Manly Beach, one of Australia’s most famous surfing beaches and an Australian landmark, is host to the Australian Open Surfing Championships which are held annually in February. With its tree-lined promenade and long stretch of fine soft sand, the beach is also a popular destination for backpackers and families. The long beachfront promenade is lined with cafés, bars, and restaurants and visitors and locals alike can enjoy the cycleways to stroll, jog, rollerblade or bike ride. The oceanside surfing beaches and coves of Manly are perfect for active water sports such as surfing, windsurfing, parasailing, snorkelling and scuba diving. Or simply sunbathe, take a dip in one of the saltwater swimming pools or swim off the patrolled beaches. The sheltered sandy beach and gentle waves of Manly Cove on the harbour side right next to the Wharf is ideal for family picnics, sailing, fishing, building sandcastles or just relaxing in the sun.