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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

Manly’s Secret Whisky Bar The Cumberland Officially Listed For Sale

Photo Credit: The Cumberland/Facebook

The Cumberland, Manly’s secret basement speakeasy, is officially for sale after six years of drawing locals and tourists into its hidden whisky bar beneath Central Avenue.

A Hidden Local Favourite

Opened in 2019, the concealed venue sits behind a vintage deli fridge inside Cove Deli in the heart of Manly, accessible only via a spiral staircase leading to its underground lounge.

The Cumberland is known locally for its entry, a disguised fridge door that conceals a staircase into a fully fitted underground bar styled after 1920s Prohibition-era drinking spots.

With seating for about 75 people, the bar offers more than 250 varieties of whisky, along with natural wines, craft beers and classic cocktails. Its charcuterie boards are lifted from the street-level Cove Deli through a restored dumbwaiter, adding to its old-world approach.

Nationally Recognised Venue

Its owners confirmed they are exiting hospitality and seeking offers above $2.2 million, after the passing of Norfolk Property Group co-founder and Manly architect Bob Blackmore in August.

The venue earned national attention after being named Small Bar of the Year at the 2021 Australian Bartender Bar Awards. It has also received international and Sydney design honours for its marble, leather and antique brass interiors. Its fit-out is estimated at over $1.2 million, according to its commercial listing.

Owners Step Back After Leadership Loss

The bar is owned by the Norfolk Property Group, who installed a management team to run operations. With Mr Blackmore’s passing earlier this year, the group has opted to retire from hospitality and refocus on family.

Representatives said they originally created The Cumberland to offer Manly something unique that reflected the area’s character beyond beachfront venues.

Investment Opportunity Amid High Demand

Belle Property Commercial is marketing the venue as a fully operational hospitality asset with strong buyer interest already expressed. The listing notes a potential rental return of $150,000 to $175,000 per year, with one leasing offer currently on hold.

The bar sits within a mixed-use complex off Central Avenue, less than five minutes from the Manly Wharf ferry to the Sydney CBD, a location that consistently benefits from both local and visitor foot traffic.

Published 22-October-2025

End of an Era as Manly Waterworks Demolished After 45 Years

Photo Credit: Google Maps

After 45 years in operation, the well-known Manly Waterworks—formerly known as Surf n Slide—has been permanently closed, with demolition works now underway along West Esplanade.

Closure Follows Safety Concerns

The Boathouse Group confirmed the harbourfront attraction’s closure after engineers deemed the slide structure unsafe. The group, which took over the lease in 2021 along with Manly Pavilion, said reopening would have required a complete rebuild.

Manly Waterworks demolition — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Historical Background

Opening in 1981, Manly Waterworks became one of the area’s most popular attractions and gained fame in the 1980s film BMX Bandits starring Nicole Kidman. The site, sitting on Crown land beside the now-demolished Manly Sea Life Sanctuary, was briefly closed in 2015 before being purchased a year later.

The park’s lease appeared on Facebook Marketplace in 2021 with a $950,000 asking price, later acquired by The Boathouse Group.

Surf n Slide Manly — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

The End of a Local Landmark

The Boathouse Group stated the decision was based on safety findings and the park’s lack of alignment with its hospitality business focus. Demolition began in late September 2025, marking the end of one of Manly’s last remaining amusement-era venues.

Future of the Site

The site remains under the Manly Pavilion Precinct lease, and The Boathouse Group has not confirmed specific redevelopment plans. Concepts under consideration include a garden-themed sister venue to The Espy or cultural activations in collaboration with the nearby Manly Art Gallery.

Local Reaction

Community members shared nostalgia and disappointment over the closure, recalling decades of memories from school holidays and local celebrations. Some expressed frustration at the limited notice before shutdown, while others called for preservation of Manly’s recreational heritage.

What Happens Next

Demolition is expected to conclude within weeks, and The Boathouse Group has indicated a desire to activate the foreshore precinct before the end of summer.

