Manly Beach, Sydney Australia, Moves into the Spotlight as the Host of the Inaugural Australian Open of Surfing in February 2012

SYDNEY, Aug. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In February 2012, Sydney's iconic Manly Beach will be swimming with surfers and buzzing with tourists and spectators as it hosts the inaugural Australian Open of Surfing event from February 11-19. The Australian Open of Surfing will go far beyond the traditional boundaries of a surfing event, creating a significant experience that promotes the energy of Sydney's outdoor lifestyle, with a nine-day festival of surfing, skate, music, fashion and art specifically aimed at the youth traveler (18  to 30 year-olds).

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Destination New South Wales has partnered with Hurley and Billabong to bring the Australian Open of Surfing to Manly Beach. At the U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, California earlier this month, Destination New South Wales hosted a variety of eye-catching events, including a Sydney Surf Shack, a surprise flash mob full of Sydney enthusiasts wearing Manly Beach branded rash guards, and a larger than life sandcastle display of Sydney Australia's iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge along with a Manly Ferry leading visitors to the Australian Open of Surfing across Sydney Harbour to Manly Beach.

"The inaugural Australian Open of Surfing event in February 2012 will help establish Sydney and Manly Beach as world-class surfing and coastal lifestyle destinations," said Justine Cooper, Director of Marketing and Communications at Destination New South Wales. "Manly Beach is without a doubt one of Sydney's best beaches – and it will be truly great to showcase this beautiful beach and unique surf lifestyle to a global audience. Whether you're a surfer or just love the lifestyle that goes along with it, the Australian Open of Surfing will showcase all that Manly Beach has to offer for the youth traveller."

Sydney and New South Wales boast more than 100 years of surfing heritage and is in fact considered the birthplace of surf culture in Australia. The State of New South Wales contains nine National Surfing Reserves and with beaches less than 10 miles from the centre of Sydney, the state offers the most accessible coastline in Australia.  

Manly Beach combines laid-back Australian surf culture with urban city lifestyle, complete with contemporary fashion boutiques, waterfront dining and an exciting and thriving nightlife.

Manly Beach offers more than great surf and dining, it is also home to many sporting and adventure activities from playing beach volleyball, exploring Manly's harbor beaches and coves by kayak or paddle board, learning to surf, or searching for Humpback and Southern Right Whales - it's all available at Manly Beach.

For the more urban and leisure oriented traveler, high end shopping and vintage boutiques, sight-seeing, and museums such as the Manly Art Gallery and Museum are all within walking distance from the soft sand. Find local artists, photographers, fashion, jewelry and textiles at the Manly markets on Saturdays and Sundays.  

Manly Beach is known as a hotbed for surfing and athletic talent. The 'Path of Olympians' lining the boardwalk honors the notable athletes of the past, and commemorates the area's rich athletic heritage. As the home of world surf champions like Layne Beachley and Barton Lynch, New South Wales is the perfect destination to host the inaugural Australian Open of Surfing in 2012. With Manly's legacy as the home of surf and urban beach culture, the Australian Open of Surfing will re-affirm its position on the global surfing circuit.

From the breathtaking deep blue water and pine tree-lined beaches to the exquisite dining and shopping, Manly Beach is the perfect spot for competitors and spectators to attend the Australian Open of Surfing, and also the perfect destination for world travelers to soak in some of Australia's laid-back beach lifestyle that is talked about and celebrated throughout the world.

For more information, please visit Sydney.com.

Contact: Jae Gaswirth
310-280-2449
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Destination New South Wales