The Hurley Australian Open of Surfing will return to Sydney's iconic Manly Beach for nine days from 7-15 February 2015, showcasing the world's best surfers and skateboarders alongside a stellar music line up at Manly Beach, Sydney.  

The Hurley Australian Open of Surfing brings some of the biggest names in surf and skate to Sydney shores. This year three-time World Surfing Champion and Aussie legend, Mick Fanning, Women's World Champion and current No.1, Steph Gilmore, along with the top five female surfers in the world will all go head to head on Sydney's shores.

Current No.4 surfer, Sally Fitzgibbons said: “I've grown up surfing and competing on Manly beach over the years and I love the special feel that the beach holds. So many historic moments in Australian Surfing live on Manly shores and it is always a proud feeling to follow in the footsteps of the legends before me and compete there.”

The inaugural Australian Open of Surfing in 2012 put Manly and Sydney on world surfing's centre stage and in 2015 the event is expected to attract an audience in excess of 175,000 people. The festival will once again show both Australia and the world that Manly not only has the best of Sydney's beach and surf culture, but that it also offers a vibrant food, wine and shopping scene.

Manly Easts, Drinks and Activities

With over 130 bars, restaurants and cafes, plus 200 retail stores to explore, Manly will be on show with surfer in-store appearances, pop up skate ramps, live music, plenty of parties, outdoor movies and surf photography taking place all over town during the nine day event.

Here's a look at some of the entertainment highlights beyond the beach: 

Manly Inflatable Boat Race

Where: Manly Beach front, Cnr Wentworth Street, Manly

When: 10:30am Sunday 8th February

What: A day full of fun and excitement for the whole family. Participants young and old simply don their favourite fancy dress costume, pump up an inflatable raft. From rubber duckies to pool ponies and crazy sea monsters race along a 1km course from Manly Surf Life Saving Club back to the shore. 

Hotel Steyne Riders Week

Where: Hotel Steyne. 75 The Corso, Manly

When: All day, every day Saturday 7th February – Sunday 15th February

What: Hotel Steyne is the hub to hang this year for Pro's and local rippers alike, with a host of fun activities; from the Goons of Doom to DZ Deathrays, from skate sessions on the beer garden mini ramp, to art exhibitions. There will be special events, pumping every day.

Corona Surf Film Festival

Where: Manly 16ft Skiff Club. Cnr Esplanade and Stuart Street, Manly

When: From 8:00pm Saturday 7th February – Sunday 15th February

What: Enjoy surf movies on the big outdoor screen, every night throughout the Australian Open of Surfing, with Corona Surf Film Festival. 

'PRINTS' Photographic Exhibition

Where: Belgrave Cartel. 6 Belgrave Street, Manly

When: Exhibition: 7:00am – til late Thursday 12th February – Sunday 15th February

What: An exhibition of favourites from the archives of Murray Fraser's Sprout Daily and Alex Marks work from Bluesnapper 

'HUNG' Surf Photographic Exhibition

Where: Novotel Manly Pacific. 55 North Steyne, Manly.

When: Exhibition: 9:00am - 4:00pm Saturday 14th February.

What: Hung is a collaborative, free photo exhibition with eight of the leading surf photographers from the Northern Beaches. From the sands of Hawaii to the desolate slopes of South America and of course back to the haven we call the northern beaches.

Channel [V] Music Concerts

Join over 10,000 people, outdoors on the sand at Manly Beach, with a hot line up of free music on the Channel [V] Stage. 

Where: Manly Beach

When: Friday 13th February 5:00pm- 7:30pm

What: Featuring Jagwar Ma, DMA's & Kilter

When: Saturday 14th February 4:00pm- 6:30pm

What: Featuring Vance Joy, San Cisco & Winterbourne 

Painters' Gallery presents Surf & Street Art

Where: Painters' Gallery. 44 Market Lane, Manly

When: Exhibition: Saturday 7th – Friday 20th February, Mon - Fri 9am - 6pm, Sat 10am - 4pm

What: A mix of established and emerging artists expressing their interpretation of surf and youth culture, through a range of artistic styles. All artworks are available to purchase, with profits direct to the artists. 

Outdoor Live Sites

Where: The Corso – Beach end. The Corso – main stage.

When: All day, every day Saturday 7th February – Sunday 15th February

What: Audio visual displays and big screens will be showcasing 100 years of surfing history in Manly, while streaming live footage from the Hurley Australian Open of Surfing at Manly Ocean Beach and The Corso main stage.

Looking on somewhere to stay during the festival? Why not try some of these great options:

*Visitors should check availability with the property beforehand

• The Novotel Sydney Manly Pacific overlooks the beautiful Manly beach and is just steps away from the sand and surf. With uninterrupted views from the Manly district to Manly beach and beyond, the hotel features a rooftop pool and is only minutes away from all the activities and attractions of the iconic beachside destination.
• The perfect Manly accommodation, Quest Manly offers beautiful serviced apartments directly opposite the Manly Ferry with the most beautiful Sydney Harbour Views and only a short stroll to the shops.
• The Sebel Manly Beach is the ultimate beachfront destination, directly opposite the crashing waves of the famous south Steyne beach and the headquarters of Manly Surf Life Saving Club.
• Only just a couple of steps from the vibrant centre of Manly, Manly Paradise Beachfront Motel & Apartments offers prime accommodation located right on Sydney's famous Manly beach.
• Wake up to the tranquil, wild beauty of Sydney Harbour National Park with expansive and historical surrounds. Located at the former Quarantine Station, North Head Q Station is renowned for its important place in Australian history and offers panoramic views of Sydney's incredible harbour.

For more information on the Australian Open of Surfing go to http://australianopenofsurfing.com

For media information on Manly go to www.sydney.com/manly

To access the image library and download images go to http://images.destinationnsw.com.au/

Media Contacts:

Laura Kelly, Destination NSW                                                     

Email: laura.kelly@dnsw.com.au                                             

Tel: 02 9931 1164 Mob: 0411 777 676                                         

Nadine Ghanem, Destination NSW

Email: nadine.ghanem@dnsw.com.au

Tel: 02 9931 1135 Mob: 0477 753 833