How would you like to escape to a seaside village without leaving the city? Then look no further than the bayside suburb of
Manly. Only twenty minutes drive from the CBD, this Moreton Bay retreat provides a friendly, nautical atmoshphere unlike anywhere else in Brisbane.
Manly Harbour Village, spread across
Cambridge Parade, overlooks the Moreton Bay islands and the largest man-made marina on Australia's east coast. Enjoy this setting while eating at one of the many cafes or restaurants, enjoying the art galleries and craft shops or having a drink at the locals favourite
Manly Hotel.
The Esplanade also offers cafes and fish and chip shops with a view of the bay, and there are walking and bike tracks if you wish to explore further. Little Bayside Park, on
Royal Esplanade, has a childrens playground, barbeques, toilet facilities and a public swimming pool. The park is also host to the
Jan Powers Farmers Market on the third Saturday of the month, and
Movies in the Park on the first Sunday of the month.
If you'd like to get out on Moreton Bay and see the islands (such as Moreton Island, St Helena Island or Peel Island) for youself, there are several charter boat and yachting options:
Brisbane Bay Tours offer fishing charters for families and small groups, from $66 per adult and $56 per child,
Manly Eco Cruises offers day cruises that include snorkeling, canoeing and exploration of uninhabited islands,
Micat offers a selection of Moreton Island day trips, and
Southern Cross Yachting offers training as well as charter yachts.
So if you'd appreciate a change of scenery, as well as a change of pace, consider a day trip to Manly - where Brisbane meets the Bay.
