DK Travel : Sydney : The North Shore : Places of interest

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Balls Head Reserve

On the headland east of Manns Point and the Parramatta River (see Birchgrove) lies this pleasant park, site of Aboriginal rock art and bushwalking trails. It offers stunning views across the harbour to Goat Island and Balmain (see Balmain East). BBQ facilities are available, and it’s easily accessible from Waverton Railway Station. The park is cradled by the dormitory suburbs of Waverton and Wollstoncraft, the latter named after Edward Wollstoncraft, nephew of Mary Wollstoncraft, the author of Rights of Women . Edward was an enterprising local merchant who operated a shipping business with his partner Alexander Berry, after whom the bay to the east was named.
Cabbage Tree Bay

A lovely bay that features shallow crystal waters, wind-sculpted sandstone cliffs, the magical Fairy Bower rockpool and protected Shelly Beach.
Collins Beach

The site where Governor Phillip was speared in 1788 is a peaceful spot nowadays (see Collins Beach). Steps lead to a secluded rock diving platform.
Former St Patrick’s Seminary

A prominent 1885 seminary for Catholic priests was the setting forThomas Keneally’s novel Three Cheers for the Paraclete . It is now a college of hospitality and tourism.
Kirribilli

Kirribilli is Australia’s most densely populated suburb. But it is better known for two residences that occupy its tip: Admiralty House (1843) and neighbouring Kirribilli House (1855). The former was the residence of the Commander of the British Royal Navy, and is now the Sydney residence of the Governor General, the Queen’s representative in Australia. The latter is the official Sydney residence of the Australian Prime Minister. The Gothic Kirribilli House has one of the best views in Australia.
Lavender Bay & Blues Point

East of Berry’s Bay, this cove has great views of the Opera House framed by the Harbour Bridge. It was named after George Lavender, a boatswain who married the daughter of his neighbour Billy Blue (see William “Billy” Blue). In 1817 Governor Macquarie granted Billy Blue 32 ha (80 acres) west of Lavender Bay. In 1830, at the age of 82, Billy Blue established a ferry service from Dawes Point to the headland that now bears his name. There is a small reserve at its end, but the point is dominated by a Harry Seidler (see Rose Seidler House) apartment building that many consider an eyesore.
Manly

This peninsula was so named because Governor Phillip felt the Aborigines he met here in 1788 were “manly”. In 1853, businessman Henry Smith purchased 121 ha (300 acres) on the formerly remote peninsula, and set about creating a seaside pleasure resort similar to Brighton in England. Today, Manly is a very popular and lively destination. Home to lovely beaches, it also features attractions such as Oceanworld and October’s Manly Jazz Festival (see Manly International Jazz Festival). Catch the enjoyable harbour ferry ride from Circular Quay and make a full day of it (see Manly Beach).

Detail on New Brighton Hotel
Manly Beach

Backed by a reserve lined with Norfolk Island pines and a busy esplanade, this ocean beach (see Manly) is a Sydney favourite. There are rock baths at the northern end.
Manly Cove

The ferry wharf houses boutiques and cafés, the Visitor Information Centre (see Manly), Manly Boat and Kayak Hire, Oceanworld and the Manly Art Gallery and Museum.
Manly Scenic Walk

A 10-km (6-mile) walk, one of Sydney’s best, traces North Harbour’s shoreline from Manly to the Spit Bridge. The walk passes by coastal heathlands, flat sandy beaches and sub-tropical rainforest. Highlights on the way include pretty Forty Baskets Beach, rugged Dobroyd Head, the 1911 Grotto Point Lighthouse, Clontarf Beach, and Aboriginal shell middens east of the Spit Bridge. The NPWS (see The Islands) offers a useful map of the route, available at the NPWS and Manly Visitor Information Centres.

Walking along Manly Beach