In such a city of icons it's easy to spend all your time visiting the world famous landmarks of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, shopping in King Street, partying in Sydney's famous Paddington and broiling on Bondi Beach. But to truly know this great city you have to drag yourself away from the glory of the harbour and pizzazz of the shopping centres and visit some quieter and less-visited spots. Here's a look at the historic suburb of Manly.

Catch the ferry from Circular Quay seven nautical miles north to the seaside suburb of Manly and visit its beach, art gallery and Oceanworld, which houses an array of local aquatic fauna including Barrier Reef fish and giant sharks.

The 30-minute ferry journey offers grand views of Sydney Harbour en route to Manly Wharf, Manley Cove's spanking new wining and dining oasis. The suburb's name was given by Captain Arthur Phillip after meeting the local Aborigines whom he considered of masculine mien.

Manly has lost some of its old cachet. In 1940 the slogan, 'Manly – 7 Miles from Sydney and 1000 miles from care' was coined by the Port Jackson & Manly Steamship Company in 1940. It then had the lofty status of "Australia’s Premier Seaside Resortâ€