusion of 10-year Latent Defects Insurance. The policy is taken out before construction and provides first-resort cover for structural or waterproofing defects for a full decade after completion.

Under the LDI structure, owners can pursue claims directly with the insurer rather than proving fault against the developer or builder. Project representatives position this as a measure to increase buyer confidence and provide longer-term protection compared to standard warranty regimes.

Market Position And Local Impact

Coverage of the launch indicates the project targets downsizers and long-term owner-occupiers who want to stay in Manly while moving to lower-maintenance living.

Developers are positioning LDI-equipped projects in the market as a newer model of premium residential delivery that prioritises buyer protection. With limited new luxury projects underway in central Manly, sales agents have forecast strong interest given the rare location and elevated insurance safeguards.

Published 22-October-2025