The Hurley Australian Open of Surfing will return to Sydney's iconic Manly Beach from 7-15 February 2015, showcasing the world's best surfers and skateboarders alongside a stellar music line up at Manly Beach, Sydney over nine days.

The inaugural Australian Open of Surfing in 2012 put Manly and Sydney on world surfing's centre stage and in 2015 the event is expected to attract an audience in excess of 175,000 people. The festival will once again show both Australia and the world that Manly not only has the best of Sydney's beach and surf culture, but that it also offers a vibrant food, wine and shopping scene.

Adrian (Ace) Buchan said, “Given I wasn't able to compete this year due to injury, I'm really looking forward to coming back to Manly and the competition next February. The Hurley Australian Open of Surfing is a great event and the local community really get behind it. Regardless if you're a surf or skate fan, there is an awesome vibe at the beach and something for everyone. And with all the great new bars and restaurants opening around Manly there's plenty to do for a full day on the beach, and then grab a bite to eat before catching the ferry home,” he said.

The Hurley Australian Open of Surfing is known for bringing some of the biggest names in surf and skate to Sydney shores, and the 2015 event will be no exception with ASP World #3 and defending Hurley Australian Open of Surfing champion Carissa Moore along with ASP World #17 Adrian (Ace) Buchan confirmed to compete.

Manly is a real seaside resort with everything you could possibly need for a day out, a weekend or a week beach holiday. The rule is to follow the sun – morning sunshine on the surf side and then migrate south to the harbour side to take in the sunset. Manly's waterfronts are lined with dozens of fantastic drinking and dining locations; there's some of Sydney's best walking and biking tracks and it is a great place to spot whales as they migrate up the east coast of Australia.

Here's an insider's guide to Manly ahead of Australia's biggest action sports event:   

MUST DO MANLY EXPERIENCES:

• Experience the thrill of seeing the night come alive during a Night Wonders Tour using a personal set of night vision goggles. Along the way, witness North Head's nocturnal animals including ringtail and brushtail possums, bandicoots, echidnas, owls and night jars. http://afterdarknaturetours.com.au/
• Go back in time through the lives and experiences of people who came through the Quarantine Station with a Ghostly Encounter at North Head Quarantine Station. Join the guides and experience some of the most haunted buildings such as the Hospital, Morgue and Showerblock. http://www.quarantinestation.com.au/
• Dive with sharks and other marine animals at Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary. One of only a few experiences worldwide where you are guaranteed an underwater encounter with sharks without cages. Witness a feeding frenzy of fish, stingrays, turtles and small sharks. http://www.manlysealifesanctuary.com.au/
• Get on a bike and explore Manly with Manly Bike Tours. Run by expert local guides, the tour will reveal all the hidden corners of Sydney's most beautiful coastal town. http://manlybiketours.com.au/

 HIT THE WATER IN MANLY:

• Manly Stand Up Paddle School offers Stand Up Paddle coaching and tours within the spectacular North Harbour National Park. www.manlystanduppaddleschool.com
• Learn the thrill and fun of surfing at the famous ManlyBeach with Manly Surf School, voted number 1 surf school in NSW by Surfing Australia. www.manlysurfschool.com
• Embark on an unforgettable beach blast with Manly Ocean Adventures. A 45 minute blast out of Sydney Heads, on a high powered boat riding the ocean swells all the way around back to Manly Beach. http://www.manlyoceanadventures.com.au/
• Head on a Manly Kayaks tour and you will be shown the pristine waters of North Harbour. Knowledgeable and energetic guides will teach you the basics of kayaking before departing on a journey to remember. Soft sand, spectacular look out points and isolated swim beaches are just some of the things you can expect to see on the tour. www.manlykayaks.com.au
• Hire a skiff from Sydney's oldest boatshed, the heritage-listed Manly Rowing & Sailing Club(est. 1875) and get out on the water. www.manlysailing.com.au
• Pack your walking shoesand explore the Northern Beaches and Manly, on a Sydney OutBack full-day journey which will see you visiting some of Sydney's most beautiful beaches, meeting Northern Beaches locals and exploring spots that are off-the-beaten-path.  http://www.sydneyoutback.com.au/full-day-tours/beaches-tour/

FOOD & WINE AT MANLY:

• Garfish, order from the daily fish and sauce specials or opt for something from the menu at this seafood restaurant opposite Manly wharf. www.garfish.com.au
• Hugos Manly, is the spot to be seen and the spot for a smart cocktail with a view. Nab a table out the front and enjoy a drink and some Sydney rock oysters. www.hugos.com.au
• Enjoy a Sunday afternoon drink soaking up the panoramic Sydney city and harbour views at The Manly Wharf Hotel. http://manlywharfhotel.com.au/
• Sample a Margarita and kick back with a taco at Chica Bonita, a taquería hidden in a walkway just off the Corso. You'll find everything from chilli fries to chimichangas and everything in between. http://www.chicabonita.com.au
• Experience the American love affair at Papi Chulo on Manly Wharf. Enjoy classic South American dishes like ceviche and empanadas, alongside charred seafood, summer salads and a killer cocktail list. http://merivale.com.au/papichulo
• Inspired by a punk-rock version of The Karate Kid, Daniel San is a Japanese fun, casual spot with a rock'n'roll-meets-the-beach atmosphere. With a playful set up downstairs the balcony upstairs has some of the best views in Manly. http://www.danielsan.com.au        
• A classic Aussie pub by the seaside, Hotel Steyne offers something for everyone and all within a stone's throw from Manly Beach. During Hurley Australian Open of Surfing week have a go on the specially constructed skate ramp in the beer garden. http://www.hotelsteyne.com.au/

ACCOMMODATION:

• The Novotel Sydney Manly Pacific overlooks the beautiful Manly beach and is just steps away from the sand and surf. With uninterrupted views from the Manly district to Manly beach and beyond, the hotel features a rooftop pool and is only minute away from all the activities and attractions of the iconic beachside destination. www.manlypacificsydney.com.au     
• The perfect Manly accommodation, Quest Manly offers beautiful serviced apartments directly opposite the Manly Ferry with the most beautiful Sydney Harbour Views and only a short stroll to the shops. www.questmanly.com.au     
• The Sebel Manly Beach is the ultimate beachfront destination, directly opposite the crashing waves of the famous south Steyne beach and the headquarters of Manly Surf Life Saving Club. http://accorhotels.com.au/hotel/sebel-manly-beach
• Only just a couple of steps from the vibrant centre of Manly, Manly Paradise Beachfront Motel & Apartments offers prime accommodation located right on Sydney's famous Manly beach. www.manlyparadise.com.au
• Wake up to the tranquil, wild beauty of Sydney Harbour National Park with expansive and historical surrounds. Located at the former Quarantine Station, North Head Q Station is renowned for its important place in Australian history and panoramic views of Sydney's incredible harbour. http://www.qstation.com.au/

For more information go to Sydney.com or hellomanly.com.au

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Media Contacts:

Nadine Ghanem, Destination NSW                                         

Email: nadine.ghanem@dnsw.com.au                                  

Tel: 02 9931 1135 Mob: 0477 753 833                                       

Laura Kelly, Destination NSW

Email: laura.kelly@dnsw.com.au 

Tel: 02 9931 1164 Mob: 0411 777 676