Manly

Sister cities

• Bath

History

Manly was named by Captain Arthur Phillip for the Aboriginal Australians living there, stating that "their confidence and manly behaviour made me give the name of Manly Cove to this place". These men were of the Kay-ye-my clan (of the Dharug-speaking Gayemaygal people). While scouting for fresh water in the area, Phillip encountered members of the clan, and after a kidnapping he was speared in the shoulder by one of the clan as a punishment ritual; the progressively-minded Phillip ordered his men not to retaliate. In Capt. Tench's words, The Aboriginal men were feasting on a whale at Manly Cove and were seen by Captain Nepean, Mr White, Nanbaree & a party of men who had travelled to Manly Cove to walk to Broken Bay. Bennelong and Colebee spoke to them and Bennelong asked for Governor Phillip. Captain Nepean sent the Boatswain back to Governor Phillip at South Head. The Aboriginal men cut large chunks of whale off and put them in the boat for Governor Phillip. The military party then proceeded on their walk to Broken Bay. When Governor Phillip's party arrived to see the Aboriginal men they held friendly conversation with Bennelong and Colebee for over half an hour. Later an older Aboriginal man appeared with a spear. Captain Tench remarked that he was seemingly a stranger and little acquainted with Bennelong and Colebee. The Governor moved towards this man and the man became agitated. Governor Phillip threw down his dirk to appease the man crying out confidently. The spear was thrown and Governor Phillip was hit in the shoulder. All was in confusion, there were calls to bring the muskets, Bennelong and Colebee disappeared and Governor Phillip could not make it to the ship because of the length of spear sticking from his shoulder and dragging on the ground. The muskets…

Most-observed species

• Rainbow Lorikeet

  Trichoglossus haematodus (Linnaeus, 1771) · Aves
  49,614
• Noisy Miner

  Manorina melanocephala (Latham, 1801) · Aves
  43,153
• Australian Magpie

  Gymnorhina tibicen (Latham, 1802) · Aves
  34,230
• Australian Ibis

  Threskiornis molucca (Cuvier, 1829) · Aves
  28,181
• Pied Currawong

  Strepera graculina (Shaw, 1790) · Aves
  25,086
• Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

  Cacatua galerita (Latham, 1790) · Aves
  24,572
• common ringtail possum

  Pseudocheirus peregrinus (Boddaert, 1785) · Mammalia
  24,265
• Welcome Swallow

  Hirundo neoxena Gould, 1842 · Aves
  23,992

Most recent

• M 3.6 — 2025-05-28
  3 km WNW of Cobbitty, Australia
• M 3.5 — 2024-03-08
  14 km SSW of Woodford, Australia
• M 3.2 — 2012-09-10
  33 km ESE of Blue Bay, Australia
• M 3.1 — 2007-04-11
  3 km SE of Stanwell Park, Australia
• M 3 — 2006-06-18
  8 km W of Oakdale, Australia
• M 3.9 — 2002-02-14
  1 km NNW of Yerrinbool, Australia