Travel Bloggers: ‘Sydney’s best suburb to live in is Manly’

TOURIST bloggers have revealed what they think is the best place to live in Sydney. Ten reasons were given for their decision, but a famous beachside suburb was slammed for having too much ‘concrete’.

Tara Podevyn and Vic Standaert in Manly

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MANLY is the best place to live in Sydney. That’s what two young Belgians have claimed in their popular online blog, Cape Coconut.

But Tara Podevyn and Vic Standaert didn’t have many positive words to say about “concrete” Bondi.

The couple spent five months living in the place Manly Daily readers know and love and they didn’t have to scratch their head too hard to reveal why they found it to be their top spot.

Vic Standaert off for a surf in Manly

Tara Podevyn and Vic Standaert rate Manly number 1.

The couple penned 10 reasons, in their latest blog posting, as to why they considered Manly such a wonderful place.

Exploring Manly Dam by bike, paddling around North Head in a kayak and the surf were among the reasons they gave.

Manly Beach, not surprisingly, was the first reason listed in the blog.

The couple are anything but amateurs when it comes to travel.

Together they have travelled to more than 23 countries — ranging from the Dominican Republic to Cambodia.

The couple explained in more detail to the Daily what made this place so special in their eyes.

“It’s like an oasis,” Ms Podevyn said.

“It’s like a little town in a big city, it has its own vibe. It’s not something you would expect in a big city like Sydney.”

The council praised the natural look of Manly Picture: Hirsty Photography

Asked how it compared to Bondi, Mr Standaert said there was no comparison.

“I think Bondi is just too busy for us ... there was too much concrete,” he said.

“Manly is way more surrounded by nature, with its pine trees.”

The couple, who left Manly in December following a five-month stay, are currently travelling around the rest of Australia but intend to return to Manly before they fly home to Belgium.

The couple weren’t big fans of ‘concrete’ Bondi

Asked how the beachside suburb compared to other places across the globe they had been to, Mr Standaert said: “We would rate it very high.”

“I think the safety (of the Manly) was a big plus for us.

“People were very welcoming, very warm and open to new people.”

Check out the blog and all of the couple’s reasons at capecoconut.com.