Published 22-Oct-2025

Saigon Supper Inn brings Saigon flavours to Manly Wharf

Photo Credit: saigonsupperinn/instagram

Saigon Supper Inn has arrived at Manly Wharf, offering commuters and locals an authentic taste of Vietnamese street food crafted by chef Bao La.

Transformation of Manly Wharf

Saigon Supper Inn opened on 12 September 2025 at Manly Wharf, taking over the former Chat Thai site. The venue is part of a wider redevelopment of the precinct by Brisbane-based Artemus Group, which bought the leasehold for $80 million in 2023.

*Photo Credit: saigonsupperinn/instagram*

Since the purchase, the group has rebranded Wharf Bar into Felons Brewing Co, launched Felons Seafood, and acquired Hugos Italian. It is also building a microbrewery and diner where Aldi once operated. Co-founder Adam Flaskas said their goal is to revitalise Manly Wharf while keeping it inclusive for locals and visitors.

Chef Bao La’s Story

Head chef Bao La grew up in his family’s restaurant in Australia before training with chefs Dan Hong and Jowett Yu. He later worked in Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Paris, opening acclaimed venues including Le Garçon Saigon and Le Petit Saigon.

In Vietnam, he partnered with social enterprise KOTO to launch ST25 by KOTO at Sofitel Saigon Plaza, which earned a Michelin Selected Award. After returning home, he settled in the Northern Beaches to share authentic Vietnamese flavours with the community. His cooking focuses on fresh produce, sustainability, and simple, accessible dishes.

Flavours of Saigon

The menu captures the street food flavours of Ho Chi Minh City. It features five types of Banh Mi made with baguettes baked daily using sustainable New South Wales flour and traditional fillings.

Another highlight is the Saigon-style beef pho, made with a sweet broth and beef from local regenerative farmers at CopperTree Farms. Saigon Supper Inn also serves Vietnamese iced coffee, kombucha, and coconut juice, open Wednesday to Sunday for dine-in and takeaway.

A Local Connection

Saigon Supper Inn’s philosophy goes beyond food. Bao aims to foster a sense of community among locals and travellers through shared meals and approachable service. His team acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Gayemagal people of the Eora Nation, and expresses respect for their elders.

The focus on community, local produce, and cultural respect makes Saigon Supper Inn a fitting addition to the evolving Manly Wharf precinct.

Published 8-October-2025

Late-Night Trading Plans Raise Concerns in Manly

Photo Credit: Pexels

Plans to establish a Special Entertainment Precinct in Manly have raised debate, with police concerned about safety and local businesses questioning extra costs.

Expanding The Precinct Model

Special Entertainment Precincts are part of wider reforms designed to reduce red tape, extend trading hours and support live music. Enmore Road became Sydney’s first permanent precinct in 2023, where alcohol-related assaults fell and 84 per cent of locals supported the change.

In June 2024, the state confirmed five new precincts across Sydney, with Manly and Cronulla added in September 2025. Manly’s precinct will be supported by a $173,760 Kickstart Grant, with a one-year trial beginning in mid-2026 under council monitoring.

Manly nightlife — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Extra Patrols On The Corso Raise Questions

The Northern Beaches Police Area Command has expressed concern that extended hours could increase late-night incidents around The Corso and East Esplanade. Police suggested a user-pays model, similar to large music festivals where organisers cover policing costs.

Between March 2024 and March 2025, there were 25 assaults recorded in licensed venues in Manly, along with 12 disorderly conduct incidents and three drug offences. In January 2025, about 40 people were involved in a brawl at Manly Wharf.

Venue Closures Highlight Industry Pressures

Venue operators argue that any extra costs for policing would undermine the benefits of the reforms. Businesses have pointed to financial pressures in the sector, citing closures such as the Manly Boatshed and Sake Restaurant & Bar at Manly Wharf. Industry representatives note that venues already pay licence fees, levies and taxes, and say additional costs would be difficult to absorb.

