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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

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