There's something really wonderful about a crisp, clear winter morning in Queensland. The sun has just enough bite to keep you warm, the sky is that ridiculous shade of cloudless blue, and if you have a toddler, you have the perfect excuse to get out and experience it before the rest of the world has even had their first coffee.
On a Saturday morning, I wanted to go out for a really nice morning with my toddler.
Here is how our morning unfolded.
The Prelude: Cracking the EatClub Code at Groundhog Social
Our first stop was Groundhog Social on Cambridge Parade. If you haven't been, it’s got that quintessential relaxed Manly vibe—bustling, welcoming, and exactly what you need when you've been awake since dawn.
As you probably already know, dining out these days costs approximately all the money, and costs even more with another small human in tow. Fortunately, this is where the EatClub app comes in handy. Basically you just look for places that have good deals, and choose one. I chose the one with the highest discount, and got nearly $13 off a $44.09 meal.
The cool thing about EatClub is that the venue doesn't know you are using it to dine there, so it's not like you get a smaller meal or something. You get the same thing everyone else gets, just for less. And yeah, it was pretty good.
My toddler did pretty well. We try to keep him off screens so he pretended the knives were boom gates. Groundhog were able to make him a toastie and a babycino, so he just kind of sat there and took in the sights. He only did because he knew that in only a matter of moments he would be turned loose out onto the gigantic boardwalk.
Conqueror of the Tree Roots
We made our way down to the main esplanade where the wide, smooth boardwalk stretches out alongside the marina. I got my little man’s helmet clipped on, set him up on his bike, and he took off like a rocket.
While the view of the boats bobbing in the bay was stunning, my little man had his sights set on much more tactical terrain. The boardwalk is lined with beautiful, mature trees, which means the concrete path is occasionally interrupted by massive, undulating tree roots pushing up through the ground. To me, it’s a trip hazard; to a toddler on a bike, it’s an extreme sports arena.
He absolutely loved it. He would intentionally steer right over the bumpy ridges, giggling as the bike rattled beneath him, treating every root like a massive jump. I walked right alongside him, playing the role of the nervous pit crew, making sure he didn't pull off any accidental backflips. Occasionally, he would run and look in the drains to see what was in there for... some reason.
Pups and Bayside Painters: The Highlights
You can’t walk down the Manly waterfront on a Saturday without running into the local dog brigade. For my little man, this is better than going to the zoo. We had to stop every couple of minutes as he spotted a new four-legged friend. People were pretty understanding, and my son was fairly gentle, reaching out his small hand to pat a few of the exceptionally well-behaved dogs walking past, his face absolutely lighting up every time a tail wagged back at him.
But the absolute highlight of the entire morning came a bit further down the path.
Sitting right there on the edge of the boardwalk was an artist. He had his easel set up, his brushes out, and was completely lost in the zone, painting the beautiful coastal scene right in front of him. It was cool to see an artist at work, and a new experience for the day as well.
The man was actually selling his finished pieces right there on the path—beautiful, tangible snapshots of the bay. There was something incredibly special about showing my little man real art being created in real-time, right in the middle of our morning walk. It was really cool to behold.
The Journey Home
By the time we made it back to the car, the winter sun was high, the salty breeze had thoroughly worn us both out, and the bike had done its job.
I buckled him into his car seat, and honestly, he didn't stand a chance. We hadn't even cleared the Manly postcode before his eyes started getting heavy. By the time we hit the open road heading back home, the gentle hum of the car had done its work, and my little man was fast asleep, dreaming of tree roots, happy dogs, and oil paintings.
It was a simple Saturday morning, but with good food, great weather, and the best company, you really couldn't ask for anything more.
If you're ever looking for something to do on a Saturday morning, pop on your walking shoes and don't be afraid to hit up Manly. If your kids on wheels, they'd love that long boardwalk. But bear in mind, some of it is unfenced, so just be mindful of your kid possibly falling down onto the beach! 🏖️🚴