Southeast of Manly’s centre, this enormous Gothic Revival college (1889) lords over the rooftops from its hillside position. It used to be a seminary but is now a management college; it doubled as Jay Gatsby's house for Baz Luhrmann's 2013 film version of The Great Gatsby. You can roam the grounds and admire the building from outside.

Australian PM Tony Abbott (in office 2013–15) was a student here in the 1980s, which gave rise to his nickname, the Mad Monk.

Transportation

  • bus: 135
  • ferry: Manly

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Manly attractions

1. Fairy Bower Beach

0.16 MILES

Indulge your mermaid fantasies (the more seemly ones at least) in the pretty, triangular ocean pool set into the rocky shoreline here. The life-size sea…

2. Shelly Beach

0.26 MILES

This pretty, sheltered, north-facing ocean cove is an appealing 1km walk from the busy Manly beach strip. The tranquil waters are a protected haven for…

3. Manly Beach

0.55 MILES

Sydney's second most famous beach is a magnificent strand that stretches for nearly two golden kilometres, lined by Norfolk Island pines and midrise…

4. Corso

0.58 MILES

The quickest route from the Manly ferry terminal to Manly’s ocean beach is along the Corso, a part-pedestrian mall lined with surf shops, pubs and sushi…

5. Store Beach

0.69 MILES

A hidden jewel on North Head, magical Store Beach can only be reached by kayak – you can hire them from Manly Kayak Centre – or boat. It’s a breeding…

6. Manly Cove

0.72 MILES

Split in two by Manly Wharf, this sheltered enclave has shark nets and calm water, making it a popular choice for families with toddlers. Despite the busy…

7. Q Station

0.79 MILES

From 1837 to 1984 this sprawling historic complex in beautiful North Head bushland was used to isolate new arrivals suspected of carrying disease. These…

8. Manly Art Gallery & Museum

0.84 MILES

A short stroll from Manly Wharf, this passionately managed community gallery maintains a local focus, with changing, locally relevant exhibitions and a…

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