Shifting Nightlife Trends

New data highlights broader changes in Sydney’s nightlife. In June 2025, hours worked in Manly’s restaurants rose by 314.8 per cent compared with June 2024, while bar hours fell by 27.5 per cent. Bondi and Parramatta also recorded significant increases, reflecting a shift towards suburban hubs as CBD activity continues to decline.

Locals See Opportunities Amid Concerns

Some local restaurateurs believe a precinct in Manly could improve safety by offering more late-night venues and reducing public drinking in outdoor areas. Others support the reforms for their potential to strengthen Manly’s cultural calendar and attract more visitors.

Trial Will Test Manly’s Nightlife Balance

Manly’s Special Entertainment Precinct will be trialled from mid-2026, aiming to balance extended nightlife with community safety and business viability. The outcome will determine whether the reforms deliver lasting benefits while addressing concerns over policing and operational costs.

Published 28-Sep-2025

Work Begins on Gymnastics Centre in North Manly

Photo Credit: DA2023/1708

Demolition has begun at the former North Manly Bowling Club to make way for a $10.3 million gymnastics and trampoline facility.

From Bowling Green to Gymnastics Arena

The project is taking place at the old North Manly Bowling Club, which closed in 2018. The land is part of District Park, an area that hosts various community and sporting activities.

The Manly Warringah Gymnastics Club, with more than 2,800 members, secured approval in August 2024 to develop a 3,000 square metre Centre of Excellence for gymnastics and trampoline.

Funding the $10.3 Million Project

The project is being delivered through a public–private partnership with Northern Beaches Council. The gymnastics club is responsible for funding and managing the facility.

Funding has come from both the federal and NSW governments, as well as the club’s own fundraising efforts. Additional contributions were made through government programs to ensure the project reached its full budget.

Manly Warringah Gymnastics Club — *Photo Credit: DA2023/1708*

Demolition, Construction and Deadlines

Site fencing was installed in late August 2025 to prepare the area and ensure safety. Demolition began in September 2025, with construction expected to commence in December 2025, weather permitting.

The facility is anticipated to be completed by late 2026. Work hours are set for 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, though some out-of-hours work may be required. Nolan Reserve sporting fields will remain open throughout the project.

Traffic and parking impacts are expected during the week, with traffic control measures in place to minimise disruption.

What the New Centre Will Offer

The new centre will be recognised as a Centre of Excellence by Gymnastics Australia and Gymnastics NSW. It is expected to attract around 300,000 visitors each year.

Programs will include recreational sport, elite training clinics, competitions and coach education. The centre will also provide sports medicine and rehabilitation services.

Beyond gymnastics and trampoline, the design accommodates sports that involve aerial movement such as snow sports, diving, surfing, skating and acrobatics.

gymnastics centre — *Photo Credit: DA2023/1708*

How the Site Was Chosen

The project followed a detailed evaluation process. Proposals for the future of the site were narrowed to five options before a final decision was made. A targeted expression of interest process and a panel, which included community representation, confirmed the gymnastics centre as the preferred option.

Next Steps for North Manly

Construction of the facility is scheduled to begin in December 2025. Completion is expected by late 2026, providing North Manly with a new high-performance sporting hub for the community.

Published 28-Sep-2025

Rollers Bakehouse Forced to Pull Outdoor Dining in Manly Laneway

A well-loved Manly bakery has lost its outdoor seating in Rialto Lane after safety concerns were raised about the narrow laneway, leaving thousands of locals frustrated by the decision.

From laneway charm to safety concerns

Since opening in 2018, Rollers Bakehouse has built a reputation for its croissants and colourful pastries, with many customers enjoying their coffee and food on stools and benches lining Rialto Lane. The café’s laneway setting became part of its identity, attracting as many as 600 people on weekends.

That setting came under scrutiny in December 2023, when a complaint raised safety concerns about trucks and trade vehicles navigating the narrow strip. Council staff later reported that 11 bollards separating pedestrians and vehicles in the lane had been struck by vehicles.

By July 2024, Rollers was allowed a nine-month trial to reinstate its outdoor furniture, but just a month later, the arrangement was revoked.

