By Jo Newman
*Our continuing suburb in focus spotlight has today taken us all to Manning…
Manning is a super friendly suburb, located just 7km from the Perth CBD and has heaps of green open spaces, great schools, fab coffee shops, local markets, sporting groups and ultimately has family at its absolute core.
Before we get into its magic, come for a little wander with me down memory lane…
Manning was first established by Henry Manning in 1856. He was a bachelor and his land in Perth was administered by his brother Charles Manning who subsequently became Mayor of Fremantle. In 1936/37, some 167 acres was sold by the Manning family to the Christian Brothers for the construction of Aquinas College, which remains as the area’s only private high school today. The suburb subdivided in 1948, initially being named The Manning Estate, but is now known as Manning.
OK, now how about that magic… and I can share this with good authority as I have called this suburb home for almost 10 years!
MARKETS
You know at Perth Happenings we love a good community market and this one has it all… grower direct fresh produce every Saturday from 7.30am and trading is all year round, weather permitting!
There are 80 stallholders and the community vibe here is always strong. Kids play, dogs mooch, people talk and you’re spoiled for choice really with so much on offer.
Aside from the fresh fruit and veg, there’s four coffee vans and takeaway food options including bratwurst, crepes, gozleme, egg and bacon burgers, scrolls, vegetarian and vegan slices, French pastries, brownies, cakes and cookies, hot scones (baked fresh) and heaps more!
And there’s buskers! What’s not to love? Told ya it was magic!
The markets started back in 2009 and are now so popular they relocated to a bigger area next to George Burnett Leisure Centre on Manning Road in 2018 and continue to go from strength to strength.
More info: https://www.farmersmarketonmanning.com.au/
Above image credits- Farmers Market on Manning
COFFEE
There’s a number of cool cafes in Manning, and like any good suburb, each is great in their own unique way.
Our Ruby Girl a bit further down Ley St does coffee and food options too, also has a kids area and a great little providore with plants, homewares, jewellery and art…. plus a super cool wallpapered feature wall perfect for that Instagram shot!
More info: https://www.instagram.com/ourrubygirl/
Image Credit: Our Ruby Girl Instagram
Raktachino – coffee by day and pizzeria by night!
https://www.instagram.com/raktacino_cafe/
FOOD
Again… lots of choice! All the cafes offer a range of options and you can also check out:
The Mount Henry Tavern on Manning Road – head down on a Wednesday to play Fame Trivia and grab a bite to eat and drink. There’s no cost for this quiz night and no minimum table numbers. Cash prizes every week and it’s a fun one! Families will love the “kids eat free” options on Sunday and the kids pack to keep little hands and minds entertained.
More info: https://www.mthenrytavern.com.au/
The Ley St precinct has some great local eateries including:
Sumeshiya Japanese – seriously the best baos (and just $5!) and a heap of other really fresh Japanese dishes. This is an easy and delicious take away for me… often!
More info: https://www.sumeshiya.com.au/
Image credit: Sumeshiya Japanese Facebook
Two Hands Noodle Shop – this place is always packed! If you love handmade noodles you will love this place.
More info: https://www.instagram.com/two_handsnoodleshop
A bit further along Manning Road you will find Waterford Plaza Shopping Centre and food is something it does aplenty! It’s opposite Curtin University with many options geared for students. Think Japanese, Malaysian, Italian, Korean, Chinese, Singaporean, Vietnamese, Turkish and fast food options with Zamberos and McDonalds. The Varsity Bar is a fun option too and has a rooftop bar for those summer nights.
More info: https://www.instagram.com/waterfordplaza/
EDUCATION
Three schools are in the Manning catchment including the independent Manning Primary School on Ley St, St Pius X on Ley St and Curtin Primary on Goss Avenue. For high schools there’s Aquinas College on Mt Henry Road and nearby is Como Secondary College. Curtin University is a very short drive away too.
SERVICES AND SHOPPING
Shopping local and supporting local business is what we are all about at Perth Happenings and there are many reasons to do that in Manning:
Manning Fresh
Fabulous fruit and veg, plus honey and eggs and even frangipani trees!
More info: https://www.instagram.com/manning_fresh/
Dolly Met Frank
This fashion hub is the cool kid on the Ley St block with clothing and accessories with a boho flair.
More info: https://www.instagram.com/dolly_met_frank/
O’Briens Clothing Co –
This local boutique is a bit of an institution, first opening its doors in 1955! It’s a high end ladies fashion, some for everyday wear and equally perfect for a different race-day outfit.
More info: https://www.instagram.com/obriensclothingco/
Waterford Plaza has Coles, IGA and a host of specialty stores including optician, hairdressers, chemists and the very lovely Front Door Gifts and Decor.
More info: https://www.instagram.com/waterfordplaza/
FAMILY
The Manning Hub is the anchor of this suburb. It is the heart of Manning and plays host to the Manning library, a community hall, Manning Child Health Clinic, Moorditj Keila Aboriginal Group, a sporting clubroom for Manning Rippers Football Club, the Manning Toy Library and Manning Playgroup association.
The upper deck overlooks the James Miller Oval and the bar is open on Friday and Saturday nights. Some pretty cool sunsets can be seen from this very spot!
More info: https://southperth.wa.gov.au/our-future/projects-and-places/manning-community-hub
Want to know more about our great city? Check out our other suburb in focus features on Vic Park and let us know if we have missed anything!
Tell us in the comments below what your fave part of Manning is and why, or tag us on social by using @perthhappenings or #perthhappenings!
Published in 2019 and updated in Dec 2022