Today I went to Manly Beach. It is one of two main beaches in Sydney (the other being Bondi). I specifically went to this one because my pass works at the aquarium and also because there was a big surf competition going on there sponsored by Hurley. Lately, they have been having a lot of trouble with sharks here and yesterday this beach was actually closed down because there was a shark sighting. I had heard that because there is a lot of commercial fishing going on here that the sharks are coming closer and closer for food.
I tool the River Cat (fast ferry) from Parramatta to Circular Quay and then from there caught the ferry to Manly Beach. Like the trains it was clean and not overly crowded (but more so then the trains). It cost me $30 round trip and some stupid head (me) could have paid $15 if I had remembered my Opal card...err there. I think there is a $15 per day cap on Opal. That was expensive mistake one for today.
Anyway, I walked down little Manly Beach to Manly Sea Life Sanctuary. Apparently this aquarium was the original aquarium in Sydney. It is well known for its penguins. I watched the penguins be fed and learned some more about them. First of all, penguins are only found in one hemisphere. Most people (well at least I) would think that it is the Northern Hemisphere but nope it is the Southern one. Weird. Here there is a colony of penguins in Manly in the wild. Not too long a dog who was not on a leash (they are supposed to be) killed two penguins and it was a HUGE deal. The owner was fined and his/her name was not released in case there was a mob after them. The penguins all have funny names: Louie, Huey, Duey, Princess, Versace, Armani, Clarence, Mumbo, Hugo Boss (he is da Boss) etc. These particular penguins have three names (all for the same species): Fairy Penguins, Little Penguins, and Blue Penguins. That concludes the penguin lesson for today.
Pictures found here.
Then I walked down to the main beach where the competition was taking place. There were not many surfers in the water when I went as I got a bit of a late start but the festival was still in full swing. Vance Joy was to play tonight there. So I hung out there for a bit and then walked back through the shops. I wanted to get myself a Billabong Hat but I couldn't find one that I really liked.
Speaking of hats next weekend I am going to Tobruk Sheep Station. I can finally wear my Outback hat:D I can't wait!
Tomorrow, I am going to a BBQ. Have a good one!
