https://www.manlysealifesanctuary.com.au/
West Esplanade,
Manly NSW
Today’s adventure comes from Lucy… a single mum who manages “Beanstalk” in between raising her two daughters. Beanstalk is an online space which empowers single mothers to re-find their potential and re-build their confidence through a website that delivers targeted information and support. Lucy works with hundreds of single mothers through the offering of her online course and her Facebook group. She is a blogger, podcaster and mentor. She also speaks regularly on a local radio station, writes articles for the online parenting community and continually hunts down resources of benefit to the single motherhood. How lucky are we to hear her adventure?
On a recent trip to stunning Sydney with my daughters (13 and 10) we had the pleasure of a visit to the Manly Sea Life Sanctuary. And I have to tell you … we had a thoroughly enjoyable time. It’s an attraction that can be overlooked in favour of some of the more central, flashier attractions. But in my opinion, it’s one of the highlights when it comes to kid-friendly, Sydney-side entertainment.
Just getting to the sanctuary is a pleasure. The best way to get to Manly from the city centre is by ferry. And the journey, which takes about 20 minutes, is scenic to say the least. Then hop off in Manly, take a short promenade stroll and you’re at your deep sea destination.
One of the things I like most about the Manly Sea Life Sanctuary is the clear message it conveys from the word go. BREED, RESCUE, PROTECT. You see, kids need to know these things. They worry about how the sea creatures got there. Were they captured? Are they stuck? Do they want to get out? Animal capture for entertainment is a big no-no for the modern day kid. Examples of the sanctuary’s environmental programmes include Myrtle the Turtle, who was the victim of a boat strike which fractured her skull. And Murdoch the Grey Nurse Shark that was actually born in the sanctuary.
Our favourite part of the day was the ‘Meet Our Penguins Talk’. The great viewing room allowed us to get really close to these comical little critters. It was fascinating to see the feeders identify each penguin by name as they fed them exactly three fish each. And why? Well if one bird doesn’t fill its boots, it could identify a red flag for illness or discontent. Clever stuff.
The Underwater Viewing Tunnels were some of the best we have meandered through. Huge teeth .. in huge mouths .. of huge sharks. And wow to the appropriately named ‘Big Mouth’ the smooth ray who is the size of a queen bed, no less.
What really makes this attraction, is the passionate, friendly staff who are available at every turn. Although we missed the Discovery Rockpool Talk, we had all our many questions answered as we prodded and probed the pool’s inhabitants. It was great to get information about locals too. We know all about the seahorses of Sydney Harbour, and were even tasked with looking out for them to help collect data on population, size and health. A job my girls took very seriously for the rest of our trip.
There is lots more than I have mentioned at the Manly Sea Life Sanctuary, I don’t want to ruin all the fun for you! But next time you’re in Sydney umming and ahhing over what to do, hop on the ferry and check it out. You won’t be disappointed.
Wow! That looks really fun Lucy, thank you for sharing your adventure with us. If you’re a single mum and you’d like some support, guidance and empowerment definitely join in the Beanstalk community.
You can hear more from Lucy on the…..
Beanstalk website
Single Mum Vine Facebook Group
on Instagram
or via Facebook
Want to share your adventure like Lucy has? It’s super easy. Whether it’s a great babychino find, to a trip around the world I’d love to hear from you.
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