Manly Wormhole, Cave tunnel and coastal trail near Queenscliff Beach, Sydney, Australia
Manly Wormhole is a natural rock tunnel carved through the coastal cliffs near Sydney that links two sandy beaches together. The passage cuts directly through stone and features an opening at its far end that frames views of the ocean.
Local fishermen hand-carved this tunnel through the rock in 1908 to create a faster route between the beaches. The shortcut allowed them to avoid scrambling over hazardous boulders along the shoreline.
The tunnel has transformed from a practical pathway for fishermen into a photography destination, gaining recognition through social media platforms.
Reaching the site involves a walk of about 20 minutes from the main wharf, then careful scrambling over rock formations along the way. The easiest passage through happens at low tide when water levels drop and access becomes safer.
A large pink heart painted on the cliff face shows visitors exactly where the hidden tunnel entrance is located. This marker has become a recognizable feature that helps people find what might otherwise be easily missed.
Location: Sydney
GPS coordinates: -33.78632,151.29019
Latest update: December 6, 2025 19:06
Sydney offers many places to photograph beyond the usual tourist routes. The city spreads from the harbor to outer suburbs, combining coastal landscapes with historic neighborhoods and modern urban spaces. Those looking for less common subjects will find small waterside parks, old industrial sites, tidal pools, and viewpoints that show the city from different angles. Architecture ranges from colonial-era buildings to contemporary structures, and the coastline reveals coves and rock formations that differ from the well-known harbor scenes. In Lavender Bay, Wendy's Garden is a terraced garden with views of the harbor bridge. The Queen Victoria Building in the city center has a whispering gallery where sound travels in unusual ways across the space. Bare Island at La Perouse is a former military installation on a small island connected by a causeway. Cockatoo Island in the harbor once served as a shipyard and prison, and still shows the old machinery and warehouses. Hornby Lighthouse at Watsons Bay stands on a cliff above the ocean. Ballast Point Park in Balmain East has a narrow beach and remnants of old industrial buildings. Susannah Place Museum in The Rocks preserves four terrace houses from the 19th century. The Chinese Garden of Friendship in Darling Harbour follows traditional design principles with pavilions, water, and constructed paths.
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