Visit some of Sydney's top beaches, taking in a few of the sights.

The title frame of the movie show a few floating surfers at Manly, all waiting for the big afternoon waves to start rolling in.

Manly is probably the second most popular beach in Sydney, after Bondi. I showed up on a Tuesday afternoon, and stretches of the sand were packed.

Topless bathing is very common in Sydney. Check your hang-ups at the door.

Surfers next to a huge pipe at Manly.

Sewage? What sewage?

No, actually, the ocean is pretty clean here.

Volleyball is not the only beach sport here, but at Manly, it is front and center.

I saw a few classes being taught on the 8 or so volleyball courts available for use, as well as pick-up game in progress.

The surf rescue folks hang out near the flags next to their red raft most of the time, watching for trouble.

At Dee Why Beach, things are pretty well arranged, mainly because there wasn't anyone swimming while I was there.

Note that the flags tell surfers to stay on one side and the swimmers to stay on the others.

The Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club building.

Every major beach, as well as a few smaller ones, have "surf life saving clubs" that are staffed by (mostly) volunteers that act as lifeguards.

You must be certified to be a lifeguard, and it is considered an honor to serve.

The Mona Vale Beach features a central rocky area with a pool filled with ocean water.

As the tide comes in, the pool is filled and as the tide goes out, the pool is drained.

Fishermen try their luck off of the rocks beside the swimmers.

Rocks are a major hazard on many Sydney beaches, including in this surf at Mona Vale.

The Sydney beaches were built by erosion, like beaches everywhere.

This cliff face, near Avalon Beach, looks like it is about to collapse, but that sure hasn't stopped development.

I was trying to capture Bangalley Head as it jutted out into the Pacific, but I accidentally also included a helicopter (right center) in the shot, scooping up water to spread on a nearby bush fire.

Life is good for the rich folks that live in North Sydney.

These houses are on the south side of Whale Beach, hugging the hillsides.

The north side of Whale Beach has plenty of surf and empty sand.

To contrast the ocean beaches above, Station Beach is on the other side of the Barrenjoey Head from Palm Beach.

The water on this side is very calm, like a lake, since this is actually Pittwater Bay.

I saw a seaplane land moments after this shot (and I had put the camcorder away). I also saw a C-130 circle on its way to a nearby air base.

The Barrenjoey Lighthouse shows the entrance to Pittwater Bay.