Karens Historic Walks

13/04/2018

Do any of you live near this part of Manly? Looks different these days doesnt it? Come on tour with me soon and take a stroll down the history path. Photo courtesy The State Library of New South Wales

11/04/2018

When the weather ever cools down instead swimming create something in the sand. Check out this Sand sculpture at Manly, New South Wales by John Suchomlin c 1940 its amazing

10/04/2018

I love Manly's history this is Manly Wharf circa 1885 state library of NSW pic ferry is the Brighton launched 1883 41y gross tons 220 feet long. Come on a walking tour with me soon http://www.manlywalkingtours.com.au/

03/09/2017

Fish in the sea and fish in the heart of Manly. One of the great attractions in Manly in the 19th century was the Aquarium, which was located
approximately on the site of the present Westpac Bank. It was opened on 23 December 1886
by William Bede Dalley. Visitors could view a fine collection of fish, seals and tiger sharks.
There was an octopus and an alligator too. The seal cavern and fernery were illuminated by
electric light, Manly‟s latest novelty. The Aquarium was also an entertainment centre where
concerts, dances and roller skating could be enjoyed in the grand hall. By 1893 the Aquarium
had closed and the building was used to stage Manly‟s annual Wild Flower Show because the
old pavilion in Ivanhoe Park had become too dilapidated.
It should be noted that the block on the corner of Darley Road and The Corso was left vacant, and that the aquarium was built on the remainder of the site with a frontage of 66 feet to The Corso, by a depth of 156 feet.

31/08/2017

Morning All!! Another beautiful day in paradise. My old website has gone belly up so please go to www.manlywalkingtours.com.au to keep up to date with the walks at Manly

Manly walking tours provides short walking tours in and around Manly village. Its a great way to get to know the place you are visiting or live. There are a variety of tours to choose from that cover Manly’s colonial beginnings, its buildings, unusual crimes & shipwrecks and the local cemetery that…

31/08/2017

Manly has always had great entertainment. The Father of Manly, Henry Gilbert Smith built The first building a hotel for both refreshments and accommodation, and by December 1855 the Pier Hotel, almost opposite the present ferry wharf was nearing completion, and was advertised to let. Shortly afterwards the first licensee John Gordon Griffiths took over the hotel on 4 January 1856. [SMH 5 Dec 1855]
To attract visitors to Manly the then licensee of the Pier Hotel in 1859, James Turner Grocott, decided to construct a maze, a network of intricate winding paths, at the rear of his hotel.
On 6 July 1859 the opening was announced in the press.
PUBLIC OPENING OF THE ‘BRIGHTON MAZE’, MANLY BEACH – Grand National Juvenile Holiday. Remember SATURDAY next, the 9th July, - J T GROCOTT has much pleasure in announcing that the “LABYRINTH” or “MAZE” is now complete, and he purposes opening it to the public on SATURDAY next, the 9th July.
The Maze has been made for the gratification and amusement of visitors at a very considerable expense, and although there are thousands in the colonies who never saw a Maze, yet there are also many thousands who, in threading the intricacies of the Brighton Maze, must feel a pleasurable reminiscence of old times when they visited the Hampton Court Maze, made by King William III, a true copy of which has been made at Manly Beach.
Children under twelve years will be admitted free to the maze, adults three pence.
Extra steamers will be hired for the occasion. EXTRA STEAMER to Manly on SATURDAY next, at 2pm from the Circular Wharf, departs Manly at 5 pm prompt.
GROCOTT has chartered the WASHINGTON, steamer, for SATURDAY next. Fares children 6d each way; adults 1s each way. [SMH 6 July 1859]

30/08/2017

Its been so cold lately it would have been great to have an Ice rink at Manly like the good old days. At the corner of South Steyne and Ashburner Stree there use to be the Paramount from 1916 to 1923 and in 1925 was acquired by Dungowan Limited it was converted into the Cabaret Dungowan. It had a large ballroom and function centre.

It then became an ice skating rink and later became a car showroom. oh gosh I want a skating rink!

17/08/2017

You have to love the early mornings on the northern beaches sydney

12/08/2017

Hospitals! we all need them from time to time. Northern Beachs hospital is currently being built and looks amazing. I was thinking about hospitals and their names. Ever wondered how the Royal Prince Alfred got its name? in 1868 Prince Alfred was the victim of an assassination attempt while on a picnic at Clontarf and its my understanding they took him to Manly to get water transport to the city. Luckily he survived and Australians opened a public subscription fund to build a hospital as a memorial to his safe recovery. The prince authorised his coat of arms to be used as the new hospital's crest. Come on my tour one day and hear the full dramatic story!!

02/03/2017

Come visit Sydney and the Northern beaches you will fall in love!!

Sydney turning on its lights

25/02/2017

Dont you love Sydney?