I headed back into the heart of the city today, and the harbor was looking extra grand with the Queen Elizabeth cruise liner moored at Circular Quay. While the crowds were busy admiring the ship, I slipped away to the other side of the quay to find some peace in the Royal Botanic Gardens.
It’s incredible that you can find such a serene escape right in the middle of a bustling metropolis. Founded in 1816, these gardens were originally part of the Governor’s private grounds. They hold a massive piece of Australian history, too—in 1817, the colony’s first botanist, Charles Frazer, began cultivating nearly 3,000 plants brought over from Great Britain. This makes the gardens the oldest scientific institution in the country! It’s fascinating to think about how this one spot played such a huge role in introducing and studying plants from all over the globe.
Once I’d had my fill of greenery, I hopped on the ferry at Circular Quay for the trip over to Manly. If you want the best cheap tour of the harbor, this ferry ride is it!
Manly sits right near the harbor entrance and is world-renowned for its long ocean beaches and those legendary, consistent waves that surfers live for. There’s an old saying here: “Seven Miles from Sydney, but a Thousand Miles from Care,” and you can really feel that vibe the moment you step off the wharf. Compared to the high energy of Bondi or Coogee, Manly just feels… relaxed.
I took a stroll over to Shelly Beach, a stunning little bay tucked away from the main swell. Along the path, I even ran into a few water dragons sunning themselves on the rocks. I capped off the afternoon the only way you should in Manly: with a cold beer at the harbor, watching the boats go by.
