17 APRIL 

The mornings are getting crisp, but we're holding the line. Friday WFH remains strictly no-shirt-no-shoes (until at least ANZAC Day, its principle).

Global chaos and energy markets are awry and this is even being reflected back to us in the natural world.

At least, that is how it felt on Monday, when a rare vortex rip appeared smack bang in the middle of the Manly-Shelly swim route. More on that below.

There is a sunny-but-breezy weekend ahead. Get amongst it, Manly.

📍 Where: Manly Wharf, E Esplanade, Manly 🕒 When: most days until mid-May 🔗 Book a free class: manlylifestyleclub.com.au

The Manly Lifestyle Club is running free community sessions most days between now and mid-May, and the lineup is worth knowing about. Think yoga, mat pilates, stretch, run club and swim club (plus SUPBALL is back on the harbour for anyone who wants to take things up a notch).

All classes are free, but you'll need to book in advance. If you've been meaning to get back into a routine (or just want to meet some locals and move your body), this is a pretty easy yes.

Check the full schedule and grab your spot at manlylifestyleclub.com.au

Last weekend drone footage showed a rare spiral rip current forming off a Sydney beach during the big swell event. Surf photographer Jamen Percy filmed the phenomenon from above - showing dark green water swirling into a visible vortex. 

What Percy captured is known as a “flash rip”, caused when water rushes offshore (through any available channel) following a large set. Monday’s 16-second wave periods created the perfect conditions, and as the fast-retreating water hit the calmer sea beyond the break, friction created the spiral. 

As Percy put it: "If it's green, it's mean." Worth knowing before you paddle out.

IN CASE YOU ALSO MISSED THIS

Local Paralympian Ben Tudhope is home: The Northern Beaches' own Ben Tudhope has returned from the Winter Paralympics with a serious medal haul. One of the area's best exports. If you don't know his story, look it up.

Café Lovat opens its doors in Newport: Café Lovat has opened its doors in Newport, filling what was clearly a gap in the northern end's brunch scene. Early word is good. Worth a detour.

Manly Wharf's glow-up is taking shape: The Manly Wharf redevelopment is progressing, with plans now including a dedicated art market and new food hub alongside the previously reported artisanal food hall. Big things are coming for the wharf precinct (stay tuned).

NOT JUST MUSIC

🏃 Manly Fun Run: Sunday 19 April 

Choose your distance: 10km, 5km or 2km (with walking options on the shorter courses). A solid one to lock in before the Anzac Day weekend. Register here

😂 Kookaburra's Comedy: Opening Night: Saturday 19 April, doors 7pm / show 7:30pm 📍 Valentines at Chalky's, Brookvale 

The brand-new stand-up night launches at Brookvale's best-kept secret, Valentines. Headlined by Andrew Barnett, with a hand-picked lineup hosted by Alex Choi. Tickets from $25 early bird / $30 general admission. It's opening night and seats are limited, so book ahead. Grab tickets here

🌊 South Curl Curl Ocean Swim: Sunday 19 April 

A 2km point-to-point surf swim from South Curl Curl to Freshwater, hugging the headland past reef and open blue water. One for the purists, raw, scenic and long. Enter here.

FRIDAY 17 APRIL

SATURDAY 18 APRIL

SUNDAY 19 APRIL

In 1881, workers at Barrenjoey Head hauled sandstone blocks up the steep headland by hand to build what would become one of the most iconic lighthouses in Australia.

Supplies arrived by boat, and everything (from tools to drinking water) had to be carried up the rough track, with lighthouse keepers living in near isolation once it was complete.

The presence of the lighthouse totally transformed this remote stretch of the Northern Beaches into a destination to be visited. The origins of the cheeky weekend trip up to Palmy.