We were disappointed to find Manly a big construction site down the main pedestrian mall when we were there in late August 2006. Looked like it would be very nice when finished but I wouldn't recommend going to Manly for a day trip unless it is completed as the whole main drag was fenced off. Everyone had to cram into the sidewalks on either side and it wasn't pleasant or easy to browse the shops.

Must say that the ferry ride there was fabulous and the sun was setting on our way back to Circular Quay so there was quite a show as we came toward the Opera House and Bridge. Try to time it so you go back on the ferry at the right time to see the sun set.

Hi Lyn,

just returned from Oz 2 weeks ago, and the construction continues in Manly!

Regards,

Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist

The paving of the last bit of the Corso (middle bit to which LynAK refers) is still in progress - and I wouldn't employ the pavers, it's not a great job thus far lt; . The Council is getting quite some heat about it, with daily "Paving progress counts" in the local paper.

I wouldn't let that deter me from a visit to Manly, though - that's just one section of it. There are lots of restaurants along the Esplanade and the area around the Ferry Terminal is undisturbed. Still lovely beach and walks either west towards Fairlight or East around to Eastern Hill & Shelly Beach. There's also a very nice spot for a drink & a bite at the hotel (can't remember its name) on the RHS of the wharf as you disembark the ferry.

Of great local interest is the hotly disputed decision by the Manly Council to award an exclusive right to outside seating to one (new, I think) restaurant on an area on the eastern side of Corso, right next to another restaurant "Crystals", which has been operating some 25 yrs and will be severely disadvantaged if the decision isn't overturned. Interesting to see what happens - local sentiment seems to be swinging in Crystals' favour, and I think the Council may have to re-think it's decision. Good times for a couple of lawyers ahead, methinks

Part of the Corso was under construction when we were in Manly in October, but it didn't interfere with our enjoyment of the area at all.

My memory is that the signs said the construction would be done in October so they are running behind. There are some nice restaurants along the side streets, and the beach is there of course, but there are other places in Sydney that have nice restaurants and beaches and lovely ferry rides to get there. We only had a few days in Sydney this time so we had to pick and choose where to spend our limited time and I wished we had spent that day somewhere else. The Corso is fairly central to the Manly experience and I'm sure it will be great and an improvement for all to enjoy once its done...but as a tourist I'd have preferred that it be done for my visit!

well it must be reconstruction as Manly Corso area is as old as the hills, what exactly are they constructing?. Just interested, I worked in Manly for a few years and used to know it well.

Hi Pat,
They've pulled out the sunken performance area in the middle and are re-paving the full length from the ocean end up past Humphreys to the street where the Church is on the corner. Can't remember it's name.

I was down there last week & the paving isn't well done, with quite a lot of pavers protruding slightly. Whether they will finish it with a sanding/planer to level it all out remains to be seen, I guess. If they don't, it'll be a nightmare for the Council's liability insurers as there were quite a few sticking up just enough to trip someone, in the short walk I took from Crystals to Humphreys.

Provided they sort that out, I think it will be a big improvement, open the area up. There were some rumblings about the removal of the "performance space" but I think it was a bit past it's time and a portable stage can be erected for any performances they want to have there, without having an obstruction dividing the area permanently as the old one did.