It feels like we’re living life in high definition as we make our way to Manly to catch up with friends visiting from England. The day couldn’t be more perfect and the colour of the sand and the sky are intense as we make our way down to the beach. It’s lucky we packed the togs, just in case, as they’re already in the water. We haven’t seen Simon, my husband’s best from school and our best man, for a while, and we haven’t yet met their children. So when we arrive and they’re already splashing around, it doesn’t take my two long before they’re running round with their new friends, chasing waves and playing in the sand.
It’s Easter Saturday and one of the local radio stations is broadcasting from here and there seems to be a beach volleyball competition in action. There’s people swimming, surfing and families everywhere. The playground is packed.
Once we’re done in the water, it’s slightly chilly already, even though it’s only the end of March, we can’t avoid the crowded playground that was promised to the children as we were searching for our friends. They’re happy climbing, running and chasing while we catch up over a coffee and watch the children’s antics.
After we’ve had enough of the playground (the adults, the children will never have enough), we wander along the esplanade and find sun lounges and picnic blankets out, courtesy of the radio station, and the boys enter a lucky draw and win a beach ball. Enough to keep them entertained for a while.
The adults procure some pizza and drinks and we settle down for a picnic and more of a catch up while the children play. The trip to Sydney was timed for this so we settle back and relax, enjoying the sun and the atmosphere of the Easter long weekend.
It’s incredible for me to watch the oldest two playing together, so like their fathers, and this time together feels even more precious.
Hours later the shadows start to stretch and the ground is feeling damp, rather than inviting and the children, if not the colours, are starting to fade. We say our farewells and make our way through the main street of Manly, pausing for a quick ice cream and another playground discovery before jumping back in the car to get the children home and to sleep.
We’re parked near the ferry terminal and I can’t help but wish we could continue on into the city, rather than having to call it a day, but it’s not to be today. I wonder when we’ll get to see these two mini me versions of their dads playing together again.
Would I return?
Yes. Manly is a suburb on Sydney’s northern beaches. The beach itself is great for swimming and famous for its surf and its rugby league clubs (the Manly Sea Eagles at Manly Oval). It’s home to Sydney Harbour National Park and North Head Park, both accessed via North Head Scenic Drive and equally as good for walking and picnicking as the main Manly Beach and the more protected waters of Manly Cove and Cabbage Tree Bay.
The Corso is a pedestrian only area that links Manly Beach with Manly Cove and the Manly Ferry, a public ferry that links the area by water to Sydney City. There’s lots of restaurants along this strip and the area also has a Sea Life Sanctuary and an art Gallery & Museum.