Manly Dam

One of the largest freshwater lakes in Sydney, Manly Dam is blessed with glorious multiplicity of flora and fauna. It was established as a War Memorial Park after World War I, when few ex-servicemen were given the responsibility of managing the bushland catchment of this place in 1920. The Memorial Park is a true testimony signifying the remembrance of service personnel from the 1st and 2nd World War. It also highlights the significant work done by the defence forces. As a part of Australia Remembers celebrations, Manly Dam was a major venue to pay tribute to the service personnel from the war and got lit up in their memory in 1995. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy family picnics while indulging in fun activities like mountain biking and water skiing. Interestingly, the park boasts of diverse wildlife as well. More than 80 species of birds have been recorded, including some migratory species. It’s an important refuge for many species such as wrens and thornbills, which are rarely sighted in urban bushland areas. Large predatory birds such as Powerful Owls are also regularly sighted here. Brushtailed Possums, Ringtail Possums, Swamp Wallabies, Brown Antechinus, Bush Rats can also be spotted here.