Shelly Beach - Manly

Everyone loves a perfect day at the beach, the cool breeze and perfect waters for a refreshing swim. If your after a place with some adventure, then why not check out Shelly Beach in Many, NSW.

Shelly Beach - View from pathway

Shelly Beach is a small bay just a short walk from Sydney's Manly Beach. When on Manly Beach (Ocean Side) head south along the beach following the path past the Surf Club. The path continues to Shelly Beach. The walk itself is spectacular with many adventures waiting to be discovered.

Ocean Rock Pool

 As you walk along the path you begin to see the many different activities that this place holds. A small ocean pool allows for an uninhibited swim but also a great place for the kids.

The waters around Shelly Beach offer one of the most accessible dive sites Sydney has to offer. You will often see many people snorkeling around the calm waters and scuba divers exploring further out.

"Bower" - Surf Break

As the waters are shallow it makes for a great beginners dive site and many dive schools are often seen gathering on the beach.

Surfing is another highlight of Shelly Beach with the shallow waters offering some great waves over the reef. You can watch the surfers dive straight into the waters from the rocks.

The western point of the beach also know as the "Bower" offers some of the shallowest breaks in Sydney. The shallow waters make it popular for surfers when the swell is right.

You'll often see paddle boarders make the journey out to the bower or just paddle around the calm waters in the bay.

Calm waters of Shelly Beach

As Shelly Beach faces inland and not directly towards the ocean it remains a calm and kid friendly beach. No big dumpers are going to send you flying here, which makes it a excellent spot for launching a kayak.

There are fantastic picnic facilities in the area including gas bbq's and picnic tables. Get in quick as they go really fast. Several cafes are also nearby for those that prefer a sit down or take away feast.

Climb the hill behind Shelly Beach for an awesome exploring. A rocky outcrop offers magnificent views and further on you can walk to the famous North Head.

For more information check out :-

Wikipedia
Manly Council Website

Mountain Bike Park - Golden Jubilee Field North Wahroonga

A place that I am yet to ride myself and provide a better review of, is the mountain bike park at North Wahroonga.  Head North on Westbrook Ave and follow the long drive into Golden Jubilee Field. There is usually plenty of parking but things do get busy when other sporting events are on in the area.

From the car park take your bike North just off the edge of the back field and you will see the large open area containing the various obstacles.

View over park from rear oval

You can ride directly to the park and enjoy some great riding. There is also some nice fire trails which leave from this area and provide some great downhill.

Park sign

The park consists of three different sections. 

• An area consisting of wooden tracks and other surfaces to practice for off road conditions.
• A pump track with various difficulties giving the rider a real work out.
• Single track of over 800 meters down into the valley

Skills Area

Pump Track

Skills Area

Section of single track

Brooklyn NSW

Some describe Brooklyn as a quaint fishing village or a beautiful riverside community on the banks of the Hawkesbury River. No matter how you describe Brooklyn it offers many adventure for those that seek it.

Brooklyn is situated on the Hawkesbury River just off the F3 freeway, just North of Sydney. It offers some great Sea Food , including Oysters that have been harvested from the river. Accessible via car or catch the train to Hawkesbury River station.

There are several places to eat in Brooklyn, ranging from the local Anglers Arm Pub, several cafe style restaurants and various places to get fish and chips. These places are usually very popular on a weekend.

Parsley Bay

If your after a waterways adventure, then Brooklyn offers a great place to launch your boat or Kayak. Just head to the ramp at Parsley Bay. A well maintained ramp with fish cleaning facilities and plenty of parking for car and trailer.

Beach at Parsley Bay

On the far side of Parsley Bay is a small beach, which is often used by boat owners to launch their tenders for access to their moored vessels. This is an ideal spot to launch Kayaks and explore the river. You can also walk along the coast line here and explore the secluded river side beaches further along.

There are also several marinas in Brooklyn offering various services including Boat Hire. If you en quire beforehand there are several boat cruises that depart from Brooklyn, the Postal Boat being one of the most popular.

Brooklyn offers a section of the great North walk for those keen for some exercise. You can even walk to the Brooklyn Dam or further afield. Or walk around to Parsley Bay if a short walk is more your thing

McKell Park - Brooklyn

If its a picnic spot your after then Brooklyn has several options available. One of my favourites, McKell Park over looks the surrounding river offering a great view. Offering BBQs and picnic tables and often the odd visit from the resident bush turkey's.

McKell Park - View over Parsley Bay

If your after a quick dip in the river then a spot on the water just North of the Marina offers picnic tables and a fenced off river pool.

This site is best suited if you have young children as there is a fabulous playground only meters away.

You can also walk from here around to Parsley bay, or even walk to the top of the hill to check our McKell Park.

Both spots are various nice, but parking can often be tricky on the lower foreshore.

Being a river side village wouldn't be complete without a spot of fishing. Pop into one of the local shops and I'm sure they'll let go a few secret spots. Otherwise the headland around Parsley Bay always seems popular.

What ever your choice of adventure, I'm sure you'll find something to do in Brooklyn.  Even if its to take 5 and enjoy the peaceful waterside community.

Dargan Creek Dam

Dargan Creek Dam is an awesome spot to cool off after a day of adventures.  Turn off Bells Line of road, just near the railway line between Clarence and Newnes Junction. Following the trail leads to a large open carpark like area where most people park their vehicles and walk the rest of the way.

At the waters edge you can see across the other side to a massive cliff which the locals jump from into the water. There was also a rope swing nearby when I visited. I don't know how deep the water is but from the height of the dam wall, I don't think you will be touching the bottom anytime soon.

From the Dam wall you can continue down into the Dargan Creek Canyon, which is supposed to be a very easy no abseil canyon.

Remember to take care if you decide to swim as its at your own risk. Don't spoil it for others. Recent posts on other sites indicate that a management plan is being drafted for this area. Hopefully they won't lock us out.