burning koala

We have been trying to get to the beach again for several weeks now, but as it is wont to happen, the weather never seems to cooperate on the weekends. Last Sunday it was finally warm and sunny, so Angela and I headed off to Manly again. This time, however, we wanted to try a beach that is a little off the beaten path. Spring Cove.

Spring Cove is within the yellow circle

We took the ferry across the harbour to Manly, just like when we went to Shelly Beach last time. Instead of crossing straight over the penisula, we headed south east. This time we got to see some of the pier and beach next to where the ferry lands. It was actually quite nice, with lots of bistro type restaurants doing a brisk business.

Looking out into Manly Cove near the pier

A kayak rental booth set up on Manly Cove. Turns out that
Spring Cove was a major destination for these boaters

Our walk took us into the neighborhood surrounding the coast. It was full of cute little bungalo type houses with large gardens full of massive plants. Of course with massive undergrowth come massive bugs. Here is one we passed on our way to the beach.

Now, come on. The size of the bugs here is just ridiculous

Just before we reached Spring Cove, we walked past and above Little Manly Cove. This was definitely the family beach, with it’s netted enclosure to keep the kids in and the sharks (presumably, since everything here seems to be designed to kill you – see spider above) out.

Little Manly Cove seen from above

After winding our way through the neighborhood and then the undergrowth, we found ourselves emerging onto Spring Cove. It is a much more secluded beach than the others, as you have to hike a bit through the woods to get there. Most people, it seems, kayaked in or swam in off one of the boats ancored off the shore.

Spring Cove seen from above, just before the hike into the woods

As soon as we sat down I took a bunch of photos in a wide circle and and later created a panoramic view of the beach in PhotoShop. The beach was nestled back away from most of the neighborhood and so far from the harbour that there were next to no waves. Reminded me more of a lake than an extension of the ocean.

Panorama of Spring Cove. Clicking makes it bigger!

We arrived on the beach in the afternoon, so the sun was kind and the breeze refreshing. The water, while cool, was comfortable within minutes. The bay was somewhat shallow, remaining only a few feet deep for 20 meters or so. After that it slowly trailed off and became the domain of large boats anchored for the day.

Angela exploring the rocks for seashells

A rock ledge at the back of the cove

Angela hanging out at the waters edge

After several hours of lounging in the sun, we decided to make our way back to the ferry. On the way we passed the Manly Yacht Club, which had a very picturesque setting with two old boats dry docked on the pier.

A view of the Manly Yacht Club from behind

We also passed a group of men who were reading themselves for some sort of rowing sport. Although you can’t see it in the picture, they had the name of their team printed across the backs of their Speedos. I have to say, though, that it’s hard to look tough when you have words printed across your butt. Still, they seemed very committed, so I’ll give them that.

Rowers getting ready to row

Interestingly, when we got back to the ferry all the restaurants were overflowing with the happy hour crowd. It seems that Manly is the place to go on Sunday night to see and be seen. Unfortunate for us, as we would have liked to have grabbed a beer and a quiet spot to set down after our day in the sun. Instead there was the 30 minute wait for the ferry. We were close to the front of the line so we headed out to get a good seat on the deck. Unfortunately, being ferry riding neophytes, we didn’t realize that the seats were actually off of the upper deck. Instead we got a bench that looked straight into a metal grill. Still, it was relaxing and somewhat peaceful.

After taking the ferry home, we decided to walk back to our place from Circular Quay as the trains were not running that weekend. It was starting to get dark and we happened upon a spectacular view inside the city. The lights had come on, but the sun had not completely set. It was a beautiful night for a romantic walk home.

City Center as twilight approaches