A split council and a failed motion

At the September 2025 meeting, Cr Vincent De Luca tried to overturn the earlier ruling, arguing no safety issues had been logged during the trial. He suggested a compromise that included a shared pedestrian-vehicle zone with traffic calming features such as speed humps and a strict 10km/h speed limit.

His motion failed, leaving the eatery without outdoor seating. Cr Candy Bingham stood by her opposition, saying the lane was designed as a service road and not as a dining space.

Roller Bakehouse laneway — *Photo Caredit: Roller Bakehouse/Facebook*

Community support and business frustration

Owner James Sideris said the claims of damaged bollards were misleading, noting the three in front of Rollers Bakehouse had not been affected. He argued the bakery’s success had contributed to the gentrification of the laneways, bringing investment and foot traffic into the area.

More than 3,700 people signed an online petition supporting Rollers’ right to maintain its outdoor dining, highlighting the role the café plays in Manly’s social life.

Outdoor seating in Rialto Lane had also been mentioned in the council’s My Place: Manly plan to boost visitor numbers. Despite that, officials voted against its continuation, leaving many residents disappointed at the loss of what they considered a community meeting spot.

What’s next for Rialto Lane?

The decision has raised broader questions about how Manly’s laneways are used and whether balancing safety and vibrancy is possible. The owner has said he remains open to negotiating a middle ground that would address liability concerns while allowing customers to continue using the outdoor space.

Published 19-Sept-2025

Manly Resident Jailed for Triple Break-in at Palm Beach Restaurant

Photo Credit: Dunes Palm Beach

A Manly resident has been sentenced to 12 months imprisonment after conducting an unusual crime spree that saw him break into the same Palm Beach restaurant three times within a fortnight to steal premium seafood and alcohol.

Luke Gavin Cook, 32, appeared before Manly Local Court on Wednesday where he pleaded guilty to three counts of break and enter relating to incidents at Dunes restaurant in Palm Beach during July.

The unemployed local man’s criminal behaviour followed a distinctive pattern across his three visits to the popular northern beaches dining establishment. Court documents revealed that Cook would force open the restaurant’s bi-fold doors before helping himself to high-quality ingredients including oysters, Morton Bay bugs, flathead fillets, octopus, and lamb.

What set Cook’s crimes apart was his method of consumption. Rather than simply stealing the food, he would take his pilfered produce to nearby Governor Phillip Park where he cooked elaborate meals on the public barbecue facilities. He even took salt grinders and pepper mills from the restaurant to properly season his illicit feasts, washing everything down with premium Chivas Regal scotch whisky also stolen from the premises.

The first incident occurred on 6 July around 8pm, when Cook spent nearly four hours inside the restaurant before departing with flathead and Morton Bay bugs. His second visit on 14 July saw him take oysters, lamb pieces, and octopus along with the expensive whisky. The final break-in on 22 July proved the most costly, causing $4,000 in damage to the premises as he forced entry and made off with additional food items and kitchen utensils.

Dunes describes itself as offering “a white-washed, laid-back, beach-friendly take on informal all-day dining with concertina windows opening onto a decked terrace” and serves as a popular venue for weekend dining and wedding receptions.

Photo Credit: Facebook / Dunes Palm Beach

When arrested by local police, Cook admitted to officers that he had also stolen 12 bottles of alcohol during his restaurant raids.

Magistrate Daniel Reiss noted during sentencing that while Cook possessed an extensive 14-year criminal history that included violent offences, he had no prior convictions specifically for breaking and entering charges.

The magistrate imposed a 12-month jail term with a non-parole period of nine months. Taking into account time already served in custody, Cook will become eligible for parole on 28 April next year.

The case highlights ongoing security challenges faced by hospitality venues in the area, particularly those in isolated locations near public facilities that can provide cover for criminal activity.

Local business operators have been advised to review their premises security arrangements and consider additional protective measures, especially for establishments located adjacent to public parks and recreational areas.

Published 3-September